Nicosia, Cyprus. Nearly one in six people in Cyprus cannot keep their homes warm in winter, according to the latest statistics, a figure above the EU average. Residents say high heating costs and homes built to shed heat make the colder season expensive and difficult.
Residents describe rising winter costs
A 74-year-old British expat, Margaret, said she did not expect to struggle with cold in Paphos, adding that every room in her flat is currently freezing. She said she loves Cyprus but that winter is harder than people think.
In Strovolos, 45-year-old Andreas said the cost of filling a radiator system, paying electricity, and topping up when it runs out comes close to half his salary. He said every winter feels like the household is bleeding money.
Housing design and building age cited as factors
Many homes in Cyprus were built to release heat rather than retain it, with features such as open-plan layouts, tiled floors, minimal insulation, and single glazing that allows warmth to escape quickly.
Older buildings were also not designed for prolonged cold spells, according to the article. An exception noted was in mountain areas, where traditional stone houses were built to handle both extremes, using thick walls, small openings, and materials intended to regulate temperature.
Have you struggled to keep your home warm in winter in Cyprus?
