Breaking news

Russians Accounted For Half Of Foreign Property Purchases In Cyprus In 2025

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 15, 2026

Russian buyers accounted for 51% of foreign residential property purchases in Cyprus in 2025, according to a report published by Russian business magazine Business Petersburg.

Cyprus Retains Its Pull For Russian Capital

Despite European sanctions and tighter banking controls, Cyprus continues to attract Russian property buyers. According to the report, the island’s appeal lies in its European Union membership, established Russian-speaking community, favourable tax environment and permanent residence programme linked to the purchase of newly built property.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Drawing on insights from real estate executives, the publication said Russian buyers remained the largest foreign group in the market. Many are purchasing homes not only to preserve wealth but also to relocate businesses, particularly technology companies, and establish a long-term presence within the EU.

Where Demand Is Concentrated

Interest remains strongest in newly built homes priced between €500,000 and €1.5 million, with Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos continuing to attract the highest demand.

Another key factor is Cyprus’ permanent residence programme. Foreign nationals who purchase newly built property worth at least €300,000 may qualify for permanent residency, making the scheme an important incentive for overseas investors seeking long-term stability and access to the European market.

Banking Compliance Remains A Barrier

Tighter compliance requirements introduced after sanctions against Russia have made property transactions more complex.

According to the report, purchases can now take between three and six months to complete as Cypriot banks carry out enhanced due diligence and request additional documentation. Those procedures have increased both transaction times and administrative costs for buyers.

Risks In The North Temper Enthusiasm

The report also examined the property market in northern Cyprus, where lower prices and more flexible payment terms continue to attract some Russian investors.

At the same time, it warned that the territory’s lack of international recognition and longstanding property ownership disputes create significant legal uncertainty. Particular caution was advised when considering properties built on land that may be subject to claims by displaced Greek Cypriot owners.

The Republic Remains The Safer Bet

While northern Cyprus may offer lower purchase prices, Business Petersburg concluded that the Republic of Cyprus remains the more secure option for investors seeking legal certainty, access to the European market and a stable regulatory environment.

For buyers balancing cost against long-term security, those advantages continue to outweigh the lower entry prices available in the north.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Shein Targets $25 Billion Valuation In Hong Kong IPO As Growth Slows

by News Editor

August 17, 2026

Shein is reportedly targeting a valuation of around $25 billion in its planned Hong Kong IPO, a sharp decline from the nearly $100 billion valuation the online fashion retailer achieved in a 2022 fundraising round.

Two people familiar with the plans said the company was likely to target about $25 billion, while another source put the expected range at $25 billion to $28 billion based on the proposed price band.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

IPO Valuation Falls Sharply

Shein plans to sell up to 8% of its shares in the offering, according to a person familiar with the plans. At a $25 billion valuation, that would translate into an IPO of as much as $2 billion.

The latest target is also below the $30 billion to $40 billion valuation the company was seeking earlier this month as it began meeting with potential investors.

Founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein sells low-cost clothing to consumers in about 160 countries. The company is expected to launch its long-awaited Hong Kong IPO later this week.

Trade Restrictions Weigh On Growth

Shein’s valuation has come under pressure as major markets tighten rules affecting low-cost e-commerce shipments. The European Union, for example, has moved to impose additional fees on cheap parcels from platforms such as Shein and Temu. EU Tightens Rules On Low-Cost E-Commerce Parcels

In the U.S., the removal of an import duty exemption for small packages has also affected the company. Shein reported a $99 million quarterly loss in the first quarter of 2026 as sales growth slowed, while a one-time accounting charge further weighed on its results. Shein Reports First-Quarter Loss Ahead Of IPO

Investors Question Shein’s Growth Prospects

The steep reduction in valuation reflects growing concerns over slower growth, higher trade costs, regulatory pressure and stronger competition across global e-commerce.

Some investors who reviewed Shein’s recent financial statements or attended IPO presentations told Reuters they were skeptical that the company could return to the growth rates that supported its $98.2 billion valuation in 2022. Shein’s Slowing Growth Tests Investor Appetite

A lower IPO valuation could also affect Shein’s existing investors. Under the terms of its IPO filing, the company may have to issue additional shares to certain pre-IPO investors if its valuation falls below agreed thresholds.