Cyprus has been crowned the world’s top destination for buying a holiday home, according to a new global index published by Compare the Market’s home loan division.
The study analysed more than 50 destinations worldwide, ranking them on factors including lifestyle amenities, weather, housing affordability, and the number of activities and restaurants available. Cyprus secured first place with an overall score of 8.25 out of 10.
Renowned for its ancient history, strong mythological links to Aphrodite, beautiful beaches, and high-quality food and wine, the Mediterranean island performed particularly well for its lifestyle offering. Cyprus boasts 534 restaurants per 100,000 people, ranks in the top ten for activities with 334 per 100,000, and enjoys low average monthly rainfall of 31.89mm, making it ideal for year-round living and holidays alike.
Affordability also played a key role in Cyprus’ top ranking. The country recorded a relatively low OECD real house price index score of 99.6, strengthening its appeal to international buyers seeking value as well as lifestyle.
Rounding out the top five destinations were Australia in second place with a score of 7.46/10, followed by Malta (7.11/10), Italy (6.91/10), and Greece (6.76/10).
Australia was recognised for its iconic landmarks, wildlife, and beaches, alongside favourable weather conditions. Malta stood out for its high number of activities and pleasant climate, while Italy scored strongly for housing affordability and its abundance of restaurants. Greece completed the top five, praised for its rich history, islands, and strong offering of activities and dining options.
Commenting on the findings, Compare the Market Australia’s General Manager of Money, Stephen Zeller, said that purchasing a holiday home requires balancing lifestyle appeal with financial considerations.
“Buying a holiday home is about more than just finding a beautiful location; it’s about making a smart financial decision,” Zeller said, noting that affordability, weather, and lifestyle amenities are key factors for buyers.
The index highlights a growing interest in destinations that combine strong lifestyle appeal with accessible property markets — with Cyprus emerging as the clear global leader.
