Introduction: The Mediterranean Island as a Temporary Home

More and more people are discovering the benefits of a longer stay in Cyprus – whether to escape winter, for an extended break, or as a trial period before a possible emigration. Renting an apartment in Cyprus is often the first step to get to know life on the third-largest Mediterranean island. With 340 days of sunshine per year, mild winter temperatures, and a fascinating mix of European and oriental culture, Cyprus offers ideal conditions for long-term stays.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything important about renting an apartment in Cyprus: from the most popular regions and typical rental prices to legal aspects and practical tips for apartment hunting. Additionally, we present an interesting alternative that offers many advantages over a classic apartment rental: all-inclusive long-term stays in hotels specifically tailored to the needs of long-term vacationers.

Understanding Cyprus: The Divided Island and Its Special Features

North and South Cyprus: Two Worlds on One Island

Before renting an apartment in Cyprus, you should understand the special political situation of the island:

Republic of Cyprus (South Cyprus):

• Internationally recognized state and EU member
• Euro as currency
• Predominantly Greek Cypriot population
• Higher standard of living, but also higher cost of living
• Stronger tourism, especially in coastal regions

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus:

• Internationally recognized only by Turkey
• Turkish Lira as currency
• Predominantly Turkish Cypriot population
• Lower cost of living (often 30-40% cheaper than in the South)
• Less developed for tourism, more original flair

This division has direct implications for the housing market and rental prices. Border crossing between both parts is now uncomplicated, so you could theoretically live in the cheaper North and use the amenities of the South.

Climate and Best Time for a Long-term Stay

Cyprus's climate is a main reason why many people rent an apartment on the island:

• Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures (18-25°C), ideal for outdoor activities, flowering landscape
• Summer (June to September): Hot (30-40°C), very sunny, ideal beach time
• Autumn (October to November): Pleasant temperatures (20-28°C), warm sea water, fewer tourists
• Winter (December to February): Mild at the coast (15-20°C), cool in the mountains (with snow in the Troodos Mountains)

For long-term renters from Northern Europe, the winter months are particularly attractive, as Cyprus then tempts with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, while cold and darkness prevail in Germany.

The Most Popular Regions for Renting an Apartment in Cyprus

South Cyprus: The EU Region

Limassol:

• Second-largest city and economic center
• Cosmopolitan flair with international community
• Excellent infrastructure and leisure opportunities
• Long beach promenade and modern cityscape
• Tendency towards higher rents, especially near the beach

Paphos:

• Popular tourist city with UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Picturesque harbor and beautiful old town
• Large expatriate community, especially British
• Somewhat lower rents than in Limassol
• Quieter pace than in the larger cities

Larnaca:

• Third-largest city with international airport
• Attractive beach promenade (Finikoudes)
• More authentic atmosphere and local flair
• Good balance between tourist infrastructure and Cypriot everyday life
• More moderate rents compared to Limassol

Ayia Napa / Protaras:

• Well-known holiday resorts with beautiful beaches
• Very busy in summer, much quieter in winter
• Seasonal rentals widespread
• Ideal for beach lovers

Northern Cyprus: The Affordable Alternative

Kyrenia (Girne):

• Picturesque port city with impressive castle
• Most popular region for long-term renters in Northern Cyprus
• Many restaurants, cafes, and shopping opportunities
• Beautiful beaches in the area
• Significantly lower rents than in comparable locations in the South

Famagusta (Gazimağusa):

• Historic city with impressive city walls
• Proximity to the best beaches in Cyprus
• University city with a young flair
• Lower rental prices than in Kyrenia
• Less touristy

Karpaz Peninsula:

• Unspoiled nature and lonely beaches
• Very quiet and secluded
• Original Cypriot life
• Limited supply of rental apartments
• Very low rental prices, but limited infrastructure

Rental Prices and Apartment Types in Cyprus

Typical Rental Prices by Region

Rental prices in Cyprus vary greatly depending on location, size, and equipment of the apartment:

South Cyprus (monthly rent):

• One-room apartment in the city center: €450-600
• Three-room apartment in the city center: €700-1,000
• One-room apartment outside the center: €350-500
• Three-room apartment outside the center: €550-800
• Luxury apartments near the beach: from €1,200

North Cyprus (monthly rent):

• One-room apartment in the city center: €250-350
• Three-room apartment in the city center: €400-600
• One-room apartment outside the center: €200-300
• Three-room apartment outside the center: €300-500
• Luxury apartments near the beach: from €700

For long-term rentals (from 6 months), price negotiations are often possible, especially in the off-season.

