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How To Make Money In Real Estate: 11 Ways To Get Started

3rd April, 2026

In 2025, Cyprus ranked among the top five countries for property investment. So, if you’re interested in making more money through real estate, we’ve got some tips to get you started. 

With sun all year round, Cyprus is the ideal location for holiday rentals. A growing student population means plenty of opportunities for long-term rentals in term time. Looking for more short-term investments? As a global business hub, people are always passing through. 

Our experts have put together 11 ways to make money in real estate here in Cyprus, ensuring you know exactly where to get started. 

 

11 Ways to Make Money in Real Estate

 

1. Holiday Rentals

More than 4.5 million people visited Cyprus last year (2025), marking a record-breaking year for tourism. As such, holiday rentals are a great way to make money in real estate. 

Buying in popular holiday areas is the best way to ensure you get the most money from your investment. Areas such as Limassol, Nicosia, or Paphos attract plenty of tourists to ensure your holiday rental is fully booked up during peak seasons – June to August. 

Income tax relief in Cyprus means your profit from the holiday rental is tax-free up to the first €22,000 earned. Current rates offer an increase over previous years, which provided only a €19,500 tax-free allowance.  

Estimated Returns: On average, you could potentially earn between 4% and 7%  gross rental yield on a holiday rental in Cyprus.  

 

2. Buy-And-Hold Rental Properties

Plenty of people move to Cyprus, presenting a unique opportunity for buy-and-hold rentals. In fact, recent data shows a net migration of over 8,000 people in a year.

Buy-and-hold rental properties help you capitalise on the popularity of Cyprus amongst expats and migrants. But how do they work? Well, you purchase real estate in the country, hold it while the value increases, but rent it out in the meantime.

You earn in the short term through rental income, with a potentially larger payout later on after property value appreciation. Choosing a property you expect to increase in value is key to making money in real estate through buy-and-hold rentals. 

Estimated Returns: You could earn an average of 4% to 7% rental income, while selling the property typically means a larger payout, with some apartments having a 20% increase in market value. 

 

3. Fix & Flip

For the hands-on investor, fix-and-flip properties grant total control of the renovation process, while offering unique benefits when it comes time to sell. 

Cyprus has some of the lowest corporate taxes in the EU, currently only 12.5%. Plus, with a stable real estate market and high demand for renovated properties from foreign investors, you could sell the property for a healthy profit. 

Typically, the process takes between 6 and 12 months, from searching for the right property to repairs and, eventually, sale. However, taking high-quality images of the property once it’s ready to market can make it more attractive to potential buyers. 

Estimated Returns: Depending on the market conditions at the time of sale, you could earn an average of 10% to 18% on investments into fix-and-flip properties in Cyprus. Naturally, the better the renovation, the more you’re likely to earn. 

 

4. Real Estate Investment Trusts

With Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), you get a safer way to build your real estate portfolio, as you’re investing alongside others interested in making money in real estate. 

So, how do they work? Put simply, an REIT enables you to pool money with other investors into a company that owns a specific area of real estate, e.g., commercial or residential. 

You then get a steady stream of income, as the company will buy a property using the pooled funds and distribute the rent payments to investors. When stocks are up, you may choose to sell your shares for a lump sum. 

Estimated Returns: Real Estate Investment Trusts in Cyprus can return between 4% to 8% a year to investors. Plus, as the property value may increase, you could stand to benefit from capital appreciation 

 

5. Off-Plan Properties

Off-plan properties are a great investment opportunity to consider if you’re looking to make money in real estate. But why is that? Let’s take a look. 

When you purchase a property that is currently under construction, the value typically increases as the project goes on. Once development is complete, you’ll likely see another increase.

If you like the idea of a fix-and-flip property, but don’t have the free time to be as involved in the development process, off-plan properties are ideal. You benefit from the appreciation of property value, without the need to spend time on construction plans. 

Estimated Returns: We offer off–plan properties across Cyprus, designed to help you get started on your investment portfolio. Get in touch with us to discuss the best opportunity for you. 

 

6. Rent-To-Own

One way to start investing in real estate is to explore rent-to-own properties. Here, you’ll rent a property for a set period before purchasing at an agreed date. 

Rent-to-own allows you to potentially purchase a property for less than its current market price at the time of purchase. As the purchase price is agreed upon before purchase, you can avoid potentially hefty inflation figures, saving money in the long run. 

