The Ktizo programme, established to replace unsafe residential buildings in government refugee housing settlements, continues to face significant delays. At the same time, the authorities acknowledged that the new framework for managing Turkish Cypriot properties requires further improvements. These issues became the main focus of a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Refugee Affairs. Despite the funding already allocated and the reforms introduced, MPs from across the political spectrum agreed that the process must be accelerated, made more transparent, and freed from unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.
The Ktizo programme is progressing more slowly than expected
One of the key topics discussed was the implementation of the government's Ktizo programme, which aims to demolish unsafe apartment buildings and construct new residential complexes for families living in government housing settlements for displaced persons. According to information presented during the meeting, additional funding through the Equal Distribution of Burdens Fund will be considered on 9 July. Once approved, the funds will be forwarded to the Ministry of Finance for final authorization.
To date, the government has already paid €4.344 million in rental assistance to families forced to leave unsafe buildings. Around €6 million is still required to cover the mandatory contribution expected from property owners, although the final amount will be determined shortly. Experts note that the Ktizo programme was launched following numerous structural inspections of residential buildings constructed several decades ago. Many of these buildings no longer meet modern safety standards, while comprehensive renovation is considered economically unviable.
Unsafe buildings remain standing
MPs expressed particular concern that many buildings officially classified as dangerous have still not been demolished. According to participants at the meeting, some of these properties should have been removed years ago. In particular, vacant apartment blocks in the Agios Anargyros area of Larnaca have officially been declared unsafe but continue to be occupied illegally. Because the buildings are neither secured nor fenced off, they are frequently targeted by trespassers and thieves.
Parliament has called for demolition work on the most dangerous structures to be accelerated and for the buildings to be properly secured until redevelopment begins. The issue has become even more pressing following several recent building collapses in Cyprus, which have once again drawn attention to the country's ageing housing stock. According to information presented to MPs, the programme covers 358 apartment buildings divided into three phases according to their level of risk. Forty-three buildings have been classified as requiring urgent demolition. Practical work has so far begun on only the first 18 buildings, although lawmakers argue that work should commence simultaneously on all high-risk properties to minimise the likelihood of further emergencies.
Turkish Cypriot property reform continues
The second major topic discussed was the implementation of the new system for allocating Turkish Cypriot properties. The new legislation came into force in July 2025 and was intended to make the allocation process more transparent by introducing uniform eligibility criteria and a points-based assessment system. Since the reform was introduced, four lists of available properties have been published. As a result, the government has allocated 37 residential houses, 71 commercial premises and one open plot, as well as 177 agricultural land parcels.
In addition, three public auctions have been held, while oversight of state-owned property has been significantly strengthened.
The Turkish Cypriot Property Management Service reported that 79 properties have been returned to state ownership since the law came into force. A further 130 cases are currently before the courts. At the same time, officials continue to evaluate the effectiveness of the new system. Some shortcomings are already being addressed through internal administrative measures, while more substantial issues will require amendments to existing legislation. Discussions include revising applicant eligibility criteria, improving the points system, changing the allocation process for countryside homes, regulating rental rates, and creating a clearer framework for allocating land plots.
Authorities promise to speed up reforms
Following the meeting, MPs pledged to push for faster implementation of the Ktizo programme and further improvements to the management system for Turkish Cypriot properties. Parliament expects updated regulations to be presented this autumn, enabling faster construction of new housing for displaced families, reducing bureaucratic procedures, and making the allocation of state-owned property as transparent as possible. Experts note that resolving these issues is important not only for the thousands of families awaiting new homes but also for Cyprus' broader housing policy, as modernising the country's ageing residential stock remains one of the government's key priorities for the coming years.