On Thursday, April 2, the Government of Cyprus approved a decision according to which Greek Cypriot refugees living in state settlements will be able to obtain title deeds even if there are minor irregularities in their homes. Previously, such deviations from regulations prevented the processing of documents, but now the situation is changing. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou stated that this is an important step for thousands of families who for years were unable to legally register their housing.
Restrictions and new opportunities
According to the new rules, owners will be able to transfer property to their children or use it as collateral with a bank. However, the sale of such properties will be prohibited until all identified violations are resolved. Thus, the state grants legal status to the property while at the same time maintaining control over compliance with urban planning regulations.
It should be noted that state programs remain key tools for supporting displaced persons. Such schemes provide land plots or financial assistance for housing construction. Since 1976, more than 14,000 land plots have been allocated for building homes. This has enabled thousands of families to acquire housing with state support.
The minister reported that currently 7,859 title deeds or lease agreements are expected to be issued. At the same time, 838 cases remain problematic, as there is no right to obtain documentation due to encroachment on someone else's property, use of public land, or violations of planning regulations within the plot.
According to him, to date, 17,418 title deeds and lease agreements have already been issued to citizens living in state settlements for refugees.
Additional assistance and subsidies
In the near future, refugees who wish to buy or build housing in areas located near the “Green Line” or in remote regions will be able to count on increased support. The amount of assistance will increase by 20%.
For example, if a family includes at least one refugee, the maximum subsidy amount may reach €65,000. The budget of the Service for the Care and Rehabilitation of Displaced Persons amounts to €50 million, and the authorities are considering increasing it as early as next year.
The “Ktizo” program and housing renovation
Special attention is given to the “Ktizo” program, aimed at modernizing old and unsafe residential buildings. The completion of two new apartment buildings is planned for May, and another four by the end of the year. The project was launched in April 2023 with a budget of €130 million and is designed for the long term. Its goal is to provide decent living conditions for refugees and replace outdated buildings.
As of today, there are 358 apartment buildings for refugees in government-controlled areas. Of these, 245 are in satisfactory condition, 70 require repairs, and 43 are considered unsafe and cannot be restored for economic reasons.
Reducing housing prices — the main priority
The government is also focusing on reducing property prices. According to the minister, the main reason for high prices remains the imbalance between supply and demand. The key task of the authorities is to increase the amount of available housing on the market. This should lead to a gradual decrease in prices and make real estate more affordable for citizens.