Typical Apartment Types in Cyprus

Apartments in Multi-family Houses:

• Most commonly available, especially in cities
• Different sizes from studios to 3+ bedrooms
• Often with balcony or terrace
• Partly in complexes with communal pool and garden areas

Townhouses:

• Typical in more traditional areas
• Usually multi-story with small courtyard or roof terrace
• Often renovated older buildings with character
• Good option for authentic living feeling

Villa Apartments:

• Parts of larger villas that have been divided into separate living units
• Often with own entrance and garden section
• More privacy than in classic multi-family houses
• Popular in suburbs and more rural areas

Furnishings:

• Most rental apartments are offered furnished
• Partially furnished options (only kitchen and basic furniture) also available
• Unfurnished apartments are rarer, but sometimes negotiable for longer stays
• Quality of furnishing varies greatly, room for negotiation for long-term rentals

The Rental Process: Finding and Renting an Apartment in Cyprus

Apartment Search: The Best Methods

There are various ways to find a suitable apartment in Cyprus:

Real Estate Portals and Websites:

• Bazaraki.com (especially for South Cyprus)
• Cyprus-property-buyers.com
• Cyprusadverts.net
• Facebook groups for apartment hunting in Cyprus
• Local newspapers like Cyprus Mail or Cyprus Weekly (also online)

Real Estate Agents:

• Facilitate the search especially for foreigners
• Know the local market and can help with negotiations
• Usually charge a commission (often one month's rent)
• Often offer additional services such as contract review

On-Site Search:

• Often more effective, as many offers don't appear online
• Allows direct viewing and negotiation
• Notices on bulletin boards in supermarkets, cafes, etc.
• Direct contact with landlords through word of mouth

Long-term Rental through Hotels:

• Some hotels offer apartments for long-term rental in the off-season
• Often incl. cleaning service and use of hotel facilities
• More flexible than classic rental contracts
• Particularly suitable for a first stay to get to know the island

Legal Aspects and Rental Contracts

When renting an apartment in Cyprus, you should consider the following legal aspects:

Rental Contracts in South Cyprus:

• Written rental contracts are common and recommended
• Standard in Greek, but English translations are common
• For stays over 3 months: Registration with local authorities necessary
• EU citizens need a "Yellow Slip" residence permit for longer stays
• Deposit usually 1-2 months' rent

Rental Contracts in Northern Cyprus:

• Less formalized than in the South
• Written contracts are recommended here too
• A visa is required for longer stays
• Legal system based on Turkish and British law
• Deposit typically 1 month's rent

Important Contract Points:

• Rental duration and extension options
• Notice periods and conditions
• Additional costs (water, electricity, internet) – included or separate?
• Maintenance obligations
• Regulations for subletting
• Pet keeping

Additional Costs and Ongoing Expenses

When budget planning for an apartment in Cyprus, you need to consider the following costs in addition to the rent:

Electricity:

• Comparatively expensive in Cyprus
• Air conditioners/heaters in winter can lead to high costs
• Prepayment or meter readings common
• Higher consumption in summer due to air conditioners, in winter due to electric heaters

Water:

• Relatively cheap compared to Germany
• Often billed quarterly
• Water scarcity can lead to restrictions in summer

Internet and Phone:

• Various providers with different packages
• Often more expensive than in Germany with lower speed
• Sometimes limited availability in rural areas

Garbage Collection:

• Usually included in municipal charges or covered by property management
• System differs from Germany (less waste separation)

Community Costs:

• In residential complexes with communal facilities (pool, garden, etc.)
• Monthly or annual payment
• Costs vary greatly depending on equipment and size of the complex

Insurance:

• Household insurance advisable (not always covered by the landlord)
• Liability insurance recommended

Practical Aspects of Living in Cyprus

Furnishing and Housekeeping

Furniture and Equipment:

• Furnished apartments usually contain basic equipment, but often no personal items
• Quality of furniture varies greatly, especially for budget offers
• Household appliances may be older models, check energy efficiency

