Where to live in Cyprus: the five districts compared by people, sales and rents
Covers property in the Republic of Cyprus (Department of Lands and Surveys records). Not the north of the island. Updated .
Short answer
Limassol has the highest rents, about €1,000–1,100 for one bedroom by one estimate (CyBC, Jul 2026), and the most contracts of sale in 2026: 4,860 from January to September (Land Registry, Oct 2026). Paphos has the largest share of foreign residents, 40.0% (Census 2021). Nicosia is the largest district, with 350,035 people (Census 2021).
The five districts side by side
| District | People (Census 2021) | Foreign citizens (2021) | Contracts of sale, Jan–Sep 2026 | Rent estimate, one bedroom (CyBC, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicosia | 350,035 | 17.3% | 3,163 | €600–650 |
| Limassol | 262,157 | 21.7% | 4,860 | €1,000–1,100 |
| Larnaca | 155,765 | 19.2% | 3,291 | €500–600 |
| Paphos | 101,106 | 40.0% | 2,999 | €500–550 |
| Famagusta (free part) | 54,318 | 23.6% | 656 | not given |
Sources: Press and Information Office, census results, 9 Aug 2024; Department of Lands and Surveys, contracts of sale, 5 Oct 2026 (all property types, land included); Cyprus Mail, 23 Jul 2026, quoting the president of the Council for the Registration of Real Estate Agents on CyBC; the rents are his estimate.
What the numbers say, and what they do not
The figures describe a whole district. They do not tell you how a particular home was built.
British buyers bought most in Paphos district from September 2024 to September 2025 (890 buyers), then Larnaca (302) and the free part of Famagusta (220), according to Interior Ministry data given to Parliament (Cyprus Mail, 24 Oct 2025). Figures for Limassol and Nicosia were not given.
District registers of dangerous buildings, and what a letter from the municipality means, are in our explainer (Dangerous buildings in Cyprus: what it means). The Paphos market in more detail: /en/guides/buying-property-in-paphos-guide.
Before you choose a home
Moving here? Residence papers, healthcare and costs are in our moving guide (Moving to Cyprus in 2026: papers, costs, a home).
Have the condition of the home checked before you pay a deposit (Before you buy). Any contractor may price the same repair list.
Property Brief
The 7 documents for a home in Cyprus, what each shows, and the questions for your lawyer.
Sources
- Press and Information Office, Census of Population 2021: final results by district and citizenship (9 Aug 2024)
- Department of Lands and Surveys, Contracts of Sale 2025–2026 (PDF, monthly by district, dated 5 Oct 2026)
- Cyprus Mail, 23 Jul 2026: Limassol remains Cyprus’ most expensive city for renters (figures quoted on CyBC; no month given)
- Cyprus Mail, 24 Oct 2025: British, Israelis and Russians top list of foreign property buyers (Interior Ministry data given to Parliament, Sep 2024–Sep 2025)
General information, not legal advice. Your lawyer interprets legal title; Etimo does not.