Rent is 900 euros, with over 3,000 to start. How much does rent really cost in Cyprus?

The cost of renting an apartment in Cyprus does not end with the amount shown in the advertisement. An apartment priced at €900 per month can require over €3,000 in preparation before or immediately after handing over the keys. This includes a security deposit, the first month's rent, utility deposits, and sometimes additional brokerage fees.

First-time movers, in particular, may be surprised. Some of the money isn't a permanent expense—security deposits should be refunded later if there are no arrears or damages. However, you need to have this cash available at the beginning of the lease.

Rent of 900 euros does not mean 900 euros to start with

Let's assume we found an apartment that costs 900 euros per month.

When signing a typical contract, the landlord may ask for the first rent and a deposit equivalent to one or two months of rent.

For most modern leases on the open market, there is no single government security deposit rate. The market standard remains most often one or two monthly rents, although for more expensive or furnished properties the requirements may be greater.

With a rent of 900 euros, it looks like this:

• 1 deposit: 900 euro rent + 900 euro deposit = 1800 euro before utilities.
• 2 deposits: 900 euro rent + 1800 euro deposit = already 2700 euro.
• If, in addition, the tenant pays the agreed agency commission corresponding to one rent + 19% VAT: There's a further €1,071 added. However, this isn't an automatic or statutory fee for the tenant – you need to agree on who pays the agent before signing the contract.

And only then does the media begin.

EAC may ask the tenant for another 200 euros

If the electricity bill is transferred to the tenant, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus requires a deposit.

For a citizen of Cyprus or another European Union country who I rent property, it currently amounts to 200 euro.

In the case of a tenant who is a citizen of a non-EU country, this is 350 euro.

The deposit is not an additional electricity bill. EAC holds it as security and settles it at the end of the supply agreement, after deducting any arrears.

However, if the electricity remains in the landlord's name and the parties have agreed so, the tenant does not automatically have to bear this cost when moving out.

Water can add another 100-250 euros

Here it is impossible to give one amount for the entire island.

Following the local government reform, regional EOAs are responsible for water, and the amount of security for tenants varies depending on the place of residence.

IN Larnaca when transferring the account to the tenant, the deposit is currently 100 euro. IN Nicosia is 125 euros, and in Limassol 250 euro.

This means that two identical apartments with the same rent may require a different starting amount simply because they are located in different parts of the island.

So how much do you need for a rent of 900 euros?

Let's take a Polish citizen who signs a contract for 900 euros and signs over the electricity and water.

By one deposit for the apartment the beginning looks something like this:

900 euros – first rent
900 euros – owner's deposit
200 euros - EAC deposit
100–250 euros – sample water deposit, depending on the region

Total: approximately €2,100–2,250.

And this is without moving, internet, first purchases for the apartment or any community fees.

By two deposits for the apartment it's already happening:

900 + 1,800 + 200 + 100–250 euros.

That is 3000–3150 euro, before we buy even the first cleaning products or equipment that is missing in the apartment.

In the case of a non-EU citizen, an additional €150 difference in the EAC deposit must be added to this example.

What about agency commission?

And here it is worth being careful, because this is where misunderstandings often arise.

In Cyprus there is no rule that says the tenant always pays the agent the equivalent of one month's rent.

In many long-term listings, the agent's fee is covered by the property owner. However, other arrangements are possible, so it's important to ask directly before starting the transaction. whether the tenant pays any commission and how much exactly is it?.

If, for example, at a rent of 900 euros, the agreed tenant's fee is one rent plus 19% VAT, this will be 1071 euro.

Then the scenario with one deposit for the apartment may exceed 3200–3300 euro, even without the costs of the move itself.

It's also worth using the services of registered agents. In the Republic of Cyprus, real estate agent activity requires registration in the appropriate register and licensing.

What will rents be like in Cyprus in 2026?

900 euros a month today means a completely different apartment depending on the city.

According to data presented in July 2026 by Marinos Kynigeirou, president of the Real Estate Agents Registration Council, average monthly rents for one-bedroom apartments are approximately 1000–1100 euros in Limassol, 600–650 euros in Nicosia, 500–600 euros in Larnaca and 500–550 euros in Paphos.

With two bedrooms it is approximately 1400–1500 euros in Limassol, 800–900 euros in Nicosia and 700–800 euros in Larnaca and Paphos.

These are average market levels, not list prices. A new, furnished apartment near the sea, marina, or city center can cost significantly more.

In practice, this means that 900 euros is already below the typical rate even for a one-bedroom apartment in Limassol, while in Nicosia, Larnaca or Paphos you can look for a larger premises for a similar amount.

As of July, rent cannot be paid in cash.

From July 1, 2026 there is one more very important change.

Rent for property in the Republic of Cyprus must be paid through bank transfer, card or other recognized electronic payment tool.

The regulations apply to all individuals and companies, regardless of the rent amount.

Importantly, the Ministry of Internal Affairs clarifies that it is not only prohibited to hand over the banknotes to the owner.

Depositing cash directly into his bank account is also not considered a proper form of rent payment.

The transfer has an additional advantage for the tenant – it leaves a clear trace of payment.

The new regulations apply to rentHowever, when paying a security deposit, it's also worth using a bank transfer and describing the payment in detail so that there are no doubts about what it was for.

Contracts from 2026 no longer subject to stamp duty

The second change came into effect earlier.

From January 1, 2026 Documents concluded and signed in Cyprus are no longer subject to the previous stamp duty. This also applies to new lease agreements.

The old rules still apply to documents signed by at least one party by December 31, 2025.

In the case of a new contract concluded today, there is no need to add stamp duty to the moving costs.

The deposit is refundable, but it must be secured

Two months of rent paid to the landlord should not be treated as two additional months of costs.

This is a security deposit that should be returned at the end of the lease, taking into account any arrears or damages specified in the contract.

The problem is that Cyprus does not have a universal state deposit protection system similar to the solutions in place in some other European countries.

Therefore, before collecting the keys, it is worth taking detailed photos of the apartment, furniture and appliances, noting the meter readings and making a list of any existing damage.

The contract should also clearly state, How much is the deposit, what can the landlord deduct for, and when is the money due back after you move out?.

900 euros can mean over 3,000 at the entrance

The most important conclusion is therefore simple.

If the apartment costs 900 euros a month, you should not arrive to sign the contract with 900 or even 1,500 euros in your account.

With one deposit and media prescription, a realistic start could be around 2100–2250 euro.

With two deposits it already exceeds 3 thousand euros.

And if you factor in the tenant's commission, moving, internet, furnishings, and common charges, the first month can cost even more.

Therefore, when looking for an apartment in Cyprus, it is safer to look not only at the monthly rent, but also at the full amount needed to collect the keys.

Source: Cyprus Tax Department / Electricity Authority of Cyprus / District Local Government Organizations / Council for Registration of Real Estate Agents