Cyprus property transfers to overseas buyers rose in the first nine months of 2026, with buyers from European Union countries recording the sharpest growth.
Figures from the Department of Lands and Surveys, analysed by the Real Estate Agents Registration Council, show that transfers to EU buyers increased by 42.7% compared with the same period in 2025. Transfers to third-country nationals also rose, but at a slower rate of 16.2%.
Third-country nationals still accounted for more transactions overall. Between January and September, 1,826 properties were transferred to 2,501 third-country nationals. For EU buyers, 1,607 properties were transferred to 2,004 people.
The number of buyers also increased in both groups. EU buyer numbers rose by 11.7% year on year, while the number of third-country nationals was up by 9.9%.
Cyprus Property Market Statistics
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| Indicator | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
| Transfers – Number of properties | |||
| Buyers from within the EU | 1,126 | 1,607 | ▲ +42.7% |
| Buyers from outside the EU | 1,571 | 1,826 | ▲ +16.2% |
| Transfers – Number of buyers | |||
| Buyers from within the EU | 1,794 | 2,004 | ▲ +11.7% |
| Buyers from outside the EU | 2,275 | 2,501 | ▲ +9.9% |
| Sale contracts – Number of properties | |||
| Buyers from within the EU | 1,728 | 2,094 | ▲ +21.2% |
| Buyers from outside the EU | 3,487 | 4,173 | ▲ +19.7% |
| Sale contracts – Number of buyers | |||
| Buyers from within the EU | 1,880 | 2,301 | ▲ +22.4% |
| Buyers from outside the EU | 4,620 | 5,443 | ▲ +17.8% |
Property sale contracts show demand remains strong
The figures for sale contracts deposited during the same period point to continued activity across the market.
Contracts were filed for 2,094 properties involving 2,301 EU buyers. Compared with the first nine months of 2025, that represents a 21.2% increase in properties and a 22.4% rise in the number of buyers.
Demand from third-country nationals remained higher in total. Sale contracts were filed for 4,173 properties involving 5,443 third-country nationals, representing an annual increase of 19.7% in properties and 17.8% in buyers.
Council president Marinos Kynigourou said the figures showed Cyprus remained attractive to international buyers. While third-country nationals continued to lead in overall transaction numbers, he noted that EU citizens were now driving the stronger percentage growth.
He added that a broader buyer base and rising demand from European markets support stability. Continued foreign investment also matters to the property sector and, in turn, the Cypriot economy.
When were these properties bought?
The figures don’t tell us when the properties were actually bought. A sale contract may have been filed years before ownership was transferred, as it can take several years for Title Deeds to be issued and transferred.
It’s also worth remembering that buyers from outside the EU need permission from the Council of Ministers before a property can be transferred into their name. This can add to the wait.
Also, the figures don’t say what kind of properties were bought or transferred. They could have been homes, shops, offices, warehouses or land, as the data provided by the Department of Lands and Surveys doesn’t provide that level of detail.
