In the first eight months of 2025, Cyprus has seen a dip in the total number of building permits issued compared to the same period in 2024. However, this apparent decrease masks deeper trends—namely an increase in both the overall construction area and the value of developments approved, as reported by the Cyprus Statistical Service.
August 2025 alone accounted for 647 building permits, while cumulative permits from January to August reached 4,842, marking a 4.3% decline from 5,062 permits a year earlier. Nonetheless, these permits correspond to an estimated 9,275 residential units, a significant 14.6% increase year-over-year, signaling a market shift towards larger-scale housing projects.
The total approved building permit area surged by 16.1% to nearly 2 million square meters (1,998,548 sqm) during this period, with the permit value climbing by 12.3% to €2.44 billion. Residential projects contributed strongly to this growth, expanding their area by 19.6% and reaching a permit value of €1.85 billion (+16.4%). Non-residential developments showed moderate gains with a 2.6% area increase and a 14.9% rise in value (€469.2 million).
Interestingly, civil engineering works displayed contrasting trends: area approvals soared by 46.8%, yet the value declined by 30.5%. Other categories like land subdivisions and road construction experienced significant reductions in permit values, down 23.6% and 61.9% respectively.
Almost all residential property types displayed growth in permit numbers. Detached houses surged by 24.5%, now representing 2,325 units permitted, while semi-detached homes climbed 16.4%. Apartment buildings also saw a robust 18.6% rise. On the downside, mixed-use apartment buildings faced a steep drop in approvals, plummeting 62.5% to just 195 units.
For those interested in exploring affordable options, check out our collection of Cheap Houses and Villas for Sale in Cyprus and Cheap Apartments for Sale Cyprus.
A closer district-level review, based on analysis from StockWatch Cyprus, reveals Limassol as the standout performer with a 40.1% increase in total construction area (reaching 712,600 sqm). Nicosia followed with a 25.3% rise, totaling 692,900 sqm. Conversely, other districts faced contractions: Paphos (-16.3%), Famagusta (-16.6%), and Larnaca (-3.9%).
Looking back over five years since 2019, the total approved permit area in Cyprus has grown by 29.9%. Nicosia tops the gains with a stunning 68.2% hike, while Paphos is the only district to record a decline (-6.4%). Explore property opportunities in these fast-growing areas, such as Limassol and Nicosia.
Since July 2024, permit issuance responsibility shifted from local municipalities and district offices to District Local Government Organisations (DLGOs). All applications are now centralized through the Ippodamos digital platform. This digital transformation is still settling in, causing some fluctuations and delays in data reporting. Understanding these administrative changes is essential for interpreting permit statistics accurately.
The evolving Cyprus real estate market reflects cautious optimism mixed with growing interest in multi-unit residential developments and upscale projects. For those monitoring market behavior or seeking properties, INDEX.cy remains your trusted resource for up-to-date listings and unbiased market insights.
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