Cyprus property developers push for building safety reform

Following recurring incidents of building instability and balcony collapses, the Cyprus Property Developers Association has issued a call for urgent legislative reform to improve building safety. The association argues that current public discourse fails to address the root causes of structural failures, moving only toward blame after tragedies occur rather than focusing on proactive risk mitigation.

To address these concerns, the association is urging the completion of parliamentary discussions and the passage of the 2023 bill regarding the management of jointly-owned buildings. A primary component of the proposed reform is the establishment of a mandatory periodic technical inspection system for all buildings, effectively serving as an MOT for real estate. This initiative aims to modernize the current legislative framework, which dates back to the early 1990s and is no longer adequate for modern market requirements and construction standards.

The proposed framework seeks to shift the focus from managing the consequences of structural failures to preventing them entirely. The organization emphasizes that the current outdated regulations from the 1990s are insufficient to handle contemporary growth and safety needs, making the adoption of the new bill and regular inspections critical to preventing future catastrophes.