CYPRUS LAUNCHES NEW AMNESTY PROGRAM TO LEGALIZE UNAUTHORIZED CONSTRUCTIONS

Cyprus recently approved an Urban Amnesty Plan for unauthorized constructions, which took effect on September 13, 2024, and will be available until March 2025.

This initiative allows property owners to legalize small-scale planning violations, such as adding pergolas, glazing verandas, or extending parts of buildings without prior permits. Property owners can now apply for title deeds previously withheld due to these unauthorized modifications.

The plan applies to residential, commercial, industrial, and other properties, provided the buildings were approved before September 13, 2024. The process includes paying fines that range from €300 to €3,000, depending on the type and severity of the violation. The revenue from these fines will be used to fund affordable housing projects through the Cyprus Land Development Corporation.

For property owners affected by unauthorized constructions, this amnesty presents a significant opportunity. It offers a clear path to regularize their properties and obtain the proper legal documentation they've been lacking, instilling a sense of hope.

To participate in the Urban Amnesty Plan in Cyprus, follow these steps:

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure your property meets the criteria for the amnesty. The unauthorized construction must be on a property granted a planning or building permit before September 13, 2024. Additionally, the unauthorized modifications (such as exceeding building density or adding structures like pergolas) must have been completed before that date.
2. Application Submission: Submit an application to the Town Planning Department or your local District Administrative Organization. The application should include a sworn declaration from a professional surveyor, who can be hired for this specific task, confirming that the unauthorized additions were completed before the deadline.
3. Pay Financial Compensation: Depending on the type and scale of the violation, you will be required to pay a fine ranging from €300 to €3,000. In cases where the building's density coefficient is exceeded, a percentage of the property's market value will be paid as compensation.
4. Submit Additional Documents: Ensure all required documentation is in order, including any necessary permits or declarations about the property's current state. If there are issues with parking or other regulations, such as setbacks or building height, you may also need to resolve these.
5. Obtain Approval: Once the application is processed and payments are made, you will receive approval, which will allow you to legalize the modifications and receive title deeds for the property.

This process is open until March 2025 and is intended to help property owners resolve long-standing issues with unauthorized construction and obtain proper legal status for their buildings.