Cyprus real estate market activity in August 2026 showcased strong overall momentum, driven by solid domestic participation and expanding foreign buyer demand. According to data published by the Department of Lands and Surveys, property sales contracts deposited during the month reflected distinct regional variations and shifting demographics among international investors.
August 2026 Buyer Demographic Breakdown
Domestic buyers maintained the largest market share during August, though combined international purchases represented nearly half of total activity.
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Domestic Buyers (Cypriot Nationals): Accounted for 53% (659 contracts deposited).
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Non-EU Citizens: Represented 31% (385 contracts deposited).
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EU Citizens: Made up 16% (197 contracts deposited).
Monthly Performance Highlights by District (August 2025 vs. August 2026)
| Buyer Category | Total Change (YoY) | Top Performing District | Lowest Performing District | Key Regional Trends |
| Domestic Market | +2% | Larnaca (+47%) | Famagusta (-19%) | Surges in Larnaca and Nicosia (+7%) offset declines in Limassol (-16%) and Paphos (-3%). |
| EU Citizens | +27% | Limassol (+89%) | Nicosia (-6%) | Limassol staged a strong rebound; Paphos (+11%), Famagusta (+10%), and Larnaca (+6%) also grew. |
| Non-EU Citizens | +19% | Paphos (+40%) | Limassol (-6%) | Broad growth across Paphos, Nicosia (+33%), Larnaca (+31%), and Famagusta (+7%). |
Year to Date (YTD) Cumulative Trends (First 8 Months of 2026)
Overseas acquisitions (EU and non-EU combined) accounted for 47% of all real estate transactions across Cyprus through August 2026. Total purchases by non-EU nationals were roughly double those of EU citizens island-wide.
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Domestic Sector (+YoY across all districts): Limassol led year to date domestic growth with a 19% increase, followed by Famagusta (+7%), Nicosia (+5%), Larnaca (+5%), and Paphos (+3%).
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EU Buyers (+23% YTD Overall): Paphos recorded the strongest demand (+42% YTD), followed by Larnaca (+33%), Limassol (+9%), and Nicosia (+8%). Famagusta was the sole district to see a dip (-2% YTD).
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Non-EU Buyers (+19% YTD Overall): Universal gains across all regions, led by equal 21% growth in Paphos, Larnaca, and Famagusta, alongside solid expansion in Limassol (+16%) and Nicosia (+12%).
Regional Focus: Paphos and Larnaca Lead Overseas Interest
The Land Registry figures underscore a pronounced regional preference among foreign investors. In Paphos, overseas buyers significantly outpaced local demand during the first eight months of the year, completing 1,871 transactions compared to 783 domestic purchases. Simultaneously, Larnaca continues to capture a growing share of non-EU investment, marking a broader shift in international buyer targets across the island.
Source: Cyprus Property News