Expat Housing Guide
Renting in Cyprus: How to Find and Secure a Home Before You Arrive (2025)
Securing a place to live is the biggest logistical challenge when moving to a new country. The Cyprus rental market is fast-paced, and trying to navigate it from abroad can be daunting. This CyExpats.com guide provides a clear process, highlights the best resources, and gives you critical advice on how to secure your new home safely and efficiently.
Crucial Warning: Avoid Scams
Never transfer a deposit or first month's rent for a property you have not seen, either in person or via a live, interactive video call with a trusted agent. Scammers often use fake listings with attractive prices to lure prospective tenants. If a deal seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Always verify the agent's credentials and the property's existence.
The 5-Step Process to Renting in Cyprus
Follow this structured approach to stay organized and secure.
Define Your Needs & Budget
Before you start looking, decide on your non-negotiables. How many bedrooms? Do you need a furnished or unfurnished place? Which cities or neighbourhoods are you targeting? Check the chart below to get a realistic idea of rental prices, as they vary dramatically across the island.
🧮 Try Our Calculator!
Need help with your budget? Use our Cyprus Rental Cost Calculator to estimate your total monthly expenses, including utilities and other fees.
Use Reputable Online Portals
This is where your search will begin. These platforms host listings from hundreds of registered real estate agents across Cyprus. Create alerts for properties that match your criteria.
- Bazaraki.com: The largest classifieds site in Cyprus, with a massive property section.
- Spitogatos.com.cy: A very popular and user-friendly real estate portal.
- Home.cy: A modern platform focused solely on real estate.
Engage a Licensed Real Estate Agent
While you can browse online yourself, a good agent is invaluable, especially when you're abroad. They can verify listings, conduct viewings on your behalf (via video call), and negotiate terms. In Cyprus, the landlord typically pays the agent's commission for long-term rentals (12+ months), so there is no direct cost to you.
The Viewing & Offer
Insist on a live video tour with your agent. Ask them to show you everything: turn on the taps to check water pressure, open and close windows, and show you the building's exterior and street. If you are satisfied, your agent will submit a rental offer to the landlord on your behalf.
The Rental Agreement & Deposit
Once the offer is accepted, you will receive a rental agreement. Review it carefully (see details below). A standard deposit in Cyprus is **one month's rent**, though some landlords may ask for two. This deposit, along with the first month's rent, is typically transferred upon signing the contract. Use a secure bank transfer, not an untraceable money service.
Average Monthly Rent (2-Bedroom Apartment)
Data is illustrative, based on Q1/Q2 2025 market trends. Prices can fluctuate significantly.
Understanding the Rental Agreement
A standard rental agreement in Cyprus is for 12 months. Before signing, ensure you understand these key points:
- Deposit Clause: It should clearly state the conditions under which the deposit will be returned at the end of the tenancy.
- Utility Bills: The contract must specify that all utility bills (electricity, water, internet, refuse) will be transferred to your name and are your responsibility.
- Notice Period: Check the required notice period if you or the landlord wish to terminate the contract after the initial 12 months (usually 1-2 months).
- Pets: If you have pets, ensure there is a specific clause giving you permission to keep them on the property.
- Stamping the Contract: For your legal protection, it's highly recommended that the rental agreement is stamped by the Tax Department. This makes it an official document that can be used in case of any disputes. Your agent or lawyer can handle this.
🤔 Thinking Long-Term?
Unsure if renting is the right long-term choice? Our Buy vs. Rent Calculator can help you compare the financial implications of each option for your life in Cyprus.