Paphos is leading other cities in property sales to non-EU nationals, with 20,755 out of 53,076 properties sold Cyprus-wide by 7 July 2025 located in the district.
Limassol follows closely with 17,083 property sales to non-EU nationals, then Larnaca with 9,175 properties, Famagusta with 3,509 and Nicosia trailing with 2,554 properties.
Beyond completed transfers, additional properties have changed hands through deposited sale contracts pending transfer completion.
According to data provided by the Interior Minister in response to MP Nikos Georgiou’s question, the number of sale contracts totals 29,089. Combined with already transferred properties (53,076), properties passing to third-country foreign nationals reach 82,165.
In Paphos, contracts have been deposited for 9,470 properties; in Limassol for 7,208 properties; in Larnaca for 7,297 properties; in Famagusta for 4,225; and in Nicosia for 899 properties.
The minister explained that acquisition permits issued by the District Officer (to whom the Council of Ministers delegated authority for property acquisition in Cyprus by third-country nationals) constitute an essential prerequisite for completing transfers.
This ensures permits are secured before Land Registry transfer dates, though they are not required for depositing sale contracts under current legislation.
The minister noted that assignment documents are equivalent to sale contracts for implementing the Acquisition of Immovable Property (Aliens) Law Chapter 109. Therefore, assignees are considered new buyers and, if they are third-country nationals, must secure acquisition permits from the District Officer when completing transfers in their names.
However, such permits are not prerequisites for depositing assignment documents at competent District Land Registry Offices.