Limassol followed with 33.5 percent and Larnaca third, with 16 percent. Famagusta and Nicosia took last place with 7.5 percent and seven percent respectively.

Property sales in Cyprus rose 24 percent during 2017 to reach the highest number since 2008, according to official Land and Survey Department statistics.

This follows an annual rise of 43 percent in 2016, nine percent in 2015 and 20 percent in 2014.

Property sales to the domestic market rose 21 percent compared to 2016 and the sales to overseas market rose 33 percent.

Paphos has newly attracted for Russian, Chinese and Middle East buyers, Leptos Estates noted.