For those looking to lease with a rent-to-own contract, you get the benefit of monthly income, as you don’t have to wait for the property to sell. Plus, you get the chance to sell the property on a pre-agreed date, controlling when you receive the full funds. 

Estimated Returns: Potential earnings depend on whether you’re the landlord or tenant. For landlords, you get rental payments and the potential of a sale to an interested buyer later on. Tenants, your rent gets put into a deposit fund for when it’s time to buy. 

 

7. Long-Term Rentals

The number of people living in Cyprus long-term is always expanding, with expats and students moving to the island. As such, long-term rentals offer a lucrative opportunity. 

Limassol is one of the most expensive areas, with an average rent price of €1,760 for properties outside of the city. The closer to the centre you get, the higher the rent, with a three-bed apartment costing an average of €2,350 a month.

Naturally, you’ll need up-front fees to purchase the property. However, you can recoup those funds over time with rental prices. Make sure to do your research on the best areas to invest in. 

Estimated Returns: Depending on the area you buy your rental property in, as well as how many bedrooms the property has, you could earn over €2,000 a month. 

 

8. Property Improvements

If you already own a property in Cyprus and are considering selling for a profit, a few improvements can add to the final sale price. 

For example, with such a sunny and warm climate, private swimming pools are sought after in Cyprus. Investing in one can increase the sale price up to 20% for homes in high-end or tourist-heavy areas. 

Other popular property improvements include solar panels, smart-tech, and panoramic views. While these do cost money upfront, they can mean you leave with more in your pocket when the sale of the property is complete. 

Estimated Returns: How much you get depends on several factors, e.g, what the improvement is, and where the property is located. However, you may be able to increase the sale price up to 20% in some cases. 

 

9. Alternative Investment Funds

If you’re not sure you want to invest in owning an investment property outright, Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) are the perfect opportunity to explore. 

Instead of buying a property yourself, you’ll contribute to a fund that features multiple properties. From there, a designated professional will make investments on your behalf, in alignment with your funds and goals. 

If you’re looking to make money in real estate, but want to explore other options too, AIFs are one to consider. Not only are they usually used for property investment, but there may be other options available, like private equity or hedge funds. 

Estimated Returns: How much return you could receive differs depending on how much you invest and where your funds are invested. Discuss your goals with those looking after your money.  

 

10. Buy-To-Let

Naturally, in a country with a population of over 1.5 million people, there are going to be plenty of opportunities for buy-to-let properties.

Here, you purchase a property with the intention of letting it out to locals in the area. Rental prices can vary with the location, size, and amenities included. For example, a property in Limassol will typically cost more than one in Paphos.

Buy-to-let properties promise a steady income as tenants pay a monthly fee either directly to you or through an estate agency. An estate agent will take off fees from the total figure, but they’ll also handle all the paperwork, freeing up your time to look at making money in real estate elsewhere.

Estimated Returns: Average rental prices in Paphos start from €1,000, while popular areas like Limassol can reach up to €2,500

 

11. Commercial Spaces

With millions of people living in or visiting Cyprus, commercial spaces offer an interesting way of making money in real estate on the Mediterranean island. 

Instead of buying a property to fix, repair, rent, or improve, you buy a commercial space to rent to a business for use as office space, retail shops, or cafes. Similar to rental apartments, you earn a monthly income by renting, except you’re renting to businesses instead. 

Typically, renting a commercial space has a longer-term lease, locking you in at a set figure for a predetermined period. As such, you’re guaranteed a steady income for the duration of the rental period.

Estimated Returns: Recent local news suggests that commercial spaces in popular shopping areas in Cyprus can reach as much as €70 per square meter monthly.



DNP Properties Provides Luxury Development Properties for Investment

Here at DNP Properties, we want to help you get started with making money through real estate – our property developments are designed to do exactly that. 

With us, you get to explore luxury properties across the South of the Mediterranean island. Whether you’re looking for a buy-to-let property or a holiday rental, you can find the right property with us. 

Give us a call on + 357 7000 8188 or click the ‘contact us’ button at the top of the page to be taken to our contact form. In the meantime, why not explore some of our properties? Melrose Gardens offers quaint, premium villas, while DNP Park Side is set right in Paphos city centre.