Over the last decade-plus, Cyprus has witnessed a significant shift in its property market landscape. What once was dominated by detached houses has now transitioned decisively towards high-rise residential apartment blocks, reshaping the urban skyline and driving the sector’s economic footprint.
Data from the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat), analyzed by StockWatch, reveals an intriguing transformation between the first four months of 2013 and the same period in 2025. Back in 2013, permits were issued for 852 detached houses, 464 semi-detached houses, 401 residential apartment blocks, and 71 mixed-use apartment blocks. Fast forward to January-April 2025, and the scenario is notably different: 1,003 detached houses, 367 semi-detached houses, a remarkable 2,789 residential apartment blocks, and 162 mixed-use blocks.
Apartment buildings now account for approximately 65% of all new residential units, a huge jump from under 25% in 2013. This surge has significantly recalibrated the market dynamics. If you are interested in exploring these developments, consider browsing our Affordable Apartments in Cyprus for sale.
Detached homes saw a volatile journey. Despite starting strong in early 2013 during tough economic times with over 850 permits, the category took a sharp downturn in 2014, followed by a slow recovery that peaked just before the pandemic. Although 2025 shows a mild uptick with 1,003 units permitted, detached houses no longer command the market share they once did. They remain important, however, especially for buyers seeking more privacy or space.
Semi-detached houses have experienced ups and downs, reflecting economic shifts over the years. After a notable dip in 2014, the segment has gradually regained momentum with 367 permits in 2025. While their market proportion is modest, the demand stability is noteworthy.
The rise of apartment blocks is stark. Starting with just 401 permits in early 2013 and even dropping below 200 in 2014, this segment exploded in the subsequent years, reaching a record 2,789 units in early 2025. The total floor area and value of these projects have also ballooned, underscoring their growing importance to Cyprus’ housing scene. This trend aligns with urbanization and the increasing appeal of vertical living.
Mixed-use developments have been more volatile, swinging from as low as 2 units in 2014 to 162 permits in early 2025. These projects often depend heavily on landmark investments, influencing the numbers year to year.
The total number of residential building permits more than doubled in volume from 1,788 units in early 2013 to 4,321 in 2025. At the same time, the cumulative floor area soared by over 100%, reaching nearly 739,000 m², while project values more than doubled, crossing €857 million. This data confirms a clear shift to larger, denser, and more complex developments dominating the market.
The evolution towards apartment blocks signals changing preferences and perhaps affordability constraints, while still offering a broad array of housing options. For those looking to enter the market or invest, exploring different property categories can be beneficial. Take a look at our listings for budget-friendly houses and villas in Cyprus to see a blend of traditional and modern choices.
Cyprus is clearly moving towards a future where urban density and apartment living will play pivotal roles in the property spectrum. Whether you favor detached living or tapping into the thriving apartment sector, staying informed through trusted data and market insights is crucial.
Explore more on these trends and find your ideal property with INDEX.cy, your premier Cyprus real estate marketplace.
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