Cyprus’ real estate market reached a new all-time high in April 2026, with property sales exceeding both last year’s figures and the previous peak recorded in 2007. The market is being supported by both domestic and international demand, with foreign buyers playing a growing role in several regions.
April 2026 Set a New Sales Record
According to the Department of Lands & Surveys, 1,611 property sale contracts were registered across Cyprus in April 2026.
This was:
- The highest monthly figure ever recorded
- Above the previous April 2007 record of 1,556 transactions
- 3.5% higher than the 2007 peak
- 15% higher than April 2025, when 1,404 transactions were registered
Between January and April 2026, 6,320 property sale contracts were registered, compared with 5,541 during the same period in 2025. This represented annual growth of 14%.
The figures include both primary and secondary market transactions across:
- Apartments and private houses
- Commercial properties, including offices, retail premises, and warehouses
- Land plots
Local Buyers Still Lead the Market
The Cyprus property market remains primarily supported by domestic demand. In April 2026, Cypriot buyers completed 962 purchases, representing 59.7% of all transactions.
Foreign buyers accounted for the remaining 40.3%:
- EU citizens completed 197 purchases, equal to 12.2% of transactions.
- Non-EU buyers completed 452 purchases, equal to 28.1% of transactions.
Foreign demand is growing faster than the overall market. In April 2026, transactions involving foreign buyers increased by 18% year-on-year. Demand from EU citizens rose by 6%, while purchases by non-EU nationals increased by 23%.
Between January and April 2026, foreign buyers purchased 2,693 properties, representing 42.6% of all transactions. Compared with the same period in 2025, international demand increased by 21%. EU buyer activity rose by 20%, while demand from non-EU nationals increased by 21.5%.
Regional Performance
Growth was visible across most regions of Cyprus, though the pace differed significantly by location.
| Region | April 2026 transactions | Annual growth |
|---|---|---|
| Limassol | 505 | +10% |
| Nicosia | 361 | +2% |
| Paphos | 336 | +41% |
| Larnaca | 333 | +21% |
| Famagusta | 76 | 0% |
Paphos Leads Growth
Paphos recorded the strongest annual growth in April 2026. Sales increased from 238 transactions in April 2025 to 336 in April 2026, a rise of 41%.
The region remains a major center of international demand. Foreign buyers completed twice as many transactions in Paphos as local residents. Sales to non-EU buyers increased by 64%, while purchases by EU citizens rose by 50%.
Demand in Paphos is linked to its infrastructure, international airport, expat community, coastal lifestyle, and more affordable prices compared with Limassol.
Larnaca Continues to Expand
Larnaca was the second fastest-growing region in April 2026. Sales rose from 275 to 333 transactions, an increase of 21%.
During the first four months of 2026, sales in Larnaca increased by 12% year-on-year.
Growth came from both local and international buyers:
- Transactions by Cypriot buyers increased by 37% in April and by 8% during January–April.
- Transactions by EU buyers increased by 19% in April and by 25% during the first four months of the year.
- Demand from non-EU buyers increased by 14% between January and April.
The article links Larnaca’s growth to major infrastructure projects, including modernization of the port and marina, coastal redevelopment, and wider urban renewal.
Limassol Remains the Largest Market
Limassol remained Cyprus’ largest real estate market by transaction volume. In April 2026, 505 property sale contracts were registered, up 10% from the previous year.
Between January and April 2026, Limassol recorded 2,004 transactions, a 14% increase year-on-year.
All buyer groups contributed to the market:
- Cypriot buyers completed 258 transactions in April, 20% more than a year earlier.
- Between January and April, local buyers purchased 923 properties in Limassol, a 12% increase.
- Non-EU buyers completed 146 transactions in April, 12% higher than last year.
- During the first four months of the year, non-EU buyers purchased 562 properties, a 22% increase.
- EU buyers completed 125 transactions between January and April, up 7%.
Limassol continues to attract buyers focused on business relocation, premium real estate, and long-term high-liquidity assets. The city is home to international companies, office clusters, and modern residential developments, including luxury projects.
Nicosia and Famagusta Show Stability
Nicosia recorded 361 transactions in April 2026, a 2% increase compared with the previous year. The capital continues to show stable domestic demand.
Famagusta recorded 76 sales in April, the same level as in 2025. However, during the first four months of 2026, the region recorded one of the strongest performances on the island, with transaction volume rising by 25%.
Why Foreign Buyers Are Interested in Cyprus
The article links international demand to several factors beyond property market performance. Foreign buyers are described as using Cyprus real estate for capital preservation, family relocation, residency acquisition, and creating a European base.
Cyprus is also presented as a “Plan B” destination during geopolitical uncertainty. Ongoing political tensions in the Middle East are cited as one factor increasing interest in Cyprus as a safe jurisdiction, supporting foreign demand and contributing to property price growth.
The article also highlights Cyprus’ role as an international business center. Foreign companies and entrepreneurs continue relocating operations to the island due to access to the EU market, relocation programs for specialists, and a favorable business environment.
Cyprus is also working toward joining the Schengen Area, which could improve international mobility opportunities for residents if further integration takes place.
Cyprus Permanent Residency Through Property Investment
For non-EU buyers, property can also be linked to Cyprus permanent residency.
The article states that by investing €300,000 plus VAT in new real estate from a developer, investors can obtain Cyprus residency in as little as eight months. The status is granted for life and extends to spouses and dependent children.
For families, the claimed practical benefits include access to European infrastructure, international schools, and healthcare systems. For entrepreneurs, residency can create a base for living and business activity within the EU.
Market Outlook
The figures presented suggest that Cyprus’ 2026 real estate growth is being driven by both local and international demand rather than only short-term speculation.
Paphos, Larnaca, and Limassol are highlighted as the main high-potential locations, each with a different market profile:
- Paphos is leading in sales growth and foreign buyer demand.
- Larnaca is benefiting from infrastructure and urban renewal.
- Limassol remains the largest business and investment hub.
For investors, the key factors to assess are regional growth patterns, buyer demand, property type, infrastructure development, residency eligibility, and the risks of relying on continued foreign demand or future Schengen integration.
Source article: www.astons.com
