On Friday, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou announced that the response to the small-scale building violations amnesty has been lower than expected. Launched in September, this initiative was designed to last six months, addressing numerous issues.

Through this initiative, property owners could obtain withheld Title Deeds via a streamlined process, reducing the bureaucratic burden on authorities. Fines collected would support a fund aimed at promoting affordable housing through the land development organization. Despite the potential benefits, only 550 applications have been received so far, even though the number of properties with minor deviations far exceeds this, Ioannou shared with CyBC radio.

The amnesty’s conditions are rigorous, aiming to ease the path for owners and avoid future legal complications if they opt to sell. Ioannou explained that this program allows for small planning deviations to be formalized through payment of fees ranging from €400 to €3,000. A list of permissible infractions is available for reference.

To qualify, property owners must submit the original planning and building permit, along with certification from a registered architect or civil engineer for any unapproved alterations. The majority of these cases relate to expansions of building size and proximity to plot boundaries.

Eligibility for amnesty includes residential properties with building factor deviations up to 20 percent, or covering up to 60 square meters in both vertical and horizontal extensions, including spaces like enclosed verandas and pergolas. For apartment buildings, all unit owners must agree to legalize any arbitrary constructions.

The decree extends to unauthorized builds in agricultural operations and leisure establishments. For agricultural buildings, deviations in building coefficients must not exceed 20 percent, while leisure venues are allowed deviations of up to 20 percent or 100 square meters.

District administrations (EOAs) encouraged compliance by sending notifications with water bills, urging property owners to act before the decree expires at the end of March. While no new decrees are expected for this special measure, a brief two-week extension may be considered if interest surges, according to Ioannou.

Addressing the predicament of foreign buyers who find themselves trapped, Ioannou mentioned plans to propose new legislation soon. This will be developed in collaboration with banking institutions and other relevant authorities to provide a solution to those not covered by the current decree.