Nearly 700 people have expressed their desire to take part in the urban planning amnesty announced by the Cypriot government for September 2024.
This was announced by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior (MIA), Elikkos Elia, on Monday 3rd March.
Of the total number of applications, 219 were in Nicosia, 215 in Limassol, 150 in Paphos, 78 in Larnaca and 37 in the free areas of Famagusta. At the same time, the majority of the violations concern residential buildings (616 applications), commercial buildings (36), offices (8), as well as tourist, medical, sports and agricultural buildings.
Applications can be submitted through the new Hippodamus portal until 23 March 2025.
They will be examined by specialists from the Regional Autonomous Communities (EOA) of 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 to a property that has been altered without permission, the 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 type of offence, the property and its location. All funds raised through this initiative will be channelled to the Cyprus Organisation for Land Development (KOAG) for the construction of affordable housing for the poor.