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Compound Interest Practices Under Scrutiny In Credit Acquisition Lending

Compound Interest Practices Under Scrutiny

Finance Minister Makis Keravnos has raised significant concerns regarding the reputation of compound interest mechanisms in loans managed by credit acquisition firms. The minister underscored that this issue, which paints a problematic picture of escalating loan debt, remains a priority for review.

Data-Driven Analysis And Consultations

Speaking at the Ministry of Finance, Keravnos explained that the assessment relies heavily on data held by the Central Bank, alongside input from ongoing consultations with financial institutions and supervisory bodies. The aim, he said, is to ensure that any policy response is grounded in verified figures rather than assumptions.

Responding to questions about whether compound interest has led to disproportionate debt accumulation, the minister acknowledged that existing practices have indeed created public concern. He emphasized that authorities are examining the full scope of available data before drawing conclusions or proposing changes.

Legislative Outlook And Strategic Caution

During a recent session with the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Keravnos discussed a range of financial oversight matters, including interest rate policies. While lawmakers raised the possibility of new legislative frameworks or alternative repayment models, the minister clarified that no formal proposals have yet been finalized. He stressed that any intervention must be carefully calibrated, particularly as international rating agencies continue to monitor the country’s financial stability.

Enhanced Oversight In Business Practices

Addressing broader compliance issues within the financial sector, Keravnos stated that supervisory mechanisms are already in place and functioning effectively. Regular inspections conducted in cooperation with law enforcement agencies, he noted, help ensure that companies adhere to existing regulations and transparency standards.

Drawing on his experience in financial auditing and policy oversight, the minister reiterated that the government’s priority is to preserve trust in the credit system while protecting borrowers from potentially excessive practices. The current review, he added, is intended not only to clarify public concerns but also to reinforce long-term financial integrity.

Cyprus Residential Market Surpasses €2.5 Billion In 2025 With Apartments Leading the Way

Market Overview

In 2025, Cyprus’ newly built residential property market achieved a remarkable milestone, exceeding €2.5 billion. Data from Landbank Analytics indicates robust activity countrywide, with newly filed contracts reaching 7,819, including off-plan developments. This solid performance underscores the market’s resilience and dynamism across all districts.

Transaction Breakdown

The apartment sector clearly dominated the market, constituting 81.6% of transactions with 6,382 deals valued at €1.77 billion. In contrast, house sales represented a smaller segment, encompassing 1,437 transactions and generating €737.9 million. The record-high transaction was noted in Limassol, where an apartment sold for approximately €15.2 million, while the priciest house fetched roughly €6.2 million.

Regional Analysis

Nicosia: The capital recorded steady domestic demand with 2,171 new residential transactions. Apartments accounted for 1,836 deals generating €349.6 million, compared to 335 house transactions worth €105.5 million, anchoring Nicosia as a core market with average values of €190,000 for apartments and €315,000 for houses.

Limassol: As the island’s principal investment center, Limassol led overall activity with 2,207 transactions. Apartments dominated with 1,936 sales generating €824.1 million, while 271 house transactions added €157.9 million. The district enjoyed premium pricing, with apartments averaging over €425,000 and houses around €583,000.

Larnaca: This district maintained robust activity with a total of 2,020 transactions. The apartment segment realized 1,770 transactions worth €353 million, and houses contributed 250 deals valued at €96.3 million. Average prices hovered near €200,000 for apartments and €385,000 for houses, positioning Larnaca within the mid-market bracket.

Paphos: With a more balanced mix, Paphos completed 1,078 transactions. Ranking second in overall value at €503.2 million, the district saw house sales generate €287.8 million and apartments €215.4 million. Consequently, Paphos achieved the highest average house price at approximately €710,000 and an apartment average of €320,000, emphasizing its premium housing profile.

Famagusta: Distinguished by lower transaction volumes, Famagusta was the sole district where house sales outnumbered apartment deals. Out of 343 transactions, 176 involved houses (yielding €90.4 million) and 167 were apartments (at €32.4 million). The segment’s average prices were about €194,000 for apartments and over €513,000 for houses, signaling its focus on holiday residences and coastal developments.

Sector Insights and Forward View

Commenting on the report, Landbank Group CEO Andreas Christophorides remarked that the analysis demonstrates an ecosystem where apartments are the cornerstone of the real estate market. He emphasized, “The apartment sector is not merely a trend; it is the engine powering the country’s real estate market.” Christophorides also highlighted the diverse regional dynamics: Limassol leads in apartment pricing, Paphos commands premium house prices, Nicosia remains pivotal to domestic demand, Larnaca sustains competitive activity, and Famagusta caters to holiday home buyers.

In a market characterized by these varied profiles, informed monitoring of regional and sector-specific dynamics is crucial for investors aiming to make targeted and strategic decisions.

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