Cyprus MPs debate curbs on non-EU property buyers as price concerns return

Parliament this week rekindled the debate on limiting real estate purchases by foreign nationals, a term understood to mean non-EU persons, as MPs and the government jointly draft amendments to the basic law. One Akel MP told the chamber that foreigners now account for half of all property sales, and framed the issue as national security, saying foreign buyers are acquiring land near sensitive sites including the ceasefire line, military installations, airports and harbours; he also argued the purchases price out local buyers. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou was asked about the matter. The article notes the picture is not clear-cut: foreign demand concentrates on high-end and new-build properties.