In 2026, the real estate sector will need to move with careful steps, facing challenges that can be turned into opportunities, underline the co-Presidents of the Leptos Group, Pantelis M. Leptos and George M. Leptos, pointing out that with proper planning, challenges can become a lever for development.
In an interview with InBusinessNews, as part of 'IN Business Forecasting 2026' series, they emphasise that international trends clearly point to a path that can work in Cyprus’ favour, among them the greater emphasis on sustainability and technology, which opens the way for modern, more efficient developments that can enhance the country’s competitiveness. “All these trends, when combined, create a positive field for growth and investment,” Pantelis M. Leptos and George M. Leptos characteristically note.
Moreover, to ensure sustainable development in the real estate sector, they consider it necessary to focus on high-priority strategic areas, proposing, among other things, the simplification of licensing procedures, the provision of incentives by the State to support sustainable projects, as well as the implementation of targeted policies to address the issue of affordable housing.
The Leptos Group, armed with significant land reserves in strategic locations, remains optimistic and ready to capitalise on new opportunities. Investing in projects that enhance the image, capabilities and infrastructure of our island
How do you assess the past year for your sector and the Cypriot economy in general?
In 2025, as Leptos Group of Companies, we have managed to maintain our leading position in our sector. This is based on the momentum of pioneering and quality projects, on the international, extroverted strategy and on our strong and highly experienced team. With a history that exceeds 65 years, the Group -with its companies- has established itself at the top of the land and real estate development sector - Leptos Estates, tourism - Leptos Calypso Hotels, education - Neapolis University Pafos and healthcare - Iasis Private Hospital, in Cyprus and Greece.
The Group's leadership position is based on solid foundations: the vision of its founder, the passion and professionalism of its people, who exceed 1,500 people, making us one of the largest employers on the island, the international sales network, the offer of a variety of quality products, the large reserves of land within development zones, its extensive and long-standing experience from multiple projects in various sectors and the integrated provision of support services. However, the main strength of the Leptos Group is its overall perception of the broad business area in which it operates. The constant search for new perspectives and the continuous redefinition of the term "land development" with respect for the environment.
Cyprus has managed, in recent years, to develop steadily as a destination that combines security, creative business activity and quality tourism. The country is attracting increasing investment interest, while its infrastructure and services continue to improve. The development is also visible in tourism, where the visitor experience is being elevated due to better services and more efficient organisation. In this constantly changing landscape, the Leptos Group, armed with significant land reserves in strategic locations, remains optimistic and ready to capitalise on new opportunities. By investing in projects that enhance the image, capabilities and infrastructure of our island.
Leptos Group's business moments that stood out in 2025:
- Our large project under construction Limassol Blu Marine has proceeded with the sale of the 'Oceanus' Office Tower.
- The iconic and landmark collaboration with the leading fashion house Roberto Cavalli was achieved, for the second and final residential tower of the project, which has now been renamed Cavalli Tower at Limassol Blu Marine .
- Neapolis Smart Eco City is gaining new momentum with the completion of the linear park, the construction of Egnatia Highway, two important infrastructure projects that frame the project, and the upcoming construction of the Medical School and student dormitories of Neapolis University.
- Our Costa Nopia project in Chania has obtained the ESHASE permit and thus becomes the second largest development project in Greece, after the Hellenic one.
- In the health sector, our private hospital Iasis was expanded and strengthened with a modern laboratory and new office space.
- In the field of education, Neapolis University has moved forward with the integration of new study programs, including the collaboration with the University of Reading for Law degrees and increased research activity. A strategic collaboration with the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace was implemented, for a joint English-speaking undergraduate medical degree. This event laid new foundations for the academic and scientific development of Paphos.
- In the tourism sector, we completed the first phase of renovation of the iconic Coral Beach Hotel & Resort, while the new Elia hotel in Chania is under construction.
What do you think are the biggest challenges you will face in 2026?
In 2026, the real estate sector will need to move with caution, facing challenges that can be turned into opportunities. Fluctuating material prices and limited labor availability are pushing us to organise ourselves better and invest in more efficient processes. The global shift towards sustainability, rather than acting as an obstacle, is paving the way for new projects with high energy efficiency and more modern specifications. At the same time, increasing international competition keeps us alert and encourages us to innovate in what we offer and how we serve. With proper planning, these challenges become a lever for development.
Targeted policies for affordable housing
What strategies or reforms do you consider necessary for the development of your industry?
To ensure sustainable development in the real estate sector, we believe that it is necessary to focus on high-priority strategic areas. First, licensing procedures must be simplified to reduce bureaucratic delays that hinder development. It is important for the State to provide incentives to support sustainable projects, strengthening green development practices. In addition, addressing the issue of affordable housing, through targeted policies, will help in obtaining housing. The development of infrastructure and transport networks also plays a decisive role in increasing the attractiveness of new projects and improving their accessibility.
All of these trends, when combined, create a positive field for growth and investment.
How do you foresee international trends developing and what opportunities may arise for Cyprus through them?
International trends clearly point to a path that can work in Cyprus’ favour. The greater emphasis on sustainability and technology opens the way for modern, more efficient developments that can enhance the country’s competitiveness. Remote work and the rise of digital nomads create a steady flow of people seeking a safe, organised and quality environment to live and work, something that our country already offers. At the same time, the growing demand for health and wellness tourism gives Cyprus the opportunity to leverage its existing infrastructure and develop new high-quality services. All of these trends, when combined, create a positive field for growth and investment.
(Source: InBusinessNews)
