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Cyprus Homeownership Rate Remains Among Europe’s Highest in 2024

Cyprus continues to rank among Europe’s countries with high levels of homeownership. According to the latest Eurostat data for 2024, 69.4% of residents own their homes, while 30.6% live in rented properties. The figure places Cyprus slightly above the European Union average, where 68% of citizens are homeowners.

Eurostat Data: A Closer Look

The latest figures published by Eurostat indicate only a marginal shift from the previous year, when homeownership in the EU was recorded at 69 percent. This stability in Cyprus contrasts with the evolving real estate dynamics across the broader European landscape.

Regional Disparities In Homeownership

Across the continent, Eastern European nations continue to lead in homeownership. Data highlights Romania at 94 percent, Slovakia at 93 percent, and Hungary at 92 percent. These figures underscore a traditional preference for owning property, setting a distinct pattern relative to market trends in other EU regions.

The Rental Market In Focus

In contrast, several Western and Northern European countries show stronger rental markets. Germany stands out, with 53% of its population living in rented homes, followed by Austria at 46% and Denmark at 39%. These patterns are often linked to national housing policies, urbanization trends, and the availability of long-term rental options.

Overall, Cyprus’ steady homeownership rate highlights the continued importance of property ownership in the local economy. At the same time, comparisons with other EU countries illustrate how housing preferences differ widely across the region, offering useful context for investors and real-estate analysts monitoring European market trends.

Mercedes-Benz Posts Higher Profit Despite China Slowdown

Mercedes-Benz reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter results, lifting its shares on Tuesday despite mounting pressure from Chinese automakers and a weaker outlook for sales and revenue.

The earnings provided a boost for Europe’s auto sector, where manufacturers continue to grapple with tariffs, softer demand and intensifying competition from Chinese rivals. Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have all accelerated restructuring efforts in response.

Cost Discipline Lifts Quarterly Profit

Mercedes-Benz shares rose as much as 5.9% following the results before trimming gains to trade 3.5% higher by 1118 GMT. The company reaffirmed its profit margin guidance for its core passenger car business after reporting an adjusted return on sales of 4.0% for the second quarter, above market expectations and within its 3% to 5% target range.

“In an environment where some automakers are ringing alarm bells on their competitive positioning, Mercedes delivered a clear and confident message,” Morningstar analyst Rella Suskin said.

Second-quarter operating profit increased 22% to €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion), despite a 3% decline in revenue. Lower administrative and research and development costs, together with strong performances from the financial services and vans divisions, supported earnings, while the results also included a €131 million gain related to the planned sale of leasing subsidiary Athlon.

China Remains The Key Pressure Point

Despite stronger profitability, Mercedes continues to face a challenging market environment. Sales in China fell 30% during the second quarter, prompting the company to abandon earlier expectations for stable car sales and group revenue. It now expects both to decline slightly from a year earlier.

BMW also lowered its outlook in June following a deeper-than-expected slowdown in China, highlighting the pressure facing Germany’s premium carmakers. At the same time, Mercedes said Chinese manufacturers are increasingly expanding into European markets, although Chief Executive Ola Kaellenius said their focus remains on higher-volume segments rather than the premium market.

“But that is not a reason to sit back and be relaxed,” he said.

Manufacturing Shift Continues

Mercedes is also reshaping its manufacturing footprint. The company said its German factories will undergo a more aggressive push toward leaner production, although it declined to provide further details while talks with labour representatives continue. Production is also being expanded in lower-cost Eastern European locations, including Hungary, where the company is increasing capacity at its Kecskemet plant, as well as in Poland.

Chief Financial Officer Harald Wilhelm said the full-year margin for the passenger car division is expected to come in at the lower end of the company’s guidance range, reflecting a higher share of electric vehicle sales in Europe, which remain more expensive to produce and continue to weigh on profitability.

“We must continue to work flat out to reduce costs so that we can remain competitive on the prices of our products,” Kaellenius said.

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