The Urban Planning Amnesty Scheme, designed to legalize minor planning violations, has received 699 applications since its launch on September 23, 2024. The scheme remains open for six months, with the deadline set for March 23, 2025.
Breakdown of Applications by City
According to Elikkos Elia, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of the Interior, the vast majority—616 applications—pertain to residential properties. Applications have been submitted to Local Government Organisations (LGO) as follows:
- Nicosia: 219 applications
- Limassol: 215 applications
- Larnaca: 78 applications
- Paphos: 150 applications
- Famagusta: 37 applications
Types of Developments Included in the Scheme
The applications cover a diverse range of property types, including:
- 616 residential properties
- 36 commercial buildings
- 8 office buildings
- 6 industrial and storage units
- 3 tourism-related developments
- 3 healthcare facilities
- 2 sports facilities
- 1 welfare-related development
- 13 leisure and entertainment venues
- 4 agricultural or livestock facilities
- 7 classified as other types of developments
Encouraging Participation Before the Deadline
Elia urged eligible property owners to apply before the deadline to ensure they can secure final approvals and title deeds for their properties.
The scheme is specifically aimed at regularizing small-scale planning infractions, such as slight exceedances of building coefficients, covered verandas, pergolas, and minor boundary deviations.
The application process is straightforward, with private consultants available to assist.
Government’s Housing Policy and Funding
The application fees collected go to the Special Fund of the Cyprus Land Development Corporation, which finances affordable housing projects. Elia emphasized that the scheme aligns with the government’s broader housing strategy, supporting both property owners and the overall affordability of housing in Cyprus.
Source: news.cyprus-property-buyers.com