Homeowners in Cyprus will soon have access to a fresh pool of state funding to upgrade their properties, with the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, and Industry launching a new €20 million round of the popular ‘Save-Upgrade Houses’ initiative this coming September.
Announced by Energy Minister Michalis Damianos, this third funding call expands the government’s total investment under the wider THALEIA regional development programme to €85 million. The scheme provides substantial financial incentives, offering up to €32,000 per home, to help residents lower utility bills and minimize their environmental footprint.
Eligible Upgrades and Covered Renovations
The grant is designed to subsidize comprehensive eco-friendly renovations. Homeowners looking to boost their property’s energy profile can apply for funding toward:
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Insulation & Openings: Installation of thermal insulation, shading mechanisms, and energy efficient window and door replacements.
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Climate & Water Systems: Upgrades to heating/cooling units and modern solar water heating arrays.
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Renewable Energy: Installation of rooftop photovoltaic (solar panel) systems, including options that feature integrated battery storage.
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Professional Consultation: Fees paid to certified energy auditors to acquire mandatory Energy Performance Certificates (EPC).
Eligibility Criteria: Who Qualifies?
To prevent commercial exploitation, the €20 million fund is reserved strictly for private citizens upgrading older residential stock.
Core Requirements:
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Property Age: The residence must have been constructed, or had its planning permission submitted, prior to January 1, 2008 (or grid connected before December 21, 2007).
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Ownership: The title deed must belong to a natural person rather than a corporate entity.
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Utility Connection: The home must have an active domestic account with the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC).
Bonus Subsidies: Vulnerable households, families living in designated mountainous zones, and those residing in refugee housing complexes are eligible for an additional 20% increase on top of the standard grant caps.
Streamlined Approvals to Combat Prior Delays
Addressing past criticisms regarding slow payouts, Ministry officials admitted that a massive bottleneck occurred during the summer of 2025 when thousands of reimbursement claims were filed simultaneously.
To prevent a repeat scenario, a new risk based assessment model will be introduced for the September roll out. Under this system, low risk applications, such as low value claims, projects managed by pre-vetted industry professionals, or basic, single tier upgrades, will bypass standard bureaucratic hurdles and may be approved without a physical, onsite state inspection.
A Tighter Budget Due to High Demand
While Minister Damianos emphasized that the continuation of the program highlights the state’s commitment to social and climate policy, he noted that the budget for this round has been capped at €20 million, down from the €30 million allocated in the previous cycle. Because funds are reduced, homeowners are being urged to arrange inspections with certified energy experts over the summer months to prepare their paperwork ahead of the fall launch.
Applications will be processed online through the Ministry’s dedicated digital portal starting this September. Residents seeking immediate clarification can utilize the government’s dedicated information helpline (17107).
Source: Cyprus Property News