Comparison of Modern Villas and Historic Mansions by the Sea

published:

31.07.2025

source:

Melrose villas

Are you choosing your dream home by the sea in Cyprus? Are you faced with a dilemma: a shiny new villa or a mansion with history? It is like choosing between a new gadget and a rare antique. Each option has its pros and cons, especially if you look at it as an investment. Let's take a look at how they differ.

Architecture and Style: Past Versus Present

Let's look at the distinctive features of modern and historic buildings.
Modern villas are all about clean lines, lots of glass, light and open space. They are built using the latest technology and the best materials. They look fresh, offer maximum comfort and meet today's demands.
Historic mansions are a different story. They are often hundreds of years old. Thick stone walls, small windows, special layout. Each such house preserves the spirit of the times and a unique history. They look solid and majestic.
Which is better? This question is difficult to answer; only you can decide.

Investment Attractiveness of Different Properties

It is important to understand what is most profitable for you.
When it comes to modern villas, the following points are worth noting:
1. Demand. Foreigners love them. Young families, IT specialists — everyone wants new houses with smart systems and picturesque views from the window. According to Quareone, there were 8,729 real estate transactions in Cyprus in the first half of 2025, which is 16% more than a year earlier. Foreigners bought 2,812 properties (+15% compared to 2024). Most of the demand is for modern housing.
2. Quick sale. Such villas are easier to sell because they are immediately ready for living.
3. Cost increase. New properties often appreciate in value faster. This applies to high-quality houses in good locations.
When it comes to historic buildings, they also have their own characteristics:
1. Uniqueness. There are few of them, and each such house is unique. This is valued.
2. Potential after renovation. If you invest a lot of money in restoration, the value of the mansion may increase. But this is a risk.
3. Difficult to sell. It is more difficult to find a buyer for an old house; it is a product for a narrow circle of connoisseurs.
Before buying, it is worth weighing the pros and cons specifically in your situation.

Renovation and Maintenance Costs

This is perhaps the most important factor for your wallet. Let's look at the features of both options:
Costs and Renovation
A modern villa requires minimal initial expenses. It doesn't need renovation, so you can move in and start living right away. Additionally, modern materials and technologies lead to significant savings on heating and cooling, making the home's maintenance predictable and simple.
The situation with a historic mansion is completely different. It usually requires a full restoration, which can cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of euros. The final sum often increases during the work as "hidden" problems are discovered. Furthermore, special and expensive materials are needed for the restoration.
Maintenance and Bureaucracy
Unlike modern villas, old mansions have poor temperature retention, which results in higher energy bills. If the mansion is a protected landmark, every repair has to be a long and complicated process of getting approval from government authorities. This makes owning a historic mansion more complex and unpredictable due to both maintenance costs and bureaucratic hurdles.
A modern villa seems simpler, but buying and restoring a historic building can be much more profitable.

Convenience and Technology in Modern Housing

Living in the 21st century is more convenient with modern technology. That is why fans of trends and complete comfort prefer new homes. For example, they already have or can easily install ‘smart home’ systems. You can control everything from your smartphone. New villas have a convenient layout. Lots of light, large windows, spacious rooms — everything for comfort. Many new villas are built with the environment in mind.
It is difficult and expensive to install the same ‘smart home’ systems in historic mansions. The layout is not always convenient; there may be small rooms, low ceilings, and strange corridors. It is difficult or even impossible to make serious changes in an old house.

Prestige and Status: What Wealthy Buyers Choose

Both types of homes can be status symbols, but for different people. Modern villas are chosen by those who appreciate everything new, technology, minimalism and comfort. These are people who live in step with the times. Historic mansions appeal to connoisseurs of history and art. They offer prestige for those seeking uniqueness and a connection to the past.

Profitability When Renting a Villa or Mansion

How will your choice of home affect your income? Modern villas offer high rental income. They appeal to tourists and tenants. Amenities, design, new communications — all of this is attractive. New houses are definitely easier: fewer breakdowns, fewer unexpected problems. It is easier to manage such a house. It is convenient to rent out such a house on a long-term or short-term basis.
When talking about historic mansions, it is important to be aware of the possible difficulties. Tenants looking for "history" are rarer. This is an exclusive market. In addition, any breakdown of an old system can be expensive. Some old houses may have restrictions on use, and this must be taken into account.
The choice between a villa and an old mansion is a choice between two different paths. If you need a stable income and predictability, then a modern villa in Cyprus is the ideal option. If you are ready for large investments and love risk, then an old house can become your passion, but also a great challenge.