Why No Government Restrictions?
Every other country protects its housing market from foreign speculation. So why does Cyprus refuse to act? Follow the money...
The Government's Excuses
Every excuse they give falls apart under scrutiny. Here's what they claim vs. reality:
EU Freedom of Movement
The Excuse:
We can't restrict EU citizens from buying property
The Reality:
Many EU countries have restrictions that work within EU law
Economic Benefits
The Excuse:
Foreign investment brings money to Cyprus
The Reality:
Money that displaces locals and creates economic colonialism
Legal Complexity
The Excuse:
It's too complicated to implement restrictions
The Reality:
Other countries manage it fine - we lack political will
Market Forces
The Excuse:
We can't interfere with the free market
The Reality:
Every other sector has regulations - why not housing?
What Other Countries Do
Successful foreign investment restrictions from around the world that Cyprus could implement tomorrow
Switzerland
Lex Koller Law
Non-residents can only buy vacation homes in designated tourist areas
Result:
Maintains affordable housing for locals while preserving tourism
Denmark
Foreign Ownership Restrictions
Non-residents need permits for rural properties and summer houses
Result:
Protects rural communities from speculation
New Zealand
Overseas Investment Amendment
Banned most foreign buyers from residential real estate
Result:
Housing prices stabilized, locals regained access
Singapore
Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty
Heavy taxes on foreign property purchases (up to 60%)
Result:
Prioritizes locals while still allowing foreign investment
Austria
Regional Approval Requirements
Foreign buyers need regional government approval
Result:
Balances investment with community needs
Norway
Residency Requirements
Must live in Norway for 2+ years to buy property
Result:
Ensures buyers are genuine residents
What Cyprus Could Do Tomorrow
Simple, proven policies that could protect Cypriot housing immediately
Residency Requirements
Require 2-year Cyprus residency before property purchase
Foreign Buyer Tax
20-50% additional tax on non-resident purchases
Local First Policy
30-day priority period for Cypriot buyers
Investment Caps
Limit foreign ownership to 20% per municipality
Beneficial Ownership Registry
Public database of all property ownership
Speculation Tax
Heavy taxes on properties held less than 5 years
The Real Reasons for Inaction
Follow the money to understand why Cyprus refuses to protect its own citizens
Lawyer Lobbying
Legal profession makes millions from foreign transactions
Evidence:
€200M+ annual revenue from foreign property sales
Developer Profits
Construction companies prefer high-paying foreign buyers
Evidence:
50-100% higher margins on luxury developments
Banking Interests
Banks profit from large foreign transactions and mortgages
Evidence:
€5B+ in foreign property loans outstanding
Political Corruption
Politicians benefit from the current system
Evidence:
Undisclosed interests in development and legal firms
The Corruption Network
Cyprus's refusal to implement foreign buyer restrictions isn't incompetence - it's corruption. A network of politicians, lawyers, developers, and bankers profit enormously from the current system.
Politicians receive campaign donations from developers. Lawyers make millions in fees. Banks profit from loans. Meanwhile, ordinary Cypriots are priced out of their own homeland.
The Cost to Cyprus
Every year of inaction means more families displaced, more communities destroyed, and more of Cyprus sold to the highest bidder.
Who Benefits vs. Who Suffers
Who Benefits:
Who Suffers:
Time for New Leadership
Cyprus needs leaders who will put Cypriot families before foreign profits. Leaders who understand that a country where locals can't afford homes is a country that has betrayed its own people.
CyprusCoin: Funding Real Change
When CyprusCoin reaches $100M market cap, we'll fund political candidates who will implement foreign buyer restrictions, break up the corruption network, and put Cyprus back in Cypriot hands. Because the current system serves everyone except the people who actually live here.