**Ministry Unveils New Scheme Allowing Families to Build Extra Floor for Relatives**
The Ministry of Interior in Cyprus has announced a new initiative aimed at assisting families in creating additional living spaces for their children and grandchildren. This scheme, confirmed by Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou on Thursday, allows homeowners to construct an extra floor or an extension to their existing properties, even if they have already reached the maximum permitted building density.
Minister Ioannou described the initiative as a “targeted intervention” designed to enhance affordable housing options and provide practical support to families, particularly the younger generation. The new residential units can be developed in one of three ways: by adding a floor above the existing structure, incorporating the new unit within the current building's shell, or extending the property into any remaining free space on the plot.
However, there are specific exclusions to the scheme. Properties that are listed buildings, individual apartments within existing apartment blocks, land located in tourist zones, and sites within environmentally protected areas are not eligible. Additionally, the scheme does not permit the legalization of unauthorized structures that were already in place at the time of the announcement.
Once a homeowner secures a planning permit, they must adhere to several conditions. Notably, they are required to submit a building permit application within one year; otherwise, the planning permit will lapse. The maximum buildable area for the new unit is capped at 150 square meters, which can increase to 180 square meters for plots that have a net area of at least 1,000 square meters.
If a permit is granted, it will come with a stipulation that the property’s title deed must be amended to restrict the sale or transfer of the extended home for a period of ten years, with the exception of inheritance cases. Additionally, any planning permit issued under this scheme will remain valid for a maximum of three years.
The application window for this scheme will remain open until the end of December next year, allowing homeowners to submit their proposals to the relevant urban planning authority. It is important to note that individuals who have previously benefited from another government incentive that provides additional building coefficients are ineligible to apply for this new scheme. However, it can be combined with other government housing initiatives, including those aimed at supporting young families and revitalizing communities in the Troodos region.
This announcement is part of a broader set of housing measures that the government has rolled out in recent weeks. One such initiative allows individuals under the age of 45 to purchase state-owned plots at just 25% of their market value, subject to specific income limits ranging from €45,000 for couples to €65,000 for families with five or more members. Approximately 570 plots are expected to be distributed under this program in the near future.
Minister Ioannou emphasized that the government's housing strategy is already yielding “measurable results.” He highlighted the expedited licensing process that has led to the approval of 2,533 detached and semi-detached houses within forty working days, as well as 1,242 apartment blocks approved within eighty working days. These changes are projected to provide homes for over 15,000 families approximately eighteen months earlier than initially anticipated.
As the Ministry of Interior continues to implement these housing measures, the new scheme for building additional floors or extensions is expected to significantly impact family living arrangements and contribute to addressing the housing needs of younger generations in Cyprus.