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Foreign Buyers Represent 27% Of Cyprus Property Transactions In 2024

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 13, 2025

Overview Of Foreign Investment In Cypriot Real Estate

Recent figures presented by the Auditing Service reveal that non-EU foreign buyers accounted for 27% of property sales in Cyprus during 2024, totaling 4,321 transactions out of 15,797. The city of Paphos led in securing these deals, with Larnaca closely following, underscoring a significant shift in the island’s real estate landscape.

Legislative And Procedural Gaps

In its detailed report before the Parliamentary Oversight Committee, the Auditing Service highlighted critical deficiencies in the current regulatory framework for property sales to non-EU buyers. The report uncovered gaps in the legislation concerning the sale of real estate and a lack of oversight on post-sale usage, raising concerns over unchecked market practices.

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Regional Disparities And Market Trends

The data further illustrates that, while only 61% of total property transactions were completed by Cypriot nationals, the actual influence of foreign acquisitions may be even greater. This is because the reported percentage does not account for transfers to Cypriot companies with foreign shareholders. Analyzing partial data from the first seven months of 2025 indicates that the trend is likely to surpass previous years, potentially escalating market vulnerabilities.

Challenges In Monitoring And Control

During the parliamentary session, experts underscored the lack of robust control mechanisms and the failure to monitor the utilization of purchased properties. This oversight has contributed to rising property prices and limited access to affordable housing for local residents. Government representatives have acknowledged these weaknesses and are currently developing comprehensive legislative measures to address them.

Foreign Investments And National Security Concerns

Parliamentarians voiced deep concerns over the national security implications arising from the increase in foreign property acquisitions. Beyond economic repercussions, there are fears that properties acquired by foreign investors—especially in strategic or sensitive regions—could pose challenges to national security and influence the country’s political landscape.

Insights From The Auditing Service

Maria Pavlou, a member of the Auditing Service’s Executive Team, emphasized the systemic weaknesses encountered in reviewing applications from foreign buyers. The absence of detailed financial disclosures and the lack of scrutiny over the source of funds have compounded the issue, leaving regulatory frameworks outdated and insufficiently robust.

Government Response And Future Measures

Representatives from the Ministry of Interior confirmed that legislative proposals are underway to fortify the oversight mechanisms. With reforms aiming to modernize the digital infrastructure used by provincial administrations, authorities are expected to implement interim measures until the new laws are enacted. Political leaders have stressed the urgency of addressing these concerns to mitigate both economic and security risks.

Conclusion: A Call For Strategic Reforms

The unfolding scenario in Cyprus underscores the need for prompt, strategic reform. As foreign investments continue to shape the real estate market, policymakers must address the regulatory gaps and ensure that national interests are safeguarded. The forthcoming legislative revisions will play a crucial role in balancing market openness with the imperatives of national security and sustainable development.

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Central Bank Of Cyprus Balance Sheet Reflects Strong Eurosystem Position

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 17, 2026

Overview Of Financial Stability

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has released its latest balance sheet, reaffirming its steadfast role within the Eurosystem. The balance sheet, featuring total assets and liabilities of €29.545 billion, underscores the institution’s stable financial posture at the close of January 2026.

Asset Allocation And Strategic Holdings

Governor Christodoulos Patsalides issued the balance sheet, which details the CBC’s asset composition under the Eurosystem framework. Notably, the bank’s gold and gold receivables amounted to €1.635 billion, providing a significant hedge and stability to its balance sheet. Additional asset categories include claims on non-euro area residents denominated in foreign currency at €1.099 billion, while claims on euro area residents in both foreign and domestic currency add further depth to its portfolio.

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The most substantial asset category, intra-Eurosystem claims, reached €19.438 billion, an indication of the CBC’s deep integration with its European counterparts. Furthermore, euro-denominated securities held by euro area residents contributed €6.587 billion. Despite a marked emphasis on these areas, lending to euro area credit institutions in monetary policy operations recorded no activity during the period.

Liability Structure And Monetary Policy Implications

On the liabilities side, banknotes in circulation contributed €3.218 billion. Liabilities to euro area credit institutions associated with monetary policy operations were notably the largest single category, totaling €17.636 billion. Supplementary liabilities included those to other euro area residents, which aggregated to €4.989 billion, with government liabilities playing a predominant role at €4.754 billion.

Other liability items, such as claims related to special drawing rights allocated by the International Monetary Fund at €494.193 million, and provisions of €596.571 million, further articulate the CBC’s exposure. Revaluation accounts stood at €1.643 billion, and overall capital and reserves were confirmed at €333.822 million, completing the picture of a well-capitalized institution.

Conclusive Insights And Strategic Alignment

The detailed breakdown illustrates the CBC’s sizeable intra-Eurosystem exposures, reinforcing its central role within Europe’s monetary landscape. With an asset-liability balance maintained at €29.545 billion, the CBC’s financial position remains robust, indicating a commitment to structural stability and strategic risk management.

This fiscal disclosure not only provides transparency into the CBC’s operations but also serves as a benchmark for comparative analysis among other central banks within the Eurosystem, highlighting the intricate balance between asset liquidity, regulatory oversight, and monetary policy imperatives.