The government has rolled out a streamlined process to expedite building licence approvals for certain residential properties, aiming to reduce bureaucratic delays and encourage homeownership. This initiative, first announced in January, significantly shortens the approval timeline.
Accelerated Approval Timeline
Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou outlined the new framework, which cuts the final permit approval process to just 40 working days—20 days for a town planning permit and another 20 for the building permit.
Eligibility & Implementation
The fast-track system applies exclusively to low-risk residential properties, such as single-family homes and duplexes, provided they are on registered plots or land undergoing registration. The initiative, launched in October, is also expected to alleviate the workload of local government offices by allowing them to focus on construction inspections.
Digital Application Process
Architects must submit applications via the ‘Ippodamos’ electronic licensing system, bearing full responsibility for the accuracy of submitted data. Under this system, if a local authority does not issue a rejection within 20 days, the licence is automatically granted on the 21st day.
This new framework completes the government’s broader licensing reforms, which have had a notable impact. Since its introduction in October, 332 applications have been submitted, with 242 already processed. Of these, 223 were approved, while 26 were rejected. The remaining applications are still within the designated review period.
Expansion to Medium-Risk Developments
Starting in March, the fast-track process will extend to medium-risk developments, covering projects such as row houses (up to 12 units) and four-story buildings with a maximum of 20 apartments. The approval timeline for these projects will be 80 working days.
Ensuring Compliance Through Self-Monitoring & Inspections
To maintain regulatory standards, the system integrates self-monitoring by architects alongside mandatory on-site inspections at three critical construction stages. The Interior Ministry is collaborating with the Scientific and Technical Chamber of Cyprus (ETEK) to develop regulations for building inspectors. Until these guidelines are finalized, ETEK will provide a temporary list of qualified professionals to oversee compliance.
Minister Ioannou emphasized that these reforms will boost housing availability and facilitate homeownership, particularly for young families. However, challenges remain, particularly with the ‘Ippodamos’ system, which has experienced slow processing speeds and architectural limitations since its launch in July 2024.
Source: Cyprus Property News