The building amnesty program aims to help property owners legalize small-scale planning deviations and secure their Title Deeds. However, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou announced that far fewer applications have been submitted than expected since the program’s launch in September.
Low Participation in the Amnesty Program
Although the amnesty was designed to run for six months, only 550 applications have been received so far, despite thousands of eligible properties. The initiative was intended to streamline the process for obtaining withheld Title Deeds, reduce bureaucratic delays, and generate funds for affordable housing.
Eligibility and Terms of the Amnesty
The amnesty allows small-scale violations to be legalized by paying fees ranging from €400 to €3,000. Strict eligibility criteria are in place to help owners avoid legal complications when selling their properties. Property owners must submit:
- The original planning and building permit
- Certification from a registered architect or civil engineer confirming any unauthorized changes
Most violations involve expansion of building size and distance from plot boundaries, according to Ioannou.
What Types of Properties Are Eligible?
The amnesty applies to residential properties with building factor deviations of up to 20%, covering up to 60m² of additional enclosed spaces, such as verandas and pergolas. In the case of apartment buildings, all unit owners must agree for legalizing any changes.
Additionally, the program covers unapproved constructions in:
- Livestock operations (up to 20% in building coefficient violations)
- Leisure venues (up to 20% or a maximum of 100m²)
Deadline and Future Plans
To encourage participation, district administrations (EOAs) have sent notifications with water bills as reminders. The deadline remains the end of March, with a possible two-week extension if interest increases. However, no further decrees will be issued after this period.
For foreign buyers facing Title Deed delays, Ioannou stated that the government will introduce new legislation in cooperation with banks and other relevant authorities.
Secure Your Title Deeds Before the Deadline
The building amnesty program offers property owners a unique opportunity to legalize minor infractions and secure their Title Deeds. With time running out, those affected should apply before the deadline to avoid potential legal and financial issues in the future.
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Source: Cyprus Property News
