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New Incentives for Cypriots Returning Home: Tax Breaks and Housing Highlights

The President of Cyprus, Nicos Christodoulides, has turned his focus to crucial housing issues and the introduction of exciting incentives aimed at bringing back Cypriots working abroad. During a recent cabinet meeting, Christodoulides highlighted ongoing initiatives, emphasizing that housing consistently tops the agenda. Over the past two years, seven new housing plans have been launched, capturing the interest of younger citizens—a move the government wholeheartedly supports.

Enhancing Housing Accessibility

The housing strategy remains adaptive, with continuous evaluations and improvements. Recently, the cabinet adjusted income criteria for plans managed by the Cyprus Land Development Corporation (KOAG), broadening access to these housing solutions and amplifying opportunities for home purchase or rental.

From Brain Drain to Brain Gain: Cyprus Welcomes Its Diaspora

In a strategic pivot, the government aims to transform the ‘brain drain’ into a ‘brain gain’ by enticing Cypriots back to their roots. President Christodoulides unfolded plans for a groundbreaking meeting in London on May 21, aimed at attracting expatriate Cypriots and international entrepreneurs alike.

Irresistible Incentives

Highlighting the alluring incentives, the President disclosed offers including a 25% tax exemption on initial income for new hires, with the tax-free threshold raised from €8,550 to €25,000 annually. These offers target individuals who have worked abroad for at least seven years post-graduation.

Such moves are set to inspire significant interest from the Cypriot diaspora and are poised to deliver positive outcomes, according to President Christodoulides.

Stay informed about Cyprus’s dynamic housing strategies and economic updates by visiting our coverage on Cyprus’ Economy Growth.

Cyprus Property Deals Reach €286 Million Despite Second-Quarter Uncertainty

Cyprus’ high-end property market remained active in the first half of 2026, although geopolitical uncertainty may have weighed on investment activity during the second quarter.

€286.4 Million Across The 50 Largest Deals

Property transactions worth a combined €286.4 million ranked among Cyprus’ 50 highest-value deals completed between January and June, according to real estate analytics firm Ask Wire.

Examining the country’s biggest sales across all districts, the report found that the 10 largest transactions alone accounted for €161.7 million, highlighting the concentration of activity at the upper end of the market.

Limassol Extends Its Lead

A €55 million sale involving a building and adjoining fields in Moni was the largest property transaction recorded during the period.

Six of the country’s 10 biggest deals took place in Limassol, with a combined value of €117.2 million. Paphos followed with three transactions worth €35.5 million, while Larnaca recorded one €9 million sale.

Across the broader ranking, Limassol’s 10 largest transactions reached €148.2 million, representing 51.7% of the total value of the top 50 deals. Paphos followed with €68.8 million (24%), while Nicosia recorded €26.7 million. Famagusta narrowly surpassed Larnaca, reaching €21.4 million compared with €21.2 million.

Land Continues To Drive High-Value Deals

According to Ask Wire CEO Pavlos Loizou, land acquisitions continue to dominate Cyprus’ largest property transactions.

“The land market dominates the list of the 10 highest-value property transactions, with seven sales involving fields and plots.”

Many of those sites are expected to be developed into luxury residential and hospitality projects, he added.

Office Demand Remains Strong

Growing demand for office space also reflects the expansion of international companies establishing operations in Cyprus, Loizou said.

“We continue to observe growing demand for office properties, reflecting the expansion of the new ecosystem of international companies that has been establishing itself in Cyprus in recent years.”

Eight of the 10 largest transactions were completed during the first quarter of 2026, with activity slowing in the following three months.

Loizou said the slowdown may reflect investor caution linked to the conflict in the Middle East, which appears to have influenced investment decisions during the second quarter.

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