The latest data from the Department of Lands and Surveys reveals insightful trends in the Cyprus real estate market for August 2026. Understanding who is purchasing property and where is essential for buyers, sellers, and investors looking to navigate this dynamic island market.
Cypriot residents were responsible for the largest portion of property sales last month, making up 53% with 659 contracts registered at Land Registry offices. This steady dominance underscores ongoing local interest despite fluctuating regional performances.
Sales to domestic buyers showed a modest 2% growth compared to August 2025, but this figure conceals considerable variation across districts. While Famagusta saw a steep 19% decline and Limassol dropped by 16%, Larnaca surged forward with a remarkable 47% increase, and Nicosia posted solid growth at 7%.
Interest from EU nationals grew significantly in August, with a 27% increase in property purchases year-over-year. Compared to August 2025, most districts experienced upswings, except for Nicosia which saw a minor 6% drop.
Limassol led the recovery for EU buyers after a July dip, with sales skyrocketing 89% in August. Meanwhile, Paphos, Famagusta, and Larnaca reported steady gains of 11%, 10%, and 6% respectively, presenting promising investment opportunities.
Non-EU investors contributed 31% of August’s property deals, reflecting a 19% increase compared to the same period last year. With the highest growth in Paphos at 40%, and notable improvements in Nicosia (33%) and Larnaca (31%), the market’s appeal to international buyers is clear.
Limassol was the sole district recording a modest 6% decrease in this segment, highlighting the complex and localized nature of investment flows.
Across the first eight months of 2026, every district reported higher domestic property sales than the previous year, with Limassol standing out at 19% growth. Famagusta, Nicosia, Larnaca, and Paphos all showed steady year-on-year gains between 3% and 7%.
EU buyer activity rose 23% year-to-date, with Paphos again leading at a striking 42% increase. Larnaca’s 33% growth and Limassol’s 9% rise underline persistent demand, even as Famagusta slipped slightly (-2%).
Non-EU acquisitions remain robust, nearly doubling EU sales in volume. With consistent increases in all districts—21% growth each in Paphos, Larnaca, and Famagusta—international interest continues unabated.
Nearly half (47%) of property sales in the first eight months were by overseas buyers, consolidating Cyprus’ status as a sought-after destination. In Paphos, foreign buyers purchased more than twice the properties compared to local Cypriots, emphasizing the district’s ongoing popularity. Additionally, Larnaca is witnessing a changing demand profile, with rising non-EU investments shifting the market dynamics.
The Department of Lands and Surveys has tracked sales by domestic, EU, and non-EU buyers since 2018. Understanding these segmented trends helps market participants anticipate growth areas and shifts in buyer profiles.
If you’re exploring opportunities in Cyprus, consider browsing our extensive listings of affordable apartments or cheap houses and villas to find properties that fit your budget and lifestyle.
Stay informed and leverage trustworthy data like this to guide your real estate decisions in Cyprus’s evolving market.
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