Paphos takes the lead in Cyprus building permits

The western Cyprus coastal region of Paphos took the lead in terms of the value of building permits authorised in the first 11 months of 2006, with the total value authorised rising by 20.6% over the same period of 2005 to CYP 293 mln, compared with a rise of 8.6% for the whole of Cyprus. In January-September, the fastest value growth was seen in Larnaca.

By contrast, the value of permits authorised for the inland capital of Nicosia (Lefkosia) fell by 0.3% year on year in the first 11 months of the year, despite a strong rise in the value of rural permits. The contrast between urban and rural permits reflects a trend of people moving to houses in the suburbs rather than living in apartments in the town.

However, Nicosia still accounts for the largest proportion of permits, by every measure. In January-November 2006, Nicosia accounted for 33% of the number, area and value of all permits and just under 30% of dwelling units. 

Growth in the value of building permits was also strong for the coastal towns of Larnaca and Limassol, but fell in Ammochostos (Famagusta) in the east. This area would stand most to gain from any reunification of the island, since at present it lies furthest away from the internationally recognised airports of Paphos and Larnaca, but under a solution would be fairly close to a port and airport.

Fiona Mullen