On Monday 23 September, Cyprus began accepting the first applications for its urban planning amnesty.
For six months, until 23 March 2025, residents of the island state will be able to legalise structures built in their homes without the necessary permits.
Applications can be submitted via the new Hippodamus portal. They will be examined by specialists from the regional self-government organisations (EOA) in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos and the free areas of Famagusta.
The changes will only apply to those structures that are arbitrarily installed in fully completed and licensed buildings.
In other words, the residential complex must be completed and have a building permit. At the same time, residential and commercial buildings with additional floors will not be covered by the urban planning amnesty. Minor changes to properties can be legalised. For example, glazing of balconies and verandas, pergolas, awnings, barbecue areas, etc.
In order to obtain a title for a property that has been altered without proper permission, the owner of the property must complete an urban planning amnesty application (form EA15), obtain permission and then pay a fine. The fine is determined on a case-by-case basis and can range from €300 to €3,000, depending on the type of offence, the property and its location. All funds raised through this initiative will be channelled to the Cyprus Organisation for Land Development (KOAG) for the construction of affordable housing for the poor.