**Title: Ioannou: More than 4,100 New Homes to Enter Market Within Three Years**
In a recent interview with Phileleftheros, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou announced that over 4,100 new residential units are anticipated to be introduced to the Cyprus housing market within the next three years. This development is part of the government's incentive plans and 'built to rent' schemes aimed at addressing housing needs in the country.
Of the total units expected, 1,142 will be made available for affordable purchase or rental. The government is also advancing procedures for an affordable housing construction plan on state land, which aims to provide 460 homes specifically designed for young people and families at reduced rental rates.
Ioannou highlighted the impact of expedited licensing procedures on the housing market. By the end of August, a total of 2,533 single-family and duplex homes were licensed within just 40 working days, while 1,242 multi-family buildings received licenses in 80 working days. These efficiencies are projected to bring approximately 15,000 new residential units to market about a year and a half earlier than originally anticipated.
In discussing existing housing schemes, Ioannou noted that a program targeting young people and families under the age of 41 has successfully supported 700 beneficiaries, with a total expenditure of €26 million. This program was expanded from its initial target of 400 beneficiaries to ensure that all eligible applicants received support. The strong demand for such housing initiatives has led to discussions about potentially relaunching the scheme, contingent on available resources.
Additionally, Ioannou reported that 1,075 applications under housing plans for communities in the Troodos region have been approved for the period between 2023 and 2026, representing an investment of €43 million.
On Sunday, President Nikos Christodoulides announced two new housing schemes, which Ioannou elaborated on. The first scheme allows homeowners to construct an additional floor or extend their existing property for their children or grandchildren, irrespective of whether the building coefficient has been fully utilized. New units can be up to 150 square meters, or 180 square meters on larger plots, providing families with a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new homes.
The second scheme involves the sale of state-owned land at 25% of its market value. Eligibility for this scheme is limited to Cypriots under the age of 45 who meet specific income and family criteria, including families with children, couples without children, and single-parent families. Approximately 570 plots will be allocated across all provinces, with further divisions planned for interested communities.
Ioannou dismissed suggestions that the introduction of new schemes indicated previous programs had underperformed, asserting that all current projects are achieving satisfactory results, many even surpassing expectations. He emphasized that the housing policy is continuously reviewed and adapted, with new plans designed to complement existing initiatives rather than replace them.
When questioned about whether these measures would adequately address the housing crisis, Ioannou acknowledged that housing is a multifaceted issue requiring a variety of interventions. He reiterated the government's commitment to tackling the housing challenges faced by the population through comprehensive and innovative approaches.
As the government moves forward with these plans, stakeholders in the housing sector and potential beneficiaries will be watching closely to see how these initiatives unfold and their impact on the housing market in Cyprus.