Students find themselves in the same situation yet again this year, as finding an apartment for student housing is proving to be a difficult task due to the particularly high rent prices.The housing issue is once again in the spotlight, with demand for student housing remaining very high and supply insufficient to meet the needs.
Speaking on the “Alpha Kalimera” program, Marios Kampouris, president of the General Secretariat of POFEN, described the housing situation as a “very serious issue,” noting that rents have risen significantly in recent years.
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“Very high demand, very low supply”
As he noted, there is high demand for student housing in Cyprus, while supply remains limited. Student dorms are full, and those who do not meet the criteria for securing a spot are forced to turn to the rental market.
The situation is particularly difficult in Limassol, where, according to Marios Kampouris, rents can reach as high as €1,000, while in Nicosia a studio apartment can cost around €650. The situation is similar in Greece, where, as he noted, there is a steady annual increase of €50 to €100 in student rents.
Marios Kampouris’s personal example also illustrates the significant change in housing costs.
As he noted, when he was a student, he paid about €300–€350 in rent. Today, the situation is very different, to the point where a student is now considered “lucky” if they manage to find an apartment for €600.
“It is very sad to see students in 2026 having to drop out of school because their families cannot afford the expenses,” he noted.
When asked whether there are plans to increase the number of available student apartments to ease demand and lower prices, Marios Kampouris noted that the General Secretariat of POFEN is planning meetings with the relevant authorities in the near future.
Among the proposals expected to be put forward are:
The expansion of existing student housing and the construction of new beds, based on actual data regarding demand and the projected growth of the student population in the respective cities, cooperation between the state, universities, the KOAX, local governments, and private entities to develop student housing; and the utilization of university-owned and state-owned land, with the aim of creating student housing with more affordable rents, the creation of a public registry of student housing, containing the necessary information for those interested.
Other proposals include providing accessible rooms for students with disabilities, implementing targeted rent subsidy programs for students, and the development of affordable student housing in outlying areas with easy access to universities.
“Rent subsidies would provide an immediate solution”
Marios Kampouris emphasized that rent subsidies could provide a more immediate solution to the problem.
He even cited as an example apartments that are in poor condition and have not been renovated, yet are still being offered for rent at €1,000 or more, simply because they are located near a university.
“It’s not just the rent”
The problem isn’t limited to rent alone. In recent years, the total cost of student life has risen significantly, as families are also expected to cover expenses for electricity, water, food, transportation, a car, and other daily expenses.At the same time, more and more students are forced to work while pursuing their studies in order to meet their financial obligations.
“Rent is prohibitively high”
The issue of student housing has been a pressing concern for the past 6–8 years, yet no substantive, well-structured, or effective solution has been provided for the student community to date.Every year, rent increases by approximately €20 to €200, depending on the region.
As a result, some young people, even though they secure a spot in a program, are ultimately unable to accept it, as the total cost of housing and living expenses becomes unbearable for their families.
“The situation is desperate; rent costs are now prohibitive,” said Marios Kampouris, referring to students in both Cyprus and Greece.
