Cyprus to implement urban planning amnesty: property owners to receive titles

The Department of Urban Planning of the Republic of Cyprus has finalized a proposal for a new urban planning amnesty aiming to grant property titles to thousands of real estate owners. Its purpose is to address violations of urban planning norms more easily.

Property owners will first need to obtain permits from the planning department and pay fines. Different violations will incur different fines, for example, for an unauthorized glazed balcony versus a pergola for terrace sun protection.

Initiated by the Minister of the Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, the proposal is set for cabinet approval on Friday, September 13. Once the government approves, it will become effective immediately. Parliamentary approval is not required. The amnesty's duration is six months.