The Cypriot Ministry of the Interior has announced the extension of the urban planning amnesty for another three months.
As a result, residents of the island state will be able to legalise structures built in their homes without the necessary permits until 23 June 2025.
It is worth remembering that 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 districts 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 extra floors are not covered by the urban planning amnesty. Minor changes to properties can be legalised. For example, the glazing of balconies and verandas, pergolas, awnings, barbecue areas, etc.
In order to obtain a title to a property that has been altered without permission, the owner must complete an application for urban development amnesty (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 collected under the initiative are channelled to the Cyprus Organisation for Land Development (KOAG) for the construction of affordable housing for the impoverished.
The ministry said that since the launch of the state initiative in September 2024, the authority has received 948 applications. Of these: 310 in Nicosia, 279 in Limassol, 92 in Larnaca, 204 in Paphos and 63 in empty neighbourhoods in Famagusta. Interestingly, 89% of the total number of applications relate to the legalisation of irregularities in housing developments.