The Department of Lands and Surveys has just released the most recent data on Cyprus property transactions for August 2026, shedding light on who is investing in real estate and where across the island.
Local Cypriot buyers continue to lead the market, accounting for 53% (659 contracts) of all property sales recorded in August. This represents a modest 2% increase compared to August 2025, but the dynamics vary significantly by district.
Sales to EU nationals jumped 27% in August year-on-year, driven by strong district-level performances. Limassol bounced back with an 89% increase after a dip in July, showcasing a vibrant resurgence. Paphos (11%), Famagusta (10%), and Larnaca (6%) all reported steady growth.
Nicosia was the only outlier, seeing a 6% decrease in EU buyer activity.
Non-EU nationals accounted for 31% of all contracts, with total sales increasing by 19% compared to last August. Paphos led growth at 40%, followed by Nicosia (33%) and Larnaca (31%). Famagusta also improved moderately (7%), although Limassol experienced a slight 6% drop.
The first eight months of 2026 reveal consistent growth across all districts for local buyers, with Limassol leading at 19% growth. Famagusta follows with 7%, while both Nicosia and Larnaca recorded 5% increases. Paphos had a more modest rise of 3%.
EU buyers show sustained momentum, with a 23% rise year-to-date. Paphos is the front-runner district at 42% growth, followed by Larnaca (33%), Limassol (9%), and Nicosia (8%). Famagusta is the lone district with a slight 2% decline.
Property acquisitions by non-EU nationals have been nearly double those by EU buyers so far in 2026, recording an overall 19% increase. Significant district growths include Paphos, Larnaca, and Famagusta at 21%, Limassol at 16%, and Nicosia at 12%.
Combined foreign buyers (EU and non-EU) account for 47% of all sales year-to-date. Paphos stands out, where overseas buyers have purchased more than twice the properties compared to locals (1,871 vs. 783). Larnaca is also attracting a growing number of non-EU investors, indicating shifting interest patterns across Cyprus.
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Since 2018, the Department of Lands and Surveys has differentiated sales to EU and non-EU buyers, providing clearer insights. Overseas buyer data prior to this grouped all international purchases together but the 2026 figures offer a fresh, instructive look at the evolving buyer demographics.
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