Anna Charalambous outlines Robura's mission to transform the real estate market
Special Feature 07:18 - 03 February 2025
“Robura’s vision is to bring transparency, innovation, and efficiency to every step of the real estate lifecycle, enhancing convenience and accessibility for buyers while setting a new standard for the industry in Cyprus,” Director Anna Charalambous notes.
In a recent interview, Charalambous also talks about how and why the company was created, the services it offers, some of its current projects, the profile of its clientele, what makes it stand out from the competition, and more.
Tell us about your company.
Robura was founded in 2022 with the mission of transforming the real estate market into a more efficient, innovative, and professional business environment. Headquartered in Cyprus, the company employs 35 skilled professionals dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technological solutions to streamline real estate services.
Robura’s vision is to bring transparency, innovation, and efficiency to every step of the real estate lifecycle, enhancing convenience and accessibility for buyers while setting a new standard for the industry in Cyprus.
What led to the creation of Robura and how was the specific brand name selected?
The creation of Robura was driven by a clear vision and years of extensive experience in the real estate sector. Throughout our journey, we identified a significant gap in the market—a need for a dedicated, solutions-driven company equipped to address the complex challenges and hurdles that often arise in real estate. Robura was born to fill that void by offering comprehensive, innovative, and strategic solutions across the entire real estate lifecycle.
As for the name, Robura is derived from the word robust, symbolising strength, resilience, and reliability—qualities that define our approach to business.
What services and solutions do you offer?
At Robura, we offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to support clients across every stage of the asset lifecycle—from individual investments to full-scale portfolio management. Our tailored approach ensures that clients receive strategic guidance and innovative solutions to meet their unique objectives.
Our key services include:
Investment Advisory: Providing strategic insights to help clients make informed and confident investment decisions.
Transaction Support: Guiding and assisting clients through every step of the transaction process to ensure seamless, efficient outcomes.
Asset Commercialisation: Helping clients unlock the full value of their assets through strategic marketing and positioning.
Asset Management: Offering professional oversight to maximise performance, efficiency, and long-term returns.
Valuation Assessment & Consultation: Delivering accurate, data-driven property assessments and strategic consultation to support decision-making.
Legal and Technical Due Diligence Support: Ensuring transparency and risk mitigation with comprehensive and detailed due diligence assessments.
Data Analytics & Technology: Leveraging advanced technological solutions and data analysis to provide actionable insights and strategic advantages.
Robura’s integrated services are designed to provide clarity, efficiency, and confidence across all aspects of real estate investment and asset management, tailored to the needs of each client.
List some of your projects.
Robura is proud to provide services for a diverse portfolio valued at over $6 billion for a leading investment firm, consistently delivering high-calibre execution through strategic management. Our approach combines innovation, technological advancement, and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of the market.
One of our key initiatives includes the development of innovative new platforms designed to harness cutting-edge technology and streamline real estate processes. Collaborating closely with our internal team, we have designed and implemented a sophisticated platform focused on data collection, organisation, and analysis. This platform features advanced statistical models, intuitive analysis tools, sales history tracking, and geospatial analysis capabilities, offering unparalleled insights to inform strategic decision-making.
Through these projects, Robura continues to integrate technology with expertise, providing clients with innovative, data-driven solutions that drive efficiency, clarity, and success in the real estate market.
How would you describe your clientele?
Robura serves a diverse and dynamic clientele, ranging from being exclusive servicers in Cyprus of one of the biggest investment funds internationally to high-net-worth individuals and prestigious companies, as well as mid-sized investors and individuals.
Why should someone choose Robura over the competition? What is your comparative advantage and how does your company stand out?
At Robura, as we are first and foremost, a client oriented company, we empower clients to make confident, well-informed decisions on asset pricing by seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with expert advisory services. Our proprietary tools provide live market data and transactional insights, allowing clients to benchmark prospective assets against current market trends and comparable properties. By integrating real-time supply metrics and pricing dynamics, our technology quickly identifies whether an asset aligns with market valuations—providing clients with precision and clarity to assess fair value.
What truly sets Robura apart is the combination technology and expertise. Robura offers a comprehensive, 360-degree approach by conducting thorough technical and legal due diligence on every asset. With Robura, clients gain not just data, but actionable insights, strategic foresight, and a trusted partner dedicated to their success.
Employees. What do they mean to Robura and how important are hard but also soft skills?
