Over the past few weeks I’ve been speaking with property owners who want to renovate. The problem is they can’t find anyone to do the work. And when they do — the cost has doubled and the quality leaves a lot to be desired.
This is no accident. It’s the result of a systemic problem nobody wants to say out loud:
We have a serious shortage of tradespeople — plumbers, electricians, builders.
We’re not just talking about new properties. We’re talking about the small apartment you wanted to fix up and rent out. The house you inherited that needs work. The investment that’s stalling because you can’t find a crew.
Part of the problem starts early. Technical schools in Cyprus need upgrading — modern programmes, modern techniques, and above all: an upgrade in how we perceive the trades.
Because somewhere along the way we decided that university equals success and vocational school equals failure.
And now we’re paying the price for that mindset — literally.
There are two solutions worth discussing openly.
The first is upgrading technical schools — modern curricula, modern methods, and a redefinition of the value these professions hold in our society.
The second is more practical: bringing in a workforce from Vietnam. It is a society known for its low crime rates, respect, family culture, and the adaptability of its people when working abroad.
Vietnam has people with technical skills, a strong work ethic, experience in construction trades, and attention to detail.
Konstantinos Andreou
MSc in Real Estate Real Estate
Agent Registration number 1343
Property Valuer ETEK A245939
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