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Non-Performing Loans In Cyprus Banking System Drop To 6.5% In Q3 2024

The ratio of Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) in Cyprus’s banking sector fell to 6.5%, equivalent to €1.6 billion, at the end of September 2024, down from 6.9% (€1.7 billion) in June 2024, according to the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC).

The coverage ratio for NPLs, reflecting provisions held against these loans, increased slightly to 55.7% (€0.9 billion) by the end of September, compared to 55% in June 2024.

The CBC attributed the reduction in NPLs to several factors:

  • Loan repayments, including debt-to-asset swaps.
  • Successful restructurings, with loans reclassified as performing after probation periods.
  • Loan write-offs are often tied to previously provisioned amounts or accounting set-offs.

Key Highlights

  • Household NPLs: Declined to €900 million in September 2024 (from €916 million in August), representing 8.5% of total household loans. Total provisions for household NPLs accounted for 41% (€388 million) of the total.
  • Total Household Loans: Reached €10.57 billion.
  • Corporate NPLs: Dropped to €658 million in September (from €682 million in August), representing 5.5% of total corporate loans. Of these, €610 million related to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with provisions covering 75.5% of total corporate NPLs.
  • Restructured Loans: Totalled €1.3 billion at the end of Q3 2024, with €0.7 billion still classified as NPLs.

The steady decline in NPLs reflects ongoing efforts by Cypriot banks to manage credit risk and improve loan portfolio quality, supporting the overall stability of the financial system.

Cyprus Residential Market Surpasses €2.5 Billion In 2025 With Apartments Leading the Way

Market Overview

In 2025, Cyprus’ newly built residential property market achieved a remarkable milestone, exceeding €2.5 billion. Data from Landbank Analytics indicates robust activity countrywide, with newly filed contracts reaching 7,819, including off-plan developments. This solid performance underscores the market’s resilience and dynamism across all districts.

Transaction Breakdown

The apartment sector clearly dominated the market, constituting 81.6% of transactions with 6,382 deals valued at €1.77 billion. In contrast, house sales represented a smaller segment, encompassing 1,437 transactions and generating €737.9 million. The record-high transaction was noted in Limassol, where an apartment sold for approximately €15.2 million, while the priciest house fetched roughly €6.2 million.

Regional Analysis

Nicosia: The capital recorded steady domestic demand with 2,171 new residential transactions. Apartments accounted for 1,836 deals generating €349.6 million, compared to 335 house transactions worth €105.5 million, anchoring Nicosia as a core market with average values of €190,000 for apartments and €315,000 for houses.

Limassol: As the island’s principal investment center, Limassol led overall activity with 2,207 transactions. Apartments dominated with 1,936 sales generating €824.1 million, while 271 house transactions added €157.9 million. The district enjoyed premium pricing, with apartments averaging over €425,000 and houses around €583,000.

Larnaca: This district maintained robust activity with a total of 2,020 transactions. The apartment segment realized 1,770 transactions worth €353 million, and houses contributed 250 deals valued at €96.3 million. Average prices hovered near €200,000 for apartments and €385,000 for houses, positioning Larnaca within the mid-market bracket.

Paphos: With a more balanced mix, Paphos completed 1,078 transactions. Ranking second in overall value at €503.2 million, the district saw house sales generate €287.8 million and apartments €215.4 million. Consequently, Paphos achieved the highest average house price at approximately €710,000 and an apartment average of €320,000, emphasizing its premium housing profile.

Famagusta: Distinguished by lower transaction volumes, Famagusta was the sole district where house sales outnumbered apartment deals. Out of 343 transactions, 176 involved houses (yielding €90.4 million) and 167 were apartments (at €32.4 million). The segment’s average prices were about €194,000 for apartments and over €513,000 for houses, signaling its focus on holiday residences and coastal developments.

Sector Insights and Forward View

Commenting on the report, Landbank Group CEO Andreas Christophorides remarked that the analysis demonstrates an ecosystem where apartments are the cornerstone of the real estate market. He emphasized, “The apartment sector is not merely a trend; it is the engine powering the country’s real estate market.” Christophorides also highlighted the diverse regional dynamics: Limassol leads in apartment pricing, Paphos commands premium house prices, Nicosia remains pivotal to domestic demand, Larnaca sustains competitive activity, and Famagusta caters to holiday home buyers.

In a market characterized by these varied profiles, informed monitoring of regional and sector-specific dynamics is crucial for investors aiming to make targeted and strategic decisions.

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The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
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