The Cyprus property market continues to grow steadily. According to data from the Department of Lands and Surveys, a total of 8,043 property sale contracts were filed across the island during the first five months of 2026. This represents an increase of 11.9% compared to the same period in 2025, when 7,185 transactions were recorded.
The comparison with the pre-pandemic year of 2019 is even more striking. Between January and May of that year, only 4,846 contracts were submitted. The current figure is 66% higher, highlighting the significant expansion of the market over the past several years.
How Sales Were Distributed Across Cyprus
Limassol continues to hold the leading position in terms of the total number of transactions. Between January and May 2026, 2,537 property sale contracts were registered in the city, compared to 2,281 during the same period in 2025 and 1,768 in 2019. This represents annual growth of 11.2% and an increase of 43.5% compared to the pre-pandemic period.
Nicosia also recorded positive growth, although at a more moderate pace. During the first five months of 2026, 1,749 properties were sold, compared to 1,655 in 2025 and just 868 in 2019. Annual growth reached 5.7%, while sales have more than doubled since 2019, increasing by 101.5%.
Larnaca continues its impressive rise. A total of 1,747 contracts were registered in the city, up 12.4% from 1,554 a year earlier. Compared to 2019, when only 670 transactions were recorded, sales have surged by an extraordinary 160.7%. This is the highest percentage growth among all regions of Cyprus over the past seven years.
Paphos recorded the strongest year-on-year growth of all districts at 19%. Between January and May 2026, 1,631 contracts were filed compared to 1,371 in 2025. In 2019, the figure stood at 1,211, meaning sales have increased by 34.7% since then. Positive growth was also recorded in the free areas of Famagusta, where 379 properties were sold — 17% more than the 324 transactions registered in 2025 and 15.2% above the 329 transactions recorded in 2019.
May 2026: Growth Begins to Slow
The statistics for May 2026 deserve special attention. During the final month of spring, 1,723 property sale contracts were filed across Cyprus, compared to 1,644 in May 2025. This represents growth of 4.8% — lower than the average increase recorded over the five-month period, but still a positive result.
In Limassol, May growth was modest at just 2%, with 533 contracts compared to 525 a year earlier. Larnaca performed much better, recording a 14% increase from 369 to 420 transactions. Paphos achieved even stronger results, with May sales jumping 24%, from 304 to 376 contracts.
However, not all regions experienced growth. In Nicosia, the number of transactions declined by 12% in May, falling from 369 to 323. The free areas of Famagusta also recorded an 8% decrease, with 71 contracts compared to 77 a year earlier. Despite this moderation compared to the first months of the year, the overall picture remains highly positive. More than 8,000 transactions in five months and solid growth across all regions point to a healthy property market.
New Rules for Buyers and Foreign Investors
Those planning to purchase property in Cyprus should be aware of several important developments. Firstly, the Cyprus Parliament is considering legislation that would significantly restrict land purchases by third-country nationals. The proposal would allow foreign buyers to acquire only one house or apartment with a maximum area of 200 square metres, while also prohibiting the purchase of agricultural land and properties located near military zones.
In addition, beginning in 2026, the Land Registry will gradually transition to a fully digital operating model, while property transfer fees will be calculated based on the price declared in the sale agreement. These changes are expected to simplify and accelerate transaction procedures.
A further legislative proposal would require buyers to provide certificates confirming the absence of outstanding utility bills and common-area maintenance fees when completing a purchase. This measure is designed to protect new owners from inheriting unexpected debts.
What Lies Ahead for the Market?
Experts generally agree that the Cyprus property market remains highly attractive to investors. The country continues its integration into the European framework, and technical preparations for Cyprus’ entry into the Schengen Area are expected to be completed in 2026. This development is likely to further increase interest from international buyers.
At the same time, local authorities are seeking to balance foreign investment with the interests of local residents. Restrictions on land purchases by non-EU nationals may temper demand from the most aggressive investors, but they are unlikely to deter those who view Cyprus as a stable and secure destination for capital.
In any case, the first five months of 2026 have already become one of the most successful periods in the history of the Cyprus property market. All indications suggest that the positive trend will continue through the remainder of the year.