The issue of unsafe buildings remains one of the most pressing problems in urban planning in Cyprus. In recent years, there have been dozens of cases of collapsed balconies and dilapidated structures, fortunately without any casualties. Since 1 April 2025, responsibility for monitoring and removing dangerous buildings has transferred to local government organisations (EOA), but significant delays are being experienced in processing cases.
According to data from 2024, there are 618 registered dangerous structures in the Republic: 303 in Nicosia, 170 in Larnaca, 26 in Famagusta's free areas, and 170 in Paphos. These figures clearly demonstrate that hundreds of buildings may pose a threat to residents and passers-by.
Regular inspections are key to safety.
Konstantinos Konstantis, the head of the Cyprus Chamber of Scientific and Technical Sciences (ETEK), stressed the need to legislate for regular, mandatory building inspections. He proposed introducing inspections for public buildings first and then extending the practice to other types of real estate.
The plan is to carry out visual inspections to identify cracks, deformations and other dangerous defects at an early stage, before the building becomes a threat. According to experts, this approach will solve the problem at its root and avoid the need for costly and urgent interventions.
The bill and its key measures
The bill was initiated by DIPI party MP Marinus Mousioutas, with the support of Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou. The new document provides for tougher measures against owners who ignore orders to eliminate hazards.
Proposed steps include a simplified notification procedure, the possibility of obtaining court orders without lengthy proceedings, a ban on the use or rental of dangerous buildings, and the partial or complete demolition of structures. The authorities will be able to cut off water and electricity supplies until the violations are remedied.
The bill also provides for the registration of encumbrances on real estate to cover the costs of repair or demolition, the introduction of pre-trial decisions and increased administrative and criminal penalties for non-compliance.
The goal is to protect lives and preserve heritage
According to Konstantis, adopting these regulations will save lives and preserve the country's architectural heritage, including protected buildings. Regular monitoring and clear measures to deal with unscrupulous owners will ensure that unsafe housing is no longer a threat and that Cyprus' cities become safer and more attractive places to live and invest in.