Air Conditioning:

• Almost all apartments have air conditioners (for cooling and heating)
• Heat insulation is often worse than in Germany
• In winter, apartments can be cooler than expected (15-18°C in poorly insulated properties)
• Plan for additional heaters for winter

Water Supply:

• Water tanks on the roof in some regions (regular filling)
• Tap water is drinkable, but many prefer bottled water
• Water pressure can be weaker than in Germany

Transport and Mobility

Public Transport:

• Usable in cities like Limassol, Nicosia, or Larnaca
• Regular bus connections between cities
• Limited public transport in rural areas
• Cheaper than in Germany

Own Vehicle:

• Recommended for longer stays outside the cities
• Left-hand traffic (British heritage)
• Car rental for long-term stays comparatively cheap
• Purchase of a used car worth considering for very long stays

Bicycle and on Foot:

• Good possibilities in flat coastal cities
• Limited in summer due to heat
• Less bicycle infrastructure than in Germany
• Much accessible on foot in small cities

Integration and Social Life

As a long-term renter in Cyprus, you have various ways to integrate:

• Expatriate communities in larger cities (especially German and British)
• Language courses in Greek or Turkish
• Local clubs and groups
• Cultural events and festivals
• Volunteer activities

The Cypriot population is generally very hospitable and open. With a little initiative, you'll quickly make connections and get to know local life.

Challenges of Renting an Apartment in Cyprus

Potential Problems and Solutions

Language Barrier:

• Problem: Landlords often speak only Greek or Turkish
• Solution: Bring a translator to viewings or engage a real estate agent

Contract Uncertainties:

• Problem: Some landlords prefer verbal agreements
• Solution: Insist on a written contract, possibly seek legal advice

Quality Issues:

• Problem: Some apartments do not meet expected standards
• Solution: Personal viewing before contract conclusion, take photos, document defects

Additional Costs:

• Problem: Unexpected utility bills
• Solution: Precise agreements in the contract, obtain experience values from other tenants

Seasonal Price Fluctuations:

• Problem: Prices rise sharply in tourist regions during high season
• Solution: Negotiate long-term contracts with fixed prices

The Special Situation in Northern Cyprus

If you rent an apartment in Northern Cyprus, there are some additional aspects to consider:

• Property Rights: Due to the political situation, there are uncertainties regarding some properties
• Banking: Fewer international banks, often cash economy
• Supply Security: Occasional power and water outages in some regions
• Flight Connections: International flights only via Turkey
• Insurance: More limited options than in the South

Despite these challenges, Northern Cyprus, with its significantly lower rental prices and more authentic flair, offers an attractive alternative to the South for many.

The Alternative: Long-term Stays with LongStay Cyprus

Why a Hotel Stay Is Often Better Than Apartment Rental

If you're considering a longer stay in Cyprus, you should also consider the advantages of a longer-term hotel stay in addition to the classic apartment rental:

No Lead Times and Elaborate Search:

• No apartment viewings necessary
• No lengthy contract negotiations
• Immediately ready to move in with complete equipment
• No deposit or long-term commitment

All-Inclusive Service:

• Regular cleaning and laundry service
• Meals included – no shopping or cooking necessary
• Reception staffed around the clock – help with all questions
• Problem solutions are taken care of by the staff (repairs, etc.)

Leisure Facilities and Community:

• Access to hotel facilities such as pool, fitness, sauna, etc.
• Organized activities and entertainment programs
• Easy contact with other guests
• Social atmosphere instead of isolation

Cost Transparency:

• One total price for all services
• No surprising utility bills
• No worries about electricity, water, or internet connection
• No expenses for household items

The Concept of LongStay Cyprus

LongStay Cyprus has developed a unique concept that combines the advantages of a hotel stay with the flexibility and price advantage of a long-term apartment rental:

Flexible Length of Stay:

• Packages of 30, 60, or 80 days
• Individual adaptation possible
• Ideal for a first longer stay to get to know the island
• Perfect for winter escape without long-term obligations

Attractive Locations:

• Carefully selected hotels in Northern Cyprus
• Preferably in Kyrenia (Girne) – one of the most beautiful cities on the island
• Near beaches, restaurants, and sights
• Good starting point for explorations of the entire island

Comprehensive Service Package:

