On Friday, May 16, the Cyprus Ministry of Interior announced that since the launch of the urban planning amnesty, people living in the city had submitted a grand total of 1,523 applications.
Of these, 565 were in Nicosia, 421 in Limassol, 301 in Paphos, 151 in Larnaca and 85 in the free areas of Famagusta. It's interesting that 90% of the applications received are about legalising violations in residential construction.
Just to let you know, the initiative will be in effect until 23 June 2025. You can submit applications through the new Hippodamus portal. They'll be reviewed by specialists from regional self-government organisations (EOA) in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos and the free areas of Famagusta. The new rules only apply to structures that were built without permission and are in fully finished and licensed buildings. Basically, the residential complex has to be finished and have a building permit. But just so you know, buildings with extra floors that have been added on aren't eligible for urban planning amnesty. You can make minor changes to real estate without having to get the law involved. For example, glass balconies and verandas, pergolas, canopies, barbecue areas, etc.
If you want to get title to real estate that's been modified without the right permission, you'll need to fill out an application to take part in the urban planning amnesty (form EA15), get the thumbs-up, and then pay a fine.
How much you'll be fined depends on the type of violation, the property and its location. It could be anything from €300 to €3,000. Money collected for this project will go to the Cyprus Land Development Organisation (KOAG) to help build cheap housing for people on low incomes.