The Ministry of the Interior of Cyprus is examining a number of targeted changes to the zoning system in rural areas. This was announced by Minister of the Interior Constantinos Ioannou in response to a parliamentary question submitted by Paphos MP Charalambos Pazaros. According to the minister, the issue of affordable housing remains pressing both in cities and in villages, making the revision of zoning rules a key element of balanced development policy.
The Ministry stresses that the ongoing review aims to create conditions for sustainable development, preserve residential communities, and improve citizens’ quality of life. With demand for housing increasing, it is particularly important to make development possible in areas where this demand is genuinely rising.
Expansion of residential zones and revitalisation of existing settlements
As part of the updated Rural Development Policy Declaration, proposals are being considered to expand residential zones in communities where a real need for housing has been identified. At the same time, initiatives aimed at reviving existing settlements are being studied — particularly through incentives for restoring old houses and making effective use of residential stock that currently remains vacant.
The Ministry emphasises that any changes to land status are made only after a comprehensive analysis. Factors considered include demographic trends, socio-economic indicators, existing infrastructure, transport accessibility and the potential impact on the environment.
Government programmes supporting rural regions
Alongside the zoning review, the government continues to implement special housing schemes targeting mountainous, border, and socially vulnerable areas. These include programmes incentivising the restoration and occupation of homes in rural communities, aimed at strengthening local economies and preventing population decline. In 2025, these measures are particularly relevant as demand for housing in accessible rural zones continues to grow.
A two-stage reform: timeline and next steps
The zoning review process is being carried out in two phases due to the large number of communities involved.
- The first phase consisted of collecting proposals from local councils between December 2022 and September 2023.
- The second phase covers the period from January to June 2025, and its materials are currently under examination by ministry specialists.
Once the analysis is complete, all updated decisions will be officially published in the Government Gazette of the Republic of Cyprus, and the revised zoning maps will become available on the Department of Lands and Surveys portal. This will allow residents and investors to assess development prospects in advance and plan projects according to the new rules.