The problem of vacant and abandoned homes exists in virtually every part of Cyprus — from urban centres to rural areas. According to estimates by the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber ETEK, there are around 30,000 buildings on the island that are effectively unused. Many of them could be restored and brought back into use, including to increase the supply of affordable housing.
Former chairman of the parliamentary Environment Committee Charalambos Theopemptou has drawn attention to the issue. According to him, his interest in the subject began after moving to the Agios Andreas area of Nicosia, where he discovered a large number of abandoned buildings, including historic mansions. It later became clear that the problem is not limited to the capital. Abandoned homes can also be found in rural areas and other cities across Cyprus, and the issue is particularly relevant amid the continuing problem of housing affordability.
At the same time, it is important to distinguish between several categories of property. A vacant building is not necessarily abandoned, a dangerous building differs from one that is simply unused, while protected historic buildings require a separate approach. That is why, according to Theopemptou, the first step should be to obtain an accurate picture of the condition of such properties.
How Other Countries Bring Vacant Housing Back into Use
The experience of other EU countries shows that the problem can be addressed through a combination of financial incentives, tax measures and obligations for property owners. In Ireland, grants are available for the restoration of vacant and derelict homes. Support can reach 50,000 euros for a vacant property and 70,000 euros for a derelict building.
France uses tax mechanisms in areas with high housing demand, including special taxation of homes that remain vacant for long periods. In Spain, municipalities are allowed under certain conditions to increase the tax burden on properties that remain unoccupied for a long time. Portugal focuses on financing urban regeneration and building reuse projects.
Cyprus already has instruments that could potentially be used to address this issue. In particular, in 2026 the Ministry of Interior launched the second phase of applications for the Renovate and Rent programme. It provides financial support to owners of vacant, inactive or unused residential properties so that, after renovation, they can be placed on the affordable rental market. Applications from property owners will remain open until December 31, 2027.
In addition, the “Energy Saving — Upgrading Homes” scheme is operating in 2026 with a total budget of 20 million euros, aimed at large-scale energy upgrades of existing homes.
What Is Being Proposed in Cyprus
Theopemptou proposes starting with the creation of a unified register of vacant, abandoned and dangerous buildings. It should be maintained by municipalities and communities together with the Ministry of Interior and the relevant technical services. The register should indicate the condition of each property: whether it poses a danger, whether it can be repaired, whether it has architectural or historical value, and how suitable it may be for reuse. It is also proposed to separately identify buildings located near schools, public transport stops, local centres and areas where affordable housing is particularly in demand. Such an approach would allow municipalities not only to react after complaints from residents, but also to identify priority properties in advance.
The next step should combine incentives with clear obligations for owners. Property owners willing to bring buildings back into use are proposed to receive rapid technical advice, simplified administrative procedures and targeted financial assistance. Large-scale reconstruction is far from always necessary. Many properties may only require a technical assessment, site clearance, removal of hazardous materials, basic repairs, improved energy efficiency, accessibility measures and reconnection to utility networks. Another idea is to speed up permits for small and medium-sized renovation works. This is particularly important for older homes in urban centres, where lengthy bureaucratic procedures can make restoration economically unviable.
Abandoned Homes Could Become Part of the Solution to the Housing Problem
Bringing unused buildings back into use could provide Cyprus with more than just additional housing. Such properties could be used for small shops and services within walking distance, cultural spaces, student accommodation and other socially useful facilities. Old urban neighbourhoods and historic settlements are considered particularly promising, as restoring abandoned property there can simultaneously increase the housing stock and help revitalise local areas.
The state and municipalities could also consider long-term leasing, partnerships with property owners, the involvement of social enterprises and the restoration of municipal buildings that are currently unused. European experience provides an additional basis for this. The EU Renovation Wave strategy aims to double annual energy renovation rates and targets the renovation of 35 million buildings by 2030. New EU rules on improving the energy efficiency of buildings came into force on May 30, 2026, providing for the gradual upgrading of the existing building stock and more targeted financing for renovation.
For Cyprus, this means an opportunity to address several challenges at once: increasing housing supply, improving the condition of urban areas, reducing energy consumption and bringing existing properties back into economic use instead of relying exclusively on new construction. Theopemptou proposes making the process as transparent as possible. Municipalities should regularly publish data on the number of abandoned buildings identified, the number of dangerous properties, buildings that have been cleared and renovated, as well as properties that have been brought back into use or given a social purpose. At a time of high rents and limited housing supply, such an approach could turn abandoned property from an urban problem into an additional resource for affordable housing and the regeneration of neighbourhoods across Cyprus.