During the third 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 15%, 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 unemployment is at high levels 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 while the rate of decrease is less than previous quarters. In addition certain Districts indicate signs of stability as Paphos, Larnaca and Famagusta are progressively bottoming out.
Across Cyprus, movements in property prices appear mix as residential prices for flats fell by 0.4% and 0.5% for houses. The biggest drop being in Famagusta (1.2% for flats) and in Limassol 3.2% decrease for houses. A decrease of 0.3% for houses was noted in Nicosia.
Values of retail properties fell by an average 0.6%, offices were stable at the same level, and warehouses increase by 1.1%.
Compared to Q3 2014, prices dropped by 1.9% for flats, 1.3% for houses, 4% for retail, 2.7% for office, and 1.8% for warehouses.
*Q4 2009 = 100, which is the base value of the index
Market Rental Values
Across Cyprus, on a quarterly basis rental values increased by 0.3% for apartments, 1.5% for houses and 2.6% for office. A decrease of 1.1% for retail units was noted and 0.1% for warehouses.
Compared to Q3 2014, rents dropped by 1.5% for flats, 0.5% for houses, 4% for retail, 2.5% for warehouses, and 0.2% 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. Paphos is the only district
with positive returns in all asset classes when compared to Q3 2014.
Appraisal based initial yields
At the end of Q3 2015 average gross yields stood at 3.9% for apartments, 2% for houses, 5.2% for retail, 4.3% for warehouses, and 4.5% 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.
Source: RICS Cyprus
Owning a home is a keystone of wealth… both financial affluence and emotional security.
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