**Govt to Make Available 570 Plots of Land for Young Families to Build Homes**
The Cypriot government has announced an initiative to allocate approximately 570 plots of land for young families, aimed at promoting home ownership and enhancing social cohesion. The announcement was made by the Interior Ministry on Sunday, with Minister Constantinos Ioannou highlighting the project’s potential to significantly reduce the cost of acquiring land for housing.
According to the ministry, the plots will be available for sale at just 25 percent of their market value, offering a substantial opportunity for young and low- to middle-income families to secure land for building their homes. Ioannou emphasized the importance of access to housing, stating that it is a fundamental requirement for social cohesion and the well-being of the population. He noted that the government is utilizing state land to address the housing needs of young families.
The initiative aims not only to assist young families but also to strengthen rural communities, particularly in mountainous and remote areas. By attracting new residents, the government hopes to revitalize these regions, fostering economic growth and community development.
Eligibility for the scheme is limited to Cypriot nationals, specifically couples with or without children, as well as single-parent families. To qualify, at least one member of the couple must be under 45 years old at the time of application. Additionally, the couple's current residence must be located within 15 kilometers of the plot they wish to purchase.
Income limits have also been established to ensure that the program targets families in need. The maximum annual salary for applicants is set at €45,000 for childless couples or single-parent households, €50,000 for families with three members, €55,000 for families of four, and €65,000 for families of five or more.
The allocation of plots will prioritize indigenous residents of the villages where the land is located, including displaced persons, internal emigrants wishing to return, and repatriates or emigrants who meet specific conditions. In cases where multiple applications are received for the same plot, priority will be given to larger families.
This initiative reflects the government's commitment to improving housing accessibility for young families and revitalizing rural areas across Cyprus. As the program progresses, it is expected to foster community growth and provide a pathway for many families to achieve home ownership.