The urban planning amnesty announced by the Cypriot government in September 2024 has turned out to be a failure.
According to the Ministry of Interior (MIA), residents of the island state are in no hurry to legalise illegally built structures. Since the launch of the programme, the ministry has received only 34 applications. Of these: 28 in Nicosia and six in Limassol.
The Cypriot interior ministry expressed disappointment and concern at the trend. It urged owners of problem properties to take advantage of the government scheme while there is still time.
As a reminder, applications can be submitted through the new Hippodamus portal.
They will be examined by specialists from the regional local 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 for a property that has been altered without permission, the property 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 nature of the offence, the property and its location. All funds raised through this initiative will be channeled to the Cyprus Organisation for Land Development (KOAG) for the construction of affordable housing for the poor.