Lifestyle Migration Impact on Housing Development in Coastal Areas of Northern Cyprus

This study examines the impact of lifestyle migration on housing development in the coastal regions of Northern Cyprus through a comparative analysis of Girne (Kyrenia) and Iskele (Trikomo). A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a literature review with semi-structured interviews with real estate and construction stakeholders and structured surveys to analyse housing production patterns, user preferences, and spatial outcomes. The findings indicate that although both regions have experienced rapid housing growth driven by lifestyle-oriented demand, their development trajectories differ markedly. In Girne, housing production has evolved gradually, resulting in a fragmented and heterogeneous settlement structure shaped by mountainous topography and incremental planning practices. In contrast, Iskele has undergone rapid and large-scale development characterized by high-rise, high-density, and more homogeneous residential projects that are facilitated by flat terrain and investment-led growth. The results demonstrate that coastal housing transformation cannot be explained by lifestyle migration alone but emerges from the interaction between migration demand, planning regimes, and market dynamics. By providing a comparative and spatially grounded analysis within an island context characterized by limited planning control, this study offers empirical insights that contribute to debates on residential tourism, second homes, and sustainable coastal planning in Mediterranean regions.