Cyprus Property Market Report: May 2026 Sales Insights and Trends

The Cyprus real estate market showed continued resilience and steady growth in May 2026, extending the positive momentum observed throughout the past year. According to the Department of Lands and Surveys, a total of 1,723 property sales contracts were submitted in May, marking a 5% rise compared to May 2025.

Strong Domestic Demand with Regional Variations

Domestic buyers maintained their leading role, accounting for 62.7% (1,081 contracts) of May’s transactions—a 6% increase year-on-year. However, activity varied by district: while Nicosia and Famagusta saw dips of 13% and 37% respectively, other regions experienced significant gains. Notably, Paphos surged by 34% to 147 domestic sales, with Limassol and Larnaca posting moderate increases of 8% each.

EU Buyers Drive Robust Growth

European Union nationals were the fastest-growing segment in May, with 241 contracts lodged—a 31% increase over the previous year. Paphos emerged as the hotspot for EU investors, where sales nearly doubled, up 83% to 88 transactions. Famagusta and Larnaca also showed impressive rises of 82% and 50%, while Limassol saw a slight downturn of 18%. These patterns underline Paphos’ appeal to foreign buyers seeking lifestyle and investment opportunities.

Non-EU Buyer Activity Remains Steady

Demand from non-EU purchasers dipped marginally by 1%, with 401 sales compared to 405 in May 2025. Regional data reveals declines in Nicosia (27%) and Limassol (6%), but Larnaca and Famagusta bucked the trend, growing by 13% and 10% respectively. Despite a small monthly setback, non-EU buyers overall continue to be vital contributors to Cyprus’s property ecosystem, supported by double-digit year-to-date gains across all districts.

Foreign Buyers Predominantly Shape Coastal Markets

International investors, particularly from EU and non-EU countries, heavily influence some areas, with Paphos standing out as a prime example. Here, foreign purchases outnumbered domestic ones in May, highlighting ongoing global interest despite economic uncertainties elsewhere.

Summary

Overall, the May 2026 data reflects a Cyprus property market characterized by stability and growth, underpinned by robust domestic demand and sustained foreign investment. Popular seaside locations continue to drive much of the activity, highlighting the island’s enduring attractiveness as a property destination.

For buyers seeking value within this dynamic market, exploring options such as Cheap Houses and Villas for Sale Cyprus or exploring Auction Properties in Cyprus can reveal interesting opportunities worth considering.