Cyprus’s Ministry of Interior officially closed the Urban Planning Amnesty Scheme on June 23, 2025, after receiving 2,841 applications for the legalization of minor urban planning violations. The initiative was introduced to streamline the approval process and enable the issuance of title deeds for properties with minor non-compliant developments.

What the Urban Planning Amnesty Scheme Covered

The scheme enabled property owners to regularize small-scale construction irregularities, including:

• Pergolas and covered verandas

• Additions or modifications exceeding the permitted building coefficient

• Violations of height restrictions, number of floors, or building coverage

• Reductions in setback distances from neighboring property boundaries

Application Breakdown by Property Type

Out of the 2,841 total applications:

• 88% (2,495) were for residential units

• 5.5% (155) for commercial properties

• 2% (57) for office spaces

• 1.9% (55) for recreational venues

• 1.5% (44) for industrial sites

• 10 applications each came from the tourism and agricultural/livestock sectors

• 8 applications from educational institutions

• 7 applications from healthcare facilities

Geographic Distribution Across Cyprus

Applications were submitted from all districts, with Nicosia leading:

• Nicosia: 1,049 applications (37%)

• Limassol: 770 applications (27%)

• Paphos: 519 applications (18.3%)

• Larnaca: 328 applications (11.5%)

• Famagusta: 175 applications (6.2%)

All applications are currently under review by the relevant District Self-Government Organizations (EOAs), which will guide applicants through the final approval and title deed issuance process.

Affordable Housing to Benefit from Scheme’s Proceeds

A significant feature of the scheme is its financial contribution to Cyprus’s Special Affordable Housing Fund, managed by the Cyprus Land Development Corporation (KOAG). Applicants with approved submissions are required to pay a compensatory fee, which will be directed to this fund.

Based on preliminary calculations, the initiative is expected to raise at least €5.3 million, earmarked for affordable housing development across the country.

The Ministry of Interior highlighted that linking planning regulation with housing affordability reflects a strategic approach to improving living standards and expanding access to legally compliant, economically accessible homes.