The Director of the Housing Policy Directorate, Patrina Taramidou, while speaking on the Alpha Kalimera program. The plan covers a total of 523 plots, which are being made available to families at 25% of their estimated market value, with indicative prices starting at €3,300.
As Ms. Taramidou explained, eligible recipients are Cypriot citizens who are part of families, including couples with or without children and single-parent families, with an age limit of 45 years, as well as specific income and asset criteria. Applicants must be permanent residents of the municipality where the plots are available or of a neighboring municipality within a 15-kilometer radius. Additionally, consideration is given to whether they own other residential property or have disposed of such property within the last three years, while the plan also includes provisions regarding the real estate holdings of parents. Ms. Taramidou clarified that relevant tables listing the communities falling within the 15-kilometer radius have been prepared to assist interested parties.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Regarding the selection process, the Director of the Housing Policy Directorate clarified that submitting an application does not guarantee automatic allocation of a plot of land. First, eligibility will be assessed, and then applicants will be prioritized based on their origin and residency in the community, as well as special categories, such as refugees and returnees. In the event of a tie, family criteria, such as the number of children and other special needs, will be taken into account. If the number of eligible applicants exceeds the number of available plots, the final selection will be made by lottery.
Special mention was also made of the fact that eligible applicants will not be able to choose a specific plot, as allocation will also be determined by lottery, even when the number of applicants is fewer than the number of available plots. As Ms. Taramidou explained, the goal is to ensure the objectivity of the process, given that the plots may differ in terms of their location and characteristics. “To ensure an equitable distribution and allocation. Because one plot might be on a corner, while another might be centrally located,” she noted, explaining the rationale behind the lottery.
In the first phase, 73 plots are being made available in the Nicosia district, 112 in Limassol, 123 in Larnaca, 184 in Paphos, and 31 in the Free District of Famagusta. Prices are set at 25% of the appraised value, with indicative examples including €3,300 in Kivisili, €4,600 in Pentalia, €9,100 in Deneia, and €15,600 in Korno. The plots range in size from approximately 325 to 371 square meters, while the residence to be built may not exceed 150 square meters and must be completed within three years of signing the relevant agreement. The cost of subdividing the plots will not be borne by the beneficiaries.
Applications are submitted to the local District Administrations, and the necessary forms, criteria, and relevant information are posted on the websites of the Ministry of the Interior and the District Administrations. Ms. Taramidou emphasized that the plan is intended to complement existing housing programs and strengthen communities. At the same time, she clarified that in specific cases, it is possible to combine the allocation of a plot of land with other housing schemes, such as housing assistance from the Social Welfare Service and programs targeting mountainous areas.
