**Limassol Affordable Housing Project Delayed Until Summer 2027**
Limassol's ambitious affordable housing project has encountered minor delays, with the first 36 apartments now expected to be completed by early summer 2027. This announcement was made by Mayor Yiannis Armeftis during a site visit on Wednesday, where he was accompanied by the newly appointed board of directors from the Cyprus Land Development Corporation (Koag). The project is located in the Ayios Nicolaos area, specifically on Ayias Aikaterinis street.
The affordable housing initiative is a collaborative effort between the Limassol municipality and Koag, aimed at addressing the pressing housing needs of low- and middle-income families in the region. Mayor Armeftis highlighted that the first phase of the project involves the construction of 36 two-bedroom apartments. He noted that existing structures had been demolished and their former residents relocated to facilitate the construction process.
During the site visit, Armeftis expressed optimism about the project's progress, stating, “The purpose of the visit is to see how the project is progressing and review the timelines.” He confirmed that the completion of the first phase is now anticipated for early summer 2027, a shift from the previously scheduled completion date of March 2027. Koag chairman Nicolas Diomidous acknowledged the delays but characterized them as relatively minor, assuring that engineers and technical staff are diligently working to adhere to the revised schedule.
Once the first phase is completed, plans are in place to begin construction on three additional six-storey apartment buildings. The total number of apartments under the project is somewhat disputed, with Mayor Armeftis citing 136 units, while Diomidous mentioned a total of 138. Regardless of the exact figure, the overarching goal remains the same: to provide affordable rental options for families in need.
The project is part of a broader strategy by the Limassol municipality to enhance housing availability. Mayor Armeftis emphasized the municipality's commitment to financing affordable housing through development-related contributions. Furthermore, he unveiled plans for a second phase of the project on Lambrou Porfyra street, which will incorporate the principles of the New European Bauhaus. This approach aims to ensure that future housing developments are not only affordable but also sustainable, inclusive, and architecturally appealing, ultimately enhancing residents' quality of life.
In addition to the current project, Limassol municipality has announced plans for an additional 400 affordable housing apartments. To facilitate this, the council will hold an architectural idea competition that aligns with the New European Bauhaus principles, focusing on sustainability, high-quality design, and social inclusion. Discussions between the municipality and Koag also included the corporation's role in the competition's evaluation committee, leveraging its expertise in housing policy.
Both Mayor Armeftis and Chairman Diomidous reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership between the municipality and Koag to expand affordable housing options in Limassol. As the city grapples with increasing housing demands, these initiatives are seen as crucial steps toward ensuring that all residents have access to safe and affordable living conditions.