Property developers demand urgent legislation for building safety

The Real Estate Development Association of Cyprus issued an urgent call on September 1, 2026, for the immediate implementation of mandatory periodic building inspections, similar to a vehicle MOT system. General Director Mersina Isidorou emphasized that delays are no longer acceptable, citing the critical need to secure the safety of citizens and property through proactive maintenance and a modernized regulatory framework.

The demand follows recent tragic structural failures, including an April 2026 building collapse in Germasogeia that resulted in two deaths. The association is pressing for the completion and parliamentary approval of amendments to the 'Streets and Buildings Regulation Law' during the upcoming autumn legislative session, with discussions scheduled for early September in the Interior Committee. Additionally, the group is urging for the passage of long-pending reforms regarding shared ownership properties, which have remained stagnant since 2023.

The association's primary objective for this parliamentary term is to finalize these legislative updates to prevent further incidents. Authorities are expected to begin formal deliberations this month to address these urgent public safety concerns.