For the government, housing policy is a multifaceted and ongoing effort that aims, through the implementation of a series of measures, to expand housing options for citizens and enhance their access to quality and affordable housing, the Ministry of the Interior emphasizes in a statement.
The new Plan for granting the right to construct a new residence within existing developments, for the purpose of housing family members, enables owners of existing homes, under specific conditions, to construct an additional floor to house their family members. The Plan permits the construction of a new dwelling on an additional floor, an extension of an existing dwelling, or within the lot, even in cases where the building coverage ratio has been exhausted.
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In this way, families can make use of the property they already own, while at the same time, it reduces the need to find a new home, thereby limiting construction costs and the burden on the family budget. In addition, the existing housing stock is utilized, and new housing opportunities are created.
As Minister of the Interior Konstantinos Ioannou stated in a video statement, “This is a targeted social initiative that creates more opportunities for decent and affordable housing, providing practical support to families and, in particular, to the younger generation.”
Key provisions of the Plan:
- It provides for the construction of a new residential unit to meet the housing needs of the applicant’s family members (a) on an upper floor of an existing, approved residence, (b) within the shell of the existing residence or outside the shell as an addition to the existing residence, and (c) within the open space of the parcel/lot, provided that such a possibility exists.
- It applies throughout Cyprus, in cities and communities, to parcels of land where the construction of a residence is permitted by the Development Plans.
- It does not apply (a) to listed buildings and Areas of Special Character, (b) to residential units in existing apartment buildings and to residences that are part of existing unified residential developments, (c) to lots located in areas outside the Development Boundary, (d) to lots/plots located in Tourist Zones, (e) in environmentally sensitive areas, protected landscapes, nature conservation areas, and Controlled Areas under the Antiquities Law, and (f) for the legalization of unauthorized structures existing as of the date of publication of the Plan.
- The Plan is valid until December 31, 2027, and applies to all applications submitted to the competent Urban Planning Authority by that date.
- The buildable area of the new residential unit resulting from the implementation of the Plan shall be up to 150 square meters. As an exception, a buildable area of up to 180 square meters is permitted on lots where the net area is at least 1,000 square meters.
- The option to activate the mechanism for purchasing the required parking spaces is provided in cases where it is not feasible to designate the necessary parking spaces for the new facility.
- The urban planning permit is valid for no more than three years.
- The new unit may not be sold or transferred for a period of ten years, except in the case of inheritance.
- This Plan may be combined with other housing plans implemented as part of the Government’s comprehensive housing policy (e.g., YMAP housing plans, housing programs for the revitalization of mountainous, remote, and disadvantaged areas and rural areas, etc.).
- Potential beneficiaries who have taken advantage of an incentive or program involving the granting of additional floor area ratio are not eligible to participate in this specific Program.
