This is the twenty-third publication of RICS Cyprus� Property Price Index, a quarterly price and rental index which is based on methodology produced by the University of Reading, UK. The Index tracks property and rental prices across all districts and main property types.

Introduction & Commentary

During the second quarter of 2015 the Cyprus economy showed some signs of stability, with the economy�s performance being better than expected and tourism mildly outperforming forecasts. Unemployment remained at a historical high level, stabilised at ca 16%, and discussions were ongoing regarding privatisations of state owned enterprises and the foreclosure law was implemented.
Given prevailing economic conditions and the turbulence in Cyprus� banking system, there were few transactions during the quarter although volume was higher on a year on year basis. Local buyers in particular were the most discerning as the increase in unemployment and the prospects of the local economy maintained the lack of interest. Furthermore, those interested are trying to access bank-finance.

Market Capital Values

The Property Price Index has recorded falls in most cities and asset classes, with significant falls being recorded in Nicosia and Larnaca. Nicosia is clearly feeling the impact on the government and banking sector (the two sectors who dominate the local employment market), whilst Paphos and Famagusta are progressively bottoming out.
Across Cyprus, movements in property prices appear mix as residential prices for flats fell by 0.4% and 0.3% for houses. The biggest drop being in Larnaca (1.2% for flats) and 3% for houses. An increase of 0.6% for houses was noted in Nicosia. Values of retail properties fell by an average 0.1%, offices by 1.4%, and warehouses decrease by 2.4%.
Compared to Q2 2014, prices dropped by 2.6% for flats, 2.3% for houses, 5.5% for retail, 1.4% for office, and 2.4% for warehouses.

Market Rental Values

Across Cyprus, on a quarterly basis rental values decreased by 0.3% for apartments, 2% for houses, 1.1% for office, 2.1% for retail units and 1.4% for warehouses.
Compared to Q1 2014, rents dropped by 3.0% for flats, 2.9% for houses, 6% for retail, 2.8% for warehouses, and 3.6% for offices.
The majority of asset classes and geographies continue to be affected, with areas that had dropped the most early on in the property cycle now nearing or at the trough, e.g Paphos and Famagusta are showing some signs of price stability.

Appraisal based initial yields

At the end of Q2 2015 average gross yields stood at 3.8% for apartments, 1.9% for houses, 5.2% for retail, 4.3% for warehouses, and 4.4% for offices. The parallel reduction in capital values and rents is keeping investment yields relatively stable and at low levels (compared to yields overseas). This suggests that there is still room for some re-pricing of capital values to take place, especially for properties in secondary locations.

Download the full PDF Cyprus Property Price Index Q2 2015 publication