In a move to protect borrowers from predatory lending, the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has officially set the "reference interest rate" at 11.62%, effective immediately. This rate serves as the legal ceiling for all loan related charges in the Republic. Under the powers granted by Article 314A of the Cyprus Criminal Code, the CBC updates this benchmark every quarter to define the legal boundary between...
Employees in Cyprus saw their bank balances grow as 2025 drew to a close. According to the latest provisional data released by the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat) and reported by Stockwatch, gross monthly earnings reached an average of €2,452 in the third quarter of 2025—a solid 4.3% increase from the same period the previous year. Even after adjusting for seasonal fluctuations, the momentum...
New economic analysis suggests that the narrative of foreign investors "buying up" Cyprus is statistically overblown. Despite a visible surge in high-value international deals, non-EU buyers actually saw their market share shrink in 2025 as domestic demand reached historic highs. According to a report by Fiona Mullen, director of Sapienta Economics (sourced via Cyprus Property News), local Cypriot buyers...
A sweeping reform intended to rescue thousands of residents from the "legal vacuum" of apartment living has been derailed yet again. The Parliamentary Committee on Interior Affairs has abruptly halted discussions on the revised legislative framework for jointly-owned buildings after a sharp rift emerged between the Ministry of Interior and the District Local Government Organisations (DLGOs). The proposed...
The Cyprus real estate sector demonstrated remarkable strength throughout 2025, with the total value of property transfers reaching an impressive €4.7 billion. According to the latest annual report from the Real Estate Agents Registration Council of Cyprus, the market successfully navigated global economic volatility to maintain a robust growth trajectory. Data from the Department of Lands and Surveys...
This week, a high-level delegation from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) concluded an intensive three-day fact-finding mission in Cyprus. The visit is a centerpiece of a 24-month strategic reform project aimed at overhauling the island’s housing policies to ensure middle- and low-income citizens can secure quality homes amidst a global cost-of-living crisis. According to...
Cyprus’ short-term rental sector is currently locked in a tug-of-war between explosive growth and regulatory evasion. While official registration numbers have nearly doubled in the last 24 months, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism warns that a massive "shadow market" continues to operate outside the law, complicating efforts to manage the island's housing and tourism resources. According to the latest data...
The Republic of Cyprus is launching a significant legislative campaign to fortify its property sector against financial crime. According to a recent report from Property News Cyprus, the Ministry of Finance has unveiled a draft bill aimed at closing regulatory loopholes and aligning the nation with strict new European standards. The proposed legislation, officially titled the Prevention and Suppression of...
Cyprus cemented its status as a premier Mediterranean destination in 2025, reaching a historic milestone in visitor numbers. According to the latest data from the Cyprus Statistical Service, the island welcomed a staggering 4,534,073 tourists throughout the year. This represents a robust 12.2% increase over the 4,040,200 arrivals recorded in 2024, signaling a powerful post-recovery expansion for the local...
In a keynote address on Monday at the 13th Banking, Payments & Fintech Forum, Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) Governor Christodoulos Patsalides declared the nation's banking sector a "pillar of resilience" and a critical driver of economic expansion. The Governor highlighted that while the global financial landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and...
