**Cyprus Approves 2,915 Building Permits Worth €1.67 Billion in Early 2026**
Cyprus has experienced a notable surge in building activity, as reported by the state statistical service, Cystat. In April 2026, the island recorded the authorization of 639 building permits, marking a 10.7 percent increase compared to the same month in the previous year. These permits had a combined value of €413 million and covered an area of 335,336 square meters, facilitating the construction of 1,728 new dwelling units.
From January to April 2026, the total number of building permits issued reached 2,915, a significant rise of 35.1 percent from the 2,157 permits authorized during the same period in 2025. The total value of these permits also saw a substantial increase of 46.1 percent, climbing from €1.14 billion to €1.67 billion. The authorized floor area expanded by 45.5 percent, growing from 927,996 square meters to approximately 1.35 million square meters.
The residential sector has been the primary driver of this growth. In the first four months of 2026, the number of planned homes rose dramatically by 65 percent, reaching 7,131 units compared to 4,321 during the corresponding period in 2025. In April alone, 477 residential building permits were issued, contributing to a total of 2,154 residential permits for the year thus far, which is a 33.6 percent increase from the 1,612 permits issued in the same timeframe last year.
While the residential sector showed robust growth, non-residential building permits increased at a more modest rate of 4.9 percent, from 243 to 255 permits, with 43 of these issued in April. Civil engineering permits saw a more significant rise, increasing by 36 percent to 170 permits, with 38 authorized in April.
An area of particular growth was the division of plots, which saw a remarkable 72 percent increase in permits issued, totaling 270 permits compared to 157 in the previous year. Road construction permits also experienced substantial growth, more than tripling from 20 to 66 permits, although this category remains relatively small, with only nine permits issued in April.
The authorized area for residential buildings alone increased by 66.9 percent, reaching 1.23 million square meters, compared to 738,562 square meters in the previous year. Of this total, 323,444 square meters were approved in April. In contrast, the area covered by non-residential permits decreased by 46.4 percent, dropping from 187,610 to 100,562 square meters, with 11,504 square meters approved in April.
The value of residential developments during the January to April 2026 period was €1.43 billion, reflecting a 66.6 percent increase from €857.8 million. The residential permits issued in April alone were valued at €384.3 million. Conversely, the value of non-residential projects saw a decline of 36.6 percent, falling from €227.3 million to €144 million, with permits issued in April worth €14.2 million.
Civil engineering projects also demonstrated growth, with their values rising by 58.8 percent to €76.4 million, including €9.6 million worth of permits issued in April. The value of plot division projects doubled to €18.2 million, while road construction values rose by 113.8 percent to €3.3 million, with respective April values of €4.6 million and €411,000.
Apartment developments have been a significant contributor to the residential pipeline, with permits issued during the first four months providing for 5,184 homes in residential apartment blocks, an increase of 85.9 percent from 2,789 in the previous year. In April alone, apartment blocks accounted for 1,361 of the 1,728 homes approved.
The number of single houses also increased, rising by 23.3 percent to 1,237, with 229 approved during April. Homes in buildings containing two housing units saw a 14.2 percent increase to 419, including 85 permits issued in April.
Despite the overall year-on-year growth, April's figures represented a slight slowdown compared to March, when 776 permits covering 353,900 square meters and 1,940 homes were authorized. This trend aligns with Cystat's earlier data indicating a 0.7 percent increase in construction output during the first quarter of 2026, alongside a 4.7 percent rise in construction prices year-on-year.
Additionally, Eurostat reported a 3.8 percent increase in house sales in Cyprus for 2025, with house prices rising by 1.6 percent during the first quarter of 2026 compared to the previous quarter.
Cystat clarified that the reported figures encompass permits for residential and non-residential buildings, civil engineering projects, plot divisions, and road construction, including demolition and reissued permits, but excluding renewals and permits for the division of buildings.