*Press Release from the Real Estate Development Association
The Real Estate Development Association emphasizes the need for substantial progress on issues related to hazardous and jointly owned buildings during the new parliamentary session, noting that there is no longer any room for further delays.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
With regard to unsafe buildings, where the legislative process has already moved forward and the issue is scheduled for discussion in the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs in early September, the goal should be to complete the review and pass the relevant amendments to the “Law on the Regulation of Roads and Buildings” by the fall. Similarly, regarding jointly owned buildings, where reform has been pending since 2023, it is necessary to provide the necessary impetus immediately so that the relevant legislation can finally move forward toward passage.
The need for decisive action has become even more urgent following the serious incidents of recent months. In April, the collapse of part of a building in Germasogeia claimed the lives of two of our fellow citizens, tragically bringing the issue of unsafe buildings back into the spotlight. A few months later, in June, the collapse of balconies in a seven-story apartment building in Kapsalos once again highlighted the critical nature of the problem, as well as the need for proper legislation to ensure the timely identification of problems before damage escalates into a threat to human safety.
In this context, the Association supports the establishment of periodic technical inspections of buildings —a building inspection program—to identify in a timely manner problems that could pose risks to tenants and the public.
At the same time, the Association emphasizes the need to finally move forward with the proposed legislative framework for the management of jointly owned buildings. A modern framework that will strengthen the operation and capabilities of the Management Committees, ensure the existence of reserve funds for maintenance work, and provide effective mechanisms for timely intervention, is more necessary than ever.
“The safety of buildings and citizens cannot be left to chance. During the new legislative session, it is important to immediately finalize the legislation on hazardous buildings and finally move forward with the reform of jointly owned buildings. Prevention, regular inspections, and timely maintenance must form the core of a modern framework that will ensure the protection of human life, citizens’ property, and the country’s building stock,” said the Association’s General Director, Ms. Mersina Isidorou.
The Real Estate Development Association therefore calls on the House of Representatives and the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs to proceed, without further delay, with the promotion and passage of the relevant legislation.
Building safety is a matter of public interest and social responsibility. The shift from addressing problems after the fact to prevention requires a modern institutional framework and decisive action before we are once again confronted with the consequences of inaction.
