Despite ongoing delays within some state departments responsible for issuing building permits, Cyprus is showing significant progress. Thanks to new tools introduced over the past year, the application approval process has accelerated considerably, resulting in the issuance of over 1,300 residential construction licenses.
Minister of the Interior Constantinos Ioannou announced that since the launch of the fast-track licensing system in October last year, dozens of large-scale projects have been approved — including around 217 apartment buildings. According to the minister, these developments will reach the market one to two years earlier than planned, substantially increasing housing supply and easing pressure on the property market, especially in high-demand urban areas.
A New System: Less Bureaucracy, More Efficiency
As Ioannou explained, the key goal of the reform is to simplify administrative procedures, reduce approval times, and enhance transparency.
The initiative includes 22 measures aimed at optimizing the work of regional self-governing planning bodies (EOA).
Under the new system, permits for townhouses and apartment buildings located on plots that do not require special exemptions are now issued automatically.
According to the new regulations:
- Town planning permits are issued within 20 days,
- Building permits — within 40 days.
For medium-risk projects (up to four floors and twenty apartments), the maximum approval time remains 40 days.
Control and Accountability: New Safety Standards
The minister emphasized that special attention is being paid to quality control and safety.
Construction site inspections will now be carried out in three stages — from the start of building to its completion.
Currently, inspections are conducted by EOA representatives, but soon this function will be assigned to independent certified inspectors, selected through a randomized system.
According to Ioannou, this model eliminates the risk of illegal construction, ensures transparency, and imposes strict penalties for violations.
Addressing the Housing Crisis and Supporting Investors
The fast-track licensing system is already positively impacting the real estate market.
Shorter approval times encourage developers to invest more actively in residential projects and enable Cypriot citizens to move forward more quickly with their housing plans.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, the licensing reforms will play a key role in the government’s housing strategy, particularly in response to the growing demand for affordable housing and investment properties.