• Accommodation in comfortable hotels or apartments
• Half board or full board as preferred
• Regular cleaning and laundry service
• WiFi and TV included
• Use of all hotel facilities

Special Plus: Activity Program

• Up to 20 guided excursions throughout the island included
• Professional, German-speaking tour guide
• Visit to all major attractions
• Transport to all excursions organized
• Foreign excursion e.g., to Egypt including flight included in the package

Price Advantages:

• Significantly cheaper than comparable individual bookings
• Often even cheaper than apartment rental plus utilities and meals
• Attractive discounts for longer stays
• No hidden additional costs

The Advantages Compared to Apartment Rental

Compared to classic apartment rental in Cyprus, LongStay Cyprus offers decisive advantages:

Organization and Planning:

• No elaborate apartment search
• No stress with contract negotiations
• No worry about utilities and connections
• One contact for all concerns

Financial Aspects:

• Better plannability through package price
• No deposit necessary
• No long-term financial commitment
• Inclusive services that would cost extra with self-catering

Quality of Life:

• More time for relaxation and exploration
• No housekeeping necessary
• Social contacts with like-minded people
• Varied activity program

Flexibility:

• No long-term commitment
• Possibility to get to know different regions
• Easy change if not satisfied
• Ideal to test whether a longer-term life in Cyprus is right

Case Study: Apartment Rental vs. LongStay Cyprus

Cost Calculation in Comparison

To illustrate the financial differences, here is an example for a 60-day stay in Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus:

Option 1: Rent an Apartment

• Monthly rent for two-room apartment: €400 × 2 = €800
• Deposit (usually one month's rent): €400
• Electricity and water for two months: approx. €150
• Internet for two months: approx. €60
• Food and meals: approx. €600
• Transport for excursions (rental car or public transport): approx. €500
• Costs for activities and entrance fees: approx. €300
• Total costs for 60 days: approx. €2,810
• Plus: Independence and privacy
• Minus: Organizational effort, housekeeping, potentially lonelier

Option 2: LongStay Cyprus Package

• 60-day package in comfortable hotel with half board: approx. €2,400
• Including 20 guided excursions throughout the island
• Including transfer from/to the airport
• Including tour guide and support
• Including cleaning service
• Total costs for 60 days: approx. €2,400
• Plus: All-round carefree package, social contacts, organized activities
• Minus: Less privacy, less independence

In this example, the LongStay Cyprus package is not only cheaper but also offers significantly more services and amenities.

Which Option Is Suitable for Whom?

Apartment Rental Could Be Better For:

• People who value privacy very highly
• Persons who want to cater for themselves and enjoy cooking
• Long-term stays over several months or years
• Families with special space requirements
• People who want to experience the "real" local life

LongStay Cyprus Is Better Suited For:

• First-time testers who want to get to know Cyprus first
• Persons who value comfort and service
• People seeking social contacts
• Active explorers who want to see much of the island
• Winter escapees who want to escape the German winter for a few months
• Persons without experience with stays abroad
• Older people for whom housekeeping could be a burden

Conclusion: The Best Decision for Your Cyprus Stay

The decision whether to rent an apartment in Cyprus or book a LongStay Cyprus package depends on your personal priorities, your budget, and the planned length of stay.

An apartment rental offers you more independence and is often the better choice for very long stays or special requirements. However, it requires more organizational effort, involves certain risks, and can be overwhelming especially for first-time visitors.

The all-inclusive packages from LongStay Cyprus, on the other hand, offer an all-round carefree experience at a surprisingly reasonable price. Especially for people who want to get to know Cyprus first, value comfort, or want to enjoy island life without organizational effort, this concept is ideal.

A smart approach can also be the combination of both options: Start with a LongStay Cyprus package to get to know the island and explore different regions. If you then decide on a longer-term stay, you can search more specifically for a suitable apartment, with the knowledge and experiences you gathered during your hotel stay.

Regardless of your decision, Cyprus promises an unforgettable stay with its mild climate, rich culture, and friendly people – be it for a few weeks, months, or even years.

Would You Like to Get to Know Cyprus in the Most Comfortable and Carefree Way?

Request a Non-binding Offer (click on this link)

Contact LongStay Cyprus and have a customized offer created for your long-term stay. Enjoy the best that Cyprus has to offer without having to worry about organizational details.