Official homelessness data in Cyprus fails to reflect reality, report finds

A new OECD report, published on September 10, 2026, reveals that official statistics on homelessness in Cyprus significantly undercount the actual number of individuals facing housing insecurity. While 225 people were recorded as homeless in 2024, representing approximately 0.02% of the population, experts and officials suggest this figure is misleading. The data, sourced from the Social Welfare Services, only tracks individuals who have accessed emergency or organized housing systems.

According to the report, Cyprus lacks a formal statistical definition of homelessness, a national strategy, and a legal mandate for systematic data collection. Consequently, those living on the streets, in public spaces, in vehicles, or staying temporarily with friends and family remain excluded from official tallies. AKEL MP Argyroula Ioannou, a member of the House Human Rights Committee, stated that the current data fails to capture the full scope of the problem, emphasizing that many individuals are forced into abandoned buildings or sleeping in public areas due to extreme poverty.

There is currently no indication of pending legislative changes, though there is increasing pressure for a comprehensive, standardized methodology, such as the European ETHOS Light typology, to be adopted to better inform national housing policy and social support measures.