Cyprus government announces new housing schemes and apartment management reforms

On September 9, 2026, the Cypriot government announced two new housing schemes aimed at alleviating the national housing crisis. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou introduced a program allowing homeowners to construct an additional residential floor—or extend existing structures—to house family members, even if development density limits were previously met. The building can reach 150 square meters, or 180 square meters on larger plots. A second scheme involves the distribution of state-owned plots at 25% of their market value to families with specific eligibility criteria, including an age limit of 45 and residential proximity requirements. Single individuals are ineligible for the latter.

Simultaneously, the Ministry of Interior is pushing for urgent legislative reform regarding the management of multi-unit buildings. Recent discussions in the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs have addressed transferring oversight of common-use buildings to Provincial Organizations of Self-Government (EOA). While initial disputes over state funding and administrative fees occurred, recent talks have shown progress toward a compromise, with the Committee granting a three-week extension for the ministry to finalize its response to EOA requirements. The government continues to review expressions of interest from 20 additional communities to participate in the rural housing revitalization program.