The number of potentially dangerous buildings in the Larnaca district continues to grow. According to figures published by the District Local Government Organisation (EOA) on July 10, the official register now contains 1,084 properties.
When responsibility for monitoring unsafe buildings was transferred to the EOA in spring 2025, the register contained 563 buildings. Since then, specialists have carried out a large-scale inspection programme, reviewed reports submitted by residents, municipalities, and local communities, and updated the database. As a result, the register has nearly doubled in size, reflecting what officials describe as the true scale of the problem.
Of the 310 buildings inspected so far, 228 technical assessment reports have already been completed. Following the inspections, 204 buildings were officially classified as unsafe, while 116 were identified as being at high risk of collapse. Preliminary estimates suggest that addressing safety risks at just 209 of the inspected properties will require approximately €5.94 million.
What measures have the authorities already taken?
The EOA continues to implement measures aimed at reducing public safety risks. To date, 31 safety interventions have been carried out. Some dangerous buildings have been fenced off, three properties have already been demolished by their owners following official notices, while owners of other buildings have appointed structural engineers to prepare repair and reinforcement plans.
In addition, eight buildings have been officially declared unsafe after all legal procedures, including notification of the owners, were completed. Another ten properties are in the final stages of the legal process. In one case, the authorities were forced to issue an evacuation order after the property owners failed to comply with official requirements.
Why the issue requires urgent action
Unsafe residential buildings remain one of Cyprus' most pressing concerns. In May 2026, 40 residents were evacuated from a dangerous apartment building in Larnaca comprising 24 flats, drawing renewed attention to the condition of the island's ageing housing stock.
EOA Chairman Angelos Hadjicharalambous has called for legislative changes that would allow local authorities to act more quickly when dealing with dangerous buildings. At the same time, he stressed that property owners remain fully responsible for the structural condition of their buildings. Failure to comply with official notices may result in criminal liability, while the government has the legal right to recover the cost of any emergency works carried out on behalf of the owner.
Following several incidents involving unsafe buildings, inspections are being intensified across Cyprus. The authorities are urging property owners to carry out repairs promptly, while encouraging residents to report buildings showing large cracks, structural deformation, or any other signs that could indicate a risk of collapse.