Buying an apartment in Cyprus
What is different about buying an apartment in Cyprus
Communal charges are not optional
Almost every development carries a monthly charge for the pool, gardens, lift and management. Ask what it is and when it was last increased before you commit.
Often sold furnished
Many apartments come furnished or part-furnished. Get whatever is included written into the contract.
No entrance hall
Cypriot apartments frequently open straight into the living room or an open-plan living and dining area, rather than into a hallway.
The contract of sale
It must be lodged with the Land Registry within six months of signing.
Title deed
On new builds, the individual title deed has often not been issued yet. Always have this checked.
Buyers from outside the EU
Non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, need a permit from the Council of Ministers. Your lawyer applies for it, and for a single home the District Administration gives a processing time of two to three weeks, though in practice it can take longer. We only sell property in the Republic of Cyprus, not in the north of the island.
A lawyer is non-negotiable
In Cyprus, purchases are always handled through a lawyer. Never buy without that protection.
Who does an apartment in Cyprus suit?
Living here, full time or for long stretches
A holiday home used part of the year
Investment and long-term letting
Retirement
Popular areas for buying an apartment in Cyprus
Paphos and Kato Paphos
See our apartments for sale in Paphos.
Chloraka, Geroskipou and Peyia
Polis and Latchi
Limassol
See all apartments for sale in Limassol, including one-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments.
Larnaca
Nicosia
What does an apartment in Cyprus cost?
Apartment prices by district
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| Area | Studio | 1 bedroom | 2 bedrooms | 3 bedrooms | 4 bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paphos district | €135k–350k | €165k–325k | €255k–525k | €330k–1.0m | €360k–4.3m |
| Limassol district | €155k–405k | €200k–490k | €295k–805k | €400k–1.83m | €630k–5.9m |
| Larnaca district | €115k–170k | €140k–240k | €185k–390k | €215k–970k | €320k–1.09m |
| Nicosia district | €110k–170k | €120k–180k | €165k–305k | €185k–550k | €290k–1.0m |
| Polis / Latchi | – | €160k–180k | €200k–305k | Rarely available | – |
Prices in EUR. Example: €140k = €140,000, €1.2m = €1,200,000. Asking prices on the market (Bazaraki, October 2026) – middle 80% of listings, apartments only, rounded. New builds are usually quoted excluding VAT. “Rarely available” = fewer than ten properties of this type currently on the market in this location.
New build, resale or holiday apartment?
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| New build / off-plan | Resale | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Only once completed | Ready to move into |
| Specification | Modern, energy-efficient | Varies with the year of construction |
| VAT | 19% (5% under certain conditions) | Usually no VAT, but transfer fees apply. Since 1 September 2026: 19% if a business sells a building used for less than 18 months |
| Can you inspect it? | Not yet viewable on site | Can be assessed directly |
| Title deed | Often not yet issued | Usually in place – still have it checked |
| Price | Often attractive in the early phases | Negotiable, reflects real market value |
The comparison is a starting point. Whether a new build, an off-plan project or a resale suits you better depends on your timescale, your budget and how you intend to use the property – something we are happy to talk through with you.
New-build apartments and off-plan projects
Modern layouts, new communal facilities and attractive early-buyer prices. But completion dates do slip, and since June 2023 the reduced 5% VAT rate applies only to the first 130 m² and the first €350,000, for homes of up to 190 m² and €475,000 in total, and only for a main residence. Legal checks matter especially on a new build.
Resale apartments
Visible straight away and open to inspection. You can judge the development, the neighbourhood and the location for what they actually are. Usually no VAT, but transfer fees instead — halved by law. Always have the title deed, any encumbrances and the paperwork checked by an independent lawyer.
A holiday apartment with letting potential
Using a property yourself and letting it out can be combined — provided the development permits it, the location is in demand with visitors and professional management is available. ABC Cyprus Homes can give you a realistic assessment for a specific property.
What to look for in an apartment development
- Condition of the pool, communal gardens, entrance, stairwell and lift
- The level of the communal charges and how current they are — when were they last increased?
- The management company: professional and contactable?
- Parking and storage: available, and included in the price?
- Distance to the sea, a supermarket, a doctor, schools and restaurants
- Noise: a main road, late-night venues or building sites nearby?
- Letting: does the development allow short-term rentals?
- Complete paperwork: title deed, planning permission, certificate of final approval
- Legal checks: mortgages, encumbrances, outstanding debts owed by the seller
Costs and running expenses
Communal charges
Monthly charges covering the pool, gardens, lift, cleaning and management: from under €100 in small developments to over €300 in large complexes. Always ask for the current figure before you buy.
Purchase costs
Legal fees (typically around 1% of the purchase price or a fixed fee, plus VAT), either Land Registry transfer fees or VAT depending on the type of property, plus smaller administrative charges. For binding figures on current tax rates, your independent lawyer in Cyprus is the right person to ask.
Ongoing costs after the purchase
Electricity, water, internet, buildings insurance, municipal rates and the monthly communal charges. If you intend to let the property, budget for the management effort as well, and for a managing agent if you need one.
Buying an apartment in Cyprus: the process
1. Offer and reservation
Once terms are agreed, the buyer pays a reservation deposit — typically 5–10% of the purchase price — to take the apartment off the market.
2. Due diligence by a lawyer
A Cypriot lawyer checks the title, the planning permissions, any encumbrances and outstanding debts. On a new build, the certificate of final approval as well.
3. Signing the contract of sale
The lawyer draws up the contract. It must be lodged with the Land Registry within six months of signing to protect the buyer’s rights.
4. Payment and handover
The balance of the purchase price is paid, all fees and charges are settled, and the keys and documents are handed over.
5. Registration of title
The buyer is registered as the owner. Only at that point is the purchase fully secure in law.
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