The international news agency Euronews has published its latest ranking of the most attractive countries for retirement. The ranking is based on a large-scale survey of 70,000 people from over 40 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Israel, and Argentina. Cyprus made it into the top ten, becoming a favorite among those who dream of a peaceful, warm, and comfortable life by the sea.
Cyprus is an island of stability, sunshine, and comfortable retirement.
Each year, more older adults consider moving to warmer countries where they can enjoy nature, good weather, and a high quality of life. With its mild Mediterranean climate, safe environment, English-speaking community, and developed infrastructure, Cyprus is one of the best retirement destinations.
In a global survey, about 1.5% of respondents chose Cyprus as the country where they would like to spend their golden years. This earned the island nation ninth place in the ranking. Cyprus proved particularly popular among Europeans and British citizens.
Italy was the clear leader, with 53% of respondents choosing it. Spain came in second with 22%, followed by Portugal, France, and Greece. Despite its political and economic stability, the UK received only 3% of the vote, the same percentage as Malta. The top ten is rounded out by the United States (2.77%), Cyprus (1.5%), and Turkey (0.46%).
Who chooses to live abroad, and why?
Most people considering moving to another country in retirement are mature couples aged 56 and older. More than a third are over 66. Meanwhile, approximately 78% of respondents are in a relationship or married, viewing buying property abroad as a family decision.
Interestingly, about 46% of respondents want to buy a home specifically for retirement. For 30% of respondents, buying a home abroad is an opportunity to radically change their lifestyle. Sixteen percent see foreign real estate as a place to relax. Only a few (6.3%) are investing.
Notably, US residents were the most active in the survey, with 31% expressing a desire to change their country of residence. There was also high interest from Germany, the UK, Canada, and the Netherlands. The political situation in their home country was one of the main factors for 38% of participants. In the US, 52.5% cited this as a factor, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Against this backdrop, Cyprus is becoming particularly attractive as a country with neutral status and a high level of personal safety and stability.
Budget and priorities: What is important to future homeowners?
Financial expectations vary depending on the country of origin. For instance, residents of Germany, Sweden, Portugal, and the UK are willing to invest between €100,000 and €250,000 in real estate. The French and Spanish, however, are more cautious and prefer homes that cost less than €100,000.
Preferences also vary in terms of characteristics: many pay great attention to aesthetics, such as the beauty of the surroundings, architecture, and appearance of the house. The French, for instance, prefer to have a garden, while others find a sea view or spacious balcony attractive. In Cyprus, all of these features are available in abundance.
Why is Cyprus an increasingly popular place to buy real estate?
It's no coincidence that Cyprus is on the list of countries attractive for retirement. This destination is steadily growing in popularity thanks to a number of unique advantages:
- English-speaking environment, inherited from its British past.
- European standards of medicine and service;
- One of the lowest crime rates in the EU;
- Moderate real estate prices compared to Spain or Italy;
- Wide selection of properties by the sea, in the mountains, or in modern residential complexes.
Additionally, the island offers tax breaks for foreigners, and property registration is transparent and regulated by European law.
Today, the real estate market in Cyprus offers a wide range of properties, including cozy apartments by the sea and modern villas with swimming pools and panoramic views. Many future retirees have already chosen Cyprus, also known as the island of Aphrodite, where they can enjoy life without losing touch with Europe and the comforts of a Western lifestyle.