Cyprus is a diverse and welcoming island, offering a wide variety of homes for those seeking a sun-soaked lifestyle with Mediterranean charm. Whether you’re drawn to coastal apartments, heritage stone houses or hilltop villas with sweeping sea views, understanding the types of houses available in Cyprus is key to finding your ideal home.
The Cypriot property market blends modern development with centuries-old tradition. You’ll find everything from new-build resort flats to centuries-old village homes. Let us walk you through the main types of property in Cyprus and what to consider before buying.
Contents
- Apartment types across Cyprus
- Understanding ownership and communal fees
- Traditional stone houses
- Townhouses, duplexes and maisonettes
- Detached villas in Cyprus
- Cyprus property FAQs
Luxury apartments are just one of the types of houses available in Cyprus
Apartment types across Cyprus
From coastal cities to historic inland towns, apartments are widely available throughout Cyprus. Of all the types of property available in Cypru, apartments are especially popular with overseas buyers thanks to their low-maintenance style, access to resort facilities and strong rental potential.
The more exclusive apartment options are found in cities like Limassol, Larnaca and Nicosia. Limassol’s skyline now includes luxury developments such as the 38-storey Limassol One tower, where two-bedroom apartments start above €1.7 million. These properties offer concierge facilities, wellness centres and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
In contrast, smaller blocks or older apartments within towns such as Paphos, Ayia Napa and Polis can start at under €70,000. One-bedroom apartments in purpose-built holiday resorts, such as Aphrodite Hills or Secret Valley, often start from €230,000 and include shared access to pools, tennis courts and golf courses.
Whether you’re looking for a city-centre flat, a holiday let or a peaceful retreat in a resort community, there’s likely a property that suits your goals. But prices vary hugely depending on the location, age of the building and surrounding amenities.
For more information on every step of the purchase process in Cyprus, get your free copy of our Cyprus buying guide:
Understanding ownership and communal fees
Property ownership in Cyprus is generally straightforward. Most residential properties are sold freehold – a relief to British buyers familiar with leasehold complications in the UK.
For apartment owners, the common areas such as hallways, roofs and septic systems are managed collectively by a committee or management company. Each owner contributes to these costs through a monthly or annual communal fee, known locally as communal charges. These must be accounted for in your annual budgeting, especially within bigger complexes.
It’s essential your solicitor ensures that the building’s management committee is properly registered and that all shared costs are up to date before you commit to a purchase. Inactive or poorly managed committees can become a source of long-term frustration and lead to unexpected bills.
For up-to-date regulations on jointly owned buildings, consult the Cyprus Department of Lands and Surveys or seek legal advice from a locally qualified solicitor. Cyprus also maintains several legal traditions from its British colonial period, which makes the legal process familiar for many international buyers.
Traditional stone houses
Stone-built houses capture the rustic charm and character of traditional Cypriot living. Constructed from honey-coloured limestone or volcanic rock, these homes are typically found in rural villages like Lefkara, Kalopanayiotis and Droushia.
Prices for heritage homes vary greatly based on location and condition. In more remote villages, an unrenovated stone house may start from just €120,000. In tourist-friendly areas or fully restored properties, expect to pay €200,000 and upwards.
These homes often feature courtyards, wood-framed balconies and thick walls that keep interiors cool in summer. However, modernising them for year-round living can take time and money. Roof insulation, plumbing upgrades or electrical rewiring are common costs. You may also need specific planning permissions from the Department of Antiquities if the property is listed as historically significant.
For buyers seeking an authentic Cypriot lifestyle or a project to create a charming holiday rental, a traditional stone house can be a rewarding choice. Be prepared for renovation work and check the title deeds carefully – in some cases, properties are passed down through generations without formal ownership documents.
Townhouses, duplexes and maisonettes
Buyers looking for a balance between privacy and convenience might find townhouses, duplexes or maisonettes ideal. These two-storey homes usually share walls with neighbouring houses and are common in both modern developments and older town centres.
In coastal resorts such as Coral Bay, Peyia and Kapparis, many low-rise complexes include clusters of townhouses arranged around communal pools and gardens. They’re particularly popular among holidaymakers and seasonal residents, making them suitable for short-term renting or as part-time living spaces.
Maisonettes and duplexes are similar in layout – often split across two floors with internal staircases and open-plan living areas. Prices typically range from €170,000 to €350,000 depending on location and specifications. Be aware that you may need to pay communal fees in such developments, even if the home is not technically an apartment.
These properties require less upkeep than a detached villa but offer more space and privacy than an apartment. If you’re downsizing or looking for a lock-up-and-leave second home, this property type may tick all the boxes.
Detached villas in Cyprus
Villas in Cyprus offer the ultimate space and privacy, with many featuring their own swimming pools, gardens and terraces – perfect for outdoor entertaining. These homes are likely to be detached, single or two-storey, and often located inland where land is more abundant.
You’ll find beautiful villas scattered through the Troodos Mountains, as well as in areas like Tala, Tsada, Konia and the outskirts of Limassol. Those closer to the coast near Paphos or Larnaca tend to come at a premium.
A fully finished modern villa with pool and sea views is likely to start around €250,000, but larger luxury homes with landscaped grounds and smart-home features can exceed €700,000. At the lower end, older villas in need of refurbishment do appear on the market from around €160,000. These are often good value but may require structural updates and modern wiring.
In terms of climate, inland villas offer slightly cooler, drier air compared to coastal properties. This can be a welcome relief in high summer. However, being further from the beach and resort life may require you to rely more on a car or private management company for maintenance and security.
Villas are ideal for full-time living or long-stay retirement, especially for buyers who value gardens, outdoor space and upgraded insulation or solar systems – which are increasingly popular and cost-efficient.
Find your perfect Cyprus property
Whatever your vision – whether it’s a hilltop home with sunset views, a practical apartment in a lively resort or a traditional village house brimming with charm – there are many types of property available in Cyprus.
Let Your Overseas Home help you find the right property, with expert advice on paperwork, taxes and choosing a buyer-friendly exchange strategy. To begin your search, contact us today.
Understanding the different places to buy property in Cyprus is just as important as knowing which property type suits your needs. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, be sure to explore our complete guide to how to buy property in Cyprus, with everything you need to plan your next move with confidence.
Cyprus property FAQs
What types of property are available in Cyprus?
Cyprus offers a wide variety of property types, including apartments, townhouses, detached villas and traditional stone houses. Whether you’re seeking a coastal retreat, village lifestyle or urban convenience, you’ll find something to match your goals and budget.
What is the difference between freehold and leasehold in Cyprus?
Almost all residential property in Cyprus is sold as freehold, meaning you fully own the land and building. This is a significant benefit compared to countries like the UK, where leasehold ownership can be more restrictive.
Are traditional stone houses a good investment?
Yes, particularly for buyers looking for charm, character and potential rental appeal. However, they may require renovation and planning approval, especially if listed as heritage properties. Always confirm title deed status and budget for modernisation.
What are communal fees in Cyprus?
Communal fees are regular payments made by apartment or townhouse owners for shared services such as maintenance, cleaning, lifts, pools or security. These fees vary based on the size and complexity of the development.
