Cyprus has made a significant leap in the global startup landscape, securing its status as one of the fastest-growing ecosystems worldwide. According to the latest StartupBlink Ecosystem Index 2024, the country climbed nine places in the rankings, marking the most substantial rise among all nations. This achievement also positions Cyprus as the fastest-growing startup ecosystem in the European...
A recent decision by the Nicosia District Court could have major implications for thousands of property owners with outstanding mortgages. The court issued an interim injunction, halting the foreclosure of two apartments and a shop due to potentially unlawful charges added to the mortgage agreement. This marks the first time a Cypriot court has intervened in a foreclosure based on the terms of the...
The Real Estate Agents Registration Council has urged authorities to put an end to daily short-term rentals, citing concerns over consumer protection, the property market, and the country’s international tourism reputation. During a meeting of the House Committee on Energy, Trade, Industry, and Tourism on Tuesday, the Council outlined the growing challenges posed by unregulated short-term rentals. It...
The response to Cyprus’ small-scale building violations amnesty has been significantly lower than expected, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou revealed on Friday. Despite the measure being introduced in September with a six-month timeframe, only 550 applications have been submitted so far, even though thousands of properties have minor planning deviations. Purpose of the Amnesty The initiative...
The number of short-term rental properties registered in Cyprus has seen a significant surge, reaching 8,248 properties as of April 2025, compared to 4,765 just a year earlier. Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis highlighted this growth on Tuesday, following a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Tourism, where the progress of legislation governing self-catering accommodations was...
The Cyprus Architects’ Association (SAK) is urging for more stringent regulations and swift amendments to the laws surrounding the creation and operation of tourist facilities across the island. This call comes after concerns were raised by Members of Parliament about the unchecked growth of foreign investments, especially in areas like Paphos, Famagusta, Limassol, and Larnaca. Lawmakers have voiced...
The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) published updated data on Wednesday, detailing interest rate trends at Monetary Financial Institutions (MFIs) for December 2024. Rising Mortgage Rates in Cyprus The average interest rate on new housing loans (including new contracts and renegotiations) increased to 4.75% in December 2024, up from 4.50% in November. Meanwhile, the eurozone saw a further decline in...
The Cypriot economy continued its upward trajectory in the fourth quarter of 2024, recording a real GDP growth rate of 2.6%, according to a flash estimate released by the Cyprus Statistical Service (CyStat) on Friday. After adjusting for seasonal and working day variations, the growth rate stands at 2.9%. The expansion was largely driven by key sectors such as Hotels and Restaurants, Wholesale and...
The government has rolled out a streamlined process to expedite building licence approvals for certain residential properties, aiming to reduce bureaucratic delays and encourage homeownership. This initiative, first announced in January, significantly shortens the approval timeline. Accelerated Approval Timeline Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou outlined the new framework, which cuts the final...
Despite ongoing global economic challenges, Cyprus continues to demonstrate strong economic growth, according to Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) Governor Christodoulos Patsalides. Speaking at the Cyprus Shipping Chamber’s (CSC) monthly members’ meeting, Patsalides highlighted the nation’s ability to navigate external pressures while maintaining stability and fiscal discipline. Credit Rating Boost and...
