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Hotels, Clinics, And Tourist Apartments Dominate Cyprus Private Construction Costs

Overview Of 2023 Building Costs

The latest data from the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat) indicates that hotels incurred the highest construction costs in Cyprus’ private sector in 2023. Following closely were clinics and medical offices, with tourist apartments ranking third. This analysis draws from an annual building permit survey, highlighting average costs per square metre by dividing total project expenditures by total project area.

Variability In Data And Project Parameters

Cystat’s report cautions that the figures, while informative, are not fully representative of every category. Differences in materials, levels of luxury, and the functional purpose of each project mean that cost comparisons may vary significantly. Moreover, for certain categories where few projects were undertaken, the averages may not adequately reflect the market reality.

Cost Breakdown Across Sectors

According to the report, the average cost per square metre in 2023 stood at €2,202 for hotels, €1,988 for clinics and medical practices, and €1,775 for tourist apartments. The data continues with restaurants at €1,651, educational institutions at €1,306, houses at €1,214, and apartments at €1,075. Industrial buildings averaged €727 per square metre, warehouses €781, while agricultural buildings were significantly lower at €213. It is important to note that these calculations include fees for architectural, engineering studies, planning and permits, labour, and materials, though they exclude land value.

Market Insight: Projections For 2025

Industry professionals have signalled that the actual cost of constructing a house or apartment is anticipated to rise substantially by 2025. On privately owned land, the realistic figure now hovers around €1,700 per square metre, potentially escalating to approximately €2,500 based on material quality and construction specifics. Analysts emphasize that quoted prices below €1,700 often do not encapsulate the complete scope of work, which invariably includes exterior spaces and ancillary structures.

As the construction market continues to evolve in Cyprus, stakeholders from developers to investors are urged to consider these cost dynamics when planning for future projects.

EU E-Commerce VAT Systems Generate €257.9 Million Revenue for Cyprus in 2024

Robust Revenue Growth Through Streamlined VAT Collection

Cyprus has demonstrated a significant fiscal boost in 2024 with €257.9 million generated from the European Union’s e-commerce VAT systems, according to Tax Commissioner Sotiris Markides. This impressive performance underscores the effectiveness of the One Stop Shop (OSS) and Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) frameworks in simplifying cross-border tax compliance.

Simplified Procedures for EU and Non-EU Businesses

The OSS system allows Cyprus-registered businesses to streamline VAT declaration and payment on sales to consumers in other EU countries. Companies simply register on the local OSS platform, apply the consumer’s VAT rate, aggregate their submissions quarterly or monthly, and remit a single consolidated payment. Subsequently, Cyprus allocates the appropriate share to each respective EU country. This efficient process extends to non-EU sellers as well, who can have their intra-EU distance sales managed under the Union Scheme.

Breakdown of VAT Revenue Streams

Last year’s declarations under the various schemes illustrate the system’s broad reach: €217.9 million was collected via the Union Scheme, €36.9 million through the Non-Union Scheme, and €3.1 million via the Import Scheme. While the Union Scheme caters to both EU and non-EU sellers engaging in distance sales, the Non-Union Scheme specifically accommodates non-EU firms delivering services to EU consumers. Furthermore, the Import Scheme targets goods valued at less than €150 that are imported from outside the EU.

Implications and Broader Impact

Implemented in July 2021 as an evolution from the more limited MOSS system, these reforms have not only consolidated tax collection through an expansive OSS but also integrated the IOSS for low-value imports. By designating certain online marketplaces as “deemed suppliers,” the new framework ensures that VAT collection is both efficient and equitable. Across the EU, these mechanisms have generated over €33 billion in VAT revenues in 2024, reflecting a successful effort to simplify tax compliance, reduce administrative burdens, and promote fair taxation across the bloc.

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