Finding Student Housing in Cyprus Is Becoming Increasingly Difficult

Finding affordable housing remains one of the biggest challenges for students in Cyprus. As the new academic year approaches, thousands of students and their families once again face high rental prices and a shortage of university accommodation. Despite the construction of new student residences, demand continues to far exceed supply, particularly in Limassol and Nicosia, home to the island's largest universities.

Rental prices remain high

According to the Cyprus Student Federation (POFEN), most students have to look for accommodation on the private rental market. Average monthly rental prices are currently as follows:

Limassol

1. one-bedroom apartment — €800–1,000 per month;
2. two-bedroom apartment — €1,100–1,300;
3. three-bedroom apartment — €1,300–1,500.

Nicosia

1. one-bedroom apartment — €600–650;
2. in Engomi — up to €700;
3. in Aglantzia — €550–750.

Student accommodation at private universities in Engomi costs around €700–800 per month, including utilities. According to POFEN Secretary General Ilias Aristodemou, rental prices have stabilised over the past three years, but a decline is not expected anytime soon.

Student accommodation is still in short supply

Public universities can accommodate only a small proportion of their students. At present, they offer:

1. 208 rooms at the University of Cyprus student residence in Aglantzia;
2. 250 rooms at the Cyprus University of Technology (TEPAK) in Limassol;
3. another 250 rooms provided by the Church of Cyprus, some of which are allocated to Frederick University;
4. 150 studio apartments in Paphos owned jointly by TEPAK and the municipality.

Most available rooms are allocated to first-year students, who receive priority during the admission process. Other students usually have to find accommodation on their own.

New TEPAK student residence will finally improve the situation

One of the most anticipated projects is TEPAK's new student campus in Kato Polemidia. The first phase includes 154 rooms across two buildings. The first students are expected to move in on 1 September 2026. The entire complex is scheduled for completion in 2027, when it will provide a total of 487 rooms. A second phase is expected to add around 200 more places.

Each room will feature a private bathroom and a kitchenette. Apartments adapted for students with disabilities will also be available. Accommodation will cost €350 per month. In addition, from the 2026/27 academic year, first-year students living more than 25 km from the university will be guaranteed a room without going through a competitive selection process. TEPAK has already announced a €3 million tender for the management of the new complex.

Why there is still a housing shortage

Progress has been slower in Nicosia. The University of Cyprus has been waiting for final approval to build new student residences for about a year. A €52,000 feasibility study prepared by Deloitte has already been completed, but government authorities requested additional documentation, meaning the project's timeline remains uncertain.

Real estate experts note that following the sharp rise in rental prices during 2021–2022, rents have continued to increase by around 10–15% annually, although the pace of growth has moderated. They attribute the continuing rise to strong demand, limited housing supply and the influx of foreign professionals who have relocated to Cyprus in recent years. The government hopes that faster planning approvals and the construction of new residential developments will gradually increase housing supply and help slow further rental price growth.