The property landscapes of Cyprus and Greece have officially entered a new era. According to Pavlos Loizou, CEO of Ask Wire, the trends observed in 2025 were not mere fluctuations but “structural shifts” that will define the market’s trajectory well into 2026. Speaking on the year’s performance, Loizou suggests that the days of viewing property as simple shelter are fading, replaced by a complex model where real estate operates as a sophisticated financial product.
Cyprus: A Demographic Surge Meets a Supply Mismatch
Since 2021, Cyprus has seen a permanent influx of approximately 70,000 to 80,000 new residents. This demographic boom—composed of both high-tech professionals and service-sector workers—has fundamentally altered what the market needs.
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The Mismatch: While the new population seeks compact, efficient homes near urban workplaces, developers have continued to prioritize high-end, expensive villas and large apartments.
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The Rental Squeeze: Because only 3,000 to 4,000 hotel beds were added over the last decade, the tourism sector has “cannibalized” the residential market. Roughly 15,000 to 16,000 apartments have been moved to short-term platforms (like Airbnb), drastically reducing the stock available for long-term residents.
Greece: Growth Tempered by “Ghost Inventory”
In Greece, 2025 saw a steady 7% increase in residential prices. While this is a cooling compared to previous hyper-growth years, the demand remains robust. However, Loizou points out a significant data discrepancy in the Greek market.
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The Ad Duplication Issue: Analysis shows that after removing duplicate listings, the actual property inventory in Athens is 30% to 35% lower than what online portals suggest.
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Sector Winners: Modern “Grade A” logistics facilities and small apartments (55–75 sqm) remain the most contested assets.
Strategic Outlook for 2026
The market is no longer a monolith. Success in 2026 will depend on identifying specific niches rather than general buying.
| Focus Area | Cyprus 2026 Forecast | Greece 2026 Forecast |
| New vs. Old | Renovation of old stock will outpace new builds. | Tenants will migrate from old to eco-friendly, modern offices. |
| Rental Market | Rents for 1–2 bedroom units to stay at peak levels. | Fierce competition for mid-sized units (55-75 sqm). |
| Pricing | Stabilization of prices in non-prime areas. | Moderate price appreciation nationwide. |
| Logistics | Niche growth in industrial storage. | Shortage of Grade A warehouses to drive up industrial rents. |
The “Financialization” of the Home
Perhaps the most significant takeaway for 2026 is that the traditional homebuyer is now competing on a global stage. The market is a “battleground” where local families, international yield-seekers, and short-term rental operators all vie for the same properties. This competition has elevated property to a financial asset class, making high-quality data and transparency more critical than ever for the average buyer to gain a foothold.
Source: Stockwatch.com.cy