At Robura, our employees are the driving force behind our success. We place people at the very center of our operations. We invest in the continuous development of our people, nurturing their professional growth while fostering a workplace culture of collaboration, learning, and innovation. Our employees are not just team members—they are strategic partners in helping Robura shape the future of the real estate market.
How important is ESG to your company and what environmentally friendly practices do you apply
Sustainability is a fundamental part of how we operate at Robura. We aim to reduce our ecological footprint by prioritising responsible resource management, enhancing recycling practices, and ensuring our projects are thoughtfully designed to integrate with the natural environment. Our commitment extends to supporting initiatives that strengthen local communities and promote long-term environmental stewardship.
How do you apply the latest technological trends to your projects?
At Robura, we harness the power of technology to redefine real estate decision-making.
Our unique analytical platform goes beyond raw data by employing sophisticated algorithms to create customised strategies for every asset. From identifying optimal pricing and timing to recommending strategic disposal approaches, our tools are designed to minimize risk while maximising returns. An interactive mapping feature further enriches this analysis, offering real-time overlays of property-specific data, local demographics, geographic context, and nearby amenities. This allows clients to assess each asset within its immediate environment, delivering comprehensive, actionable insights to support strategic decision-making.
What is the current situation in Cyprus’ real estate industry? What are the pros and the cons?
One of the most pressing challenges is legal complexity, particularly surrounding title deeds. Many properties face discrepancies between title deeds and actual ownership status, while delays in obtaining essential permits add another layer of uncertainty. These factors often lead to investor hesitation, as navigating such complexities can disrupt timelines and budgets.
Another key issue is regulatory delays, specifically the slow pace of issuing permits for new projects. These bureaucratic hurdles create frustration and can result in financial losses, deterring both local and international investors from advancing with their plans. This administrative bottleneck remains a significant concern for all market participants.
In addition to these hurdles, economic fluctuations and changes in demand—frequently influenced by shifts in tourism and foreign investment—further contribute to market unpredictability. Supply and demand imbalances are another concern; while urban centres are witnessing high demand for apartments, some coastal areas are experiencing oversupply, requiring investors to adopt agile and strategic market monitoring to maintain competitiveness.
On the positive side, Cyprus’s real estate market remains promising, with steady growth expected through 2025 and 2026, supported by strong economic indicators and a stable investment environment. With Cyprus's GDP projected to grow at 2.8% in 2024, outpacing the European Union average, and inflation expected to remain stable at 2% through 2027, the economic outlook remains encouraging.
The demand for residential properties, particularly apartments, continues to show strength as both local buyers and international investors pursue opportunities for long-term returns. Additionally, ongoing infrastructure development is improving regional connectivity, making previously overlooked areas more attractive for future investment opportunities.
What do you believe can be done to further enhance the sector and where does the state come in?
To further enhance Cyprus’s real estate sector, a multifaceted approach is required—one that balances innovation, sustainability, and strategic policy-making. A key focus should be placed on promoting the development of sustainable, energy-efficient properties, which align with shifting buyer preferences and evolving regulatory trends across Europe. These types of properties not only meet environmental standards but also provide long-term value to buyers and investors.
One promising development is the forecasted 5-7% decrease in construction costs, coupled with the potential for reduced banking interest rates. These financial factors could make financing more accessible, thereby stimulating new property developments and encouraging continued market growth.
The role of the Cypriot government is crucial in maintaining this positive momentum. Recent initiatives by the government, such as targeted support schemes to improve housing affordability and incentives for sustainable construction, are essential for strengthening market confidence. The introduction of policies that streamline the permitting process, reduce administrative delays, and support innovative housing projects will further attract investment and make the market more competitive.
Moreover, the government could consider expanding incentives for developers focusing on green building practices and renewable energy solutions, facilitating public-private partnerships to accelerate infrastructure projects, and offering financial tools to support first-time homebuyers and local investors. These measures would directly address affordability challenges while contributing to the sector's long-term sustainability and resilience.
What can we expect from you in the future?
We’re dedicated to expanding our suite of services, leveraging technology to provide even deeper insights, and enhancing the way clients experience real estate opportunities. Expect us to introduce new, data-driven solutions that simplify the decision-making process, streamline asset management, and provide unparalleled clarity in a dynamic market.
In the years ahead, Robura will continue to set new standards by redefining efficiency, strengthening trust, and delivering results that align with our clients’ ambitions. Watch this space—exciting things are on the horizon!