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Cyprus Real Estate Market Steady In 2024, Supporting Economic Growth

The Cypriot real estate sector maintained its role as a key contributor to the economy in 2024, achieving figures close to those of 2023 despite significant challenges, according to the Real Estate Agents Registration Council.

A total of 19,155 property transfers, valued at €4.3 billion, were completed nationwide, alongside 15,797 filed sales documents. Year-on-year, sales documents increased by 1.5%, and transfers rose by 1.8%, though the total value of transfers fell by 2.3%.

The sector faced hurdles including reduced purchasing power, high lending rates, soaring construction material costs due to geopolitical instability, and persistently high property prices, the council noted.

Regional Performance

  • Limassol led in sales documents (5,032), though it ranked second in property transfers (5,054). The city recorded the highest transfer value at €1.5 billion, despite declines of 1.2% in sales documents, 5.8% in transfer volume, and 6.3% in transfer value compared to 2023.
  • Nicosia, defined by its long-term market stability, had the highest number of property transfers (5,395) but ranked third in value at €950 million. Sales grew by 13.6%, with transfer volumes and values increasing by 5.8% and 1.4%, respectively.
  • Paphos showed a mixed picture: sales dropped by 7.9%, but transfer volumes rose by 12% and values surged by 21.7%, reaching €983 million.
  • Larnaka saw 3,775 transfers worth €637 million, with sales increasing by 5.4%. However, transfer volumes dipped by 1.7%, and values fell by 13%.
  • Famagusta faced notable declines in sales documents (down 4.5%) and transfer values (down 19%), which totaled €214 million. However, transfer volumes rose by 3.8%, reaching 1,204.

Despite these regional fluctuations, the sector’s resilience underscores its importance to Cyprus’s economic stability amid challenging market conditions.

FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.

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