Pafos Press 9 September 2025
The Mayor of Paphos, Phaedonas Phaedonas, speaking on the Protoselido program, highlighted the housing problem facing the city of Paphos, especially for students and middle-income workers. He stressed that rents have skyrocketed to unimaginable levels, as a result of which many young people are forced to either pile up in unsuitable spaces or commute daily from other areas. Mr. Phaedonas presented the Municipality's initiatives to create low-cost hostels in the city center, while emphasizing that a broader state strategy is required with the massive construction of student dormitories and social housing in order to provide real solutions.
"10-12 foreigners are piled in. It’s €150 per person” First, he said that all 203 rooms of the student dormitory that has been operating in Paphos since last year have been rented. He stressed that finding accommodation in Paphos is a very serious problem. “You can’t imagine how high rents have gone. Even if you have money, you can’t find a place to rent.” He added that many Paphos residents are illegally converting shops and basements into accommodation. “They are cramming 10-12 foreigners. It’s €150 per person.” He noted that the owners are receiving €1,200 from a shop that wouldn’t even rent for €300 under normal circumstances. Mr. Phaedonos said that the Municipality got the message from the students regarding the rents of €700-800. “We are converting some hostels in the city center. These are buildings that have been abandoned for decades.” He added that at the expense of the Municipality, these spaces will be converted into hostels. “We will deliver 22 rooms in the coming days, with the aim of reaching 40 by the end of the year.” As he said, these are rooms with a shared kitchen and shared toilets. “There is complete independence in the rooms.” He also stressed that there is no rent. “It is €150 including water, electricity and internet. It is a social project.” “A student from Kokkinochoria is forced to commute to Paphos every day” He then referred to a student from Kokkinochoria who is forced to commute to Paphos every day. “Due to the inability to find a home, the family decided for the child to commute.” He added that costs remain high due to fuel, while there are also dangers on the roads. The Mayor of Paphos stressed that “they are not keen on lowering rents. They have such high demand that, unfortunately, this action of ours will not result in a reduction in rents”. He stressed that in order for there to be a change, 500 student dormitories must be built and the state, in collaboration with the Municipality, must create social housing. He pointed out that workers with salaries of €1,000-1,500 can neither buy nor rent a home. “We are happy that the developing industry benefits, because it has a 19% tax and the state collects revenue. However, we must find ways so that ordinary citizens can also have a home”.