The possibility of constructing an additional floor for housing children or grandchildren, even when the building coefficient has been exhausted, as well as the disposal of state-owned plots of land at 25% of their market value, are provided for in the two new housing schemes presented by the Minister of the Interior, Constantinos Ioannou.
Presenting the new measures on 9 September, Ioannou stated that they are part of the Government's broader housing policy, which has as its main objectives the increase in the housing stock and the expansion of citizens' choices for acquiring housing.
The common philosophy of both schemes, he added, is to make the best use of the possibilities we already have, so that they are transformed into more and more affordable housing options for citizens.
The Minister of Interior emphasised that the new Plan for granting the right to build a new residence, on an additional floor, for the purposes of housing family members, is part of this overall approach.
In simple words, he explained, "we are giving the owners of existing homes the opportunity, under specific conditions and regardless of whether the building factor has been exhausted, to erect an additional floor for the accommodation of their children or grandchildren. The Scheme applies nationwide, with specific exceptions specified in its terms."
This, he pointed out, is an intervention with a clear social dimension, as it enables families to utilise the property they already have, limiting the need to find a new housing solution and reducing construction costs, thus saving resources from the family budget.
At the same time, he said, the existing housing stock and the urban planning possibilities that already exist in cities and communities are being better utilised.
Specifically, he further explained, under the prescribed conditions, an additional residence can be created either within the existing building or by extending, adding a floor or utilising the free space of the plot.
The new unit may have a buildable area of up to 150 square meters and, under certain conditions, up to 180 square meters in larger plots, while at the same time, facilities are provided for parking spaces and a restriction on the transfer of the new unit for a period of 10 years, with the exception of hereditary succession.
- Land Allocation Plan for Families
At the same time, the Minister of Interior announced the implementation of the Scheme for the Allocation of Land to Families on the Basis of Income Criteria. The Scheme has a dual objective: to support families facing difficulty in acquiring housing and, at the same time, to strengthen communities.
Through the Plan, he said, "we utilise available state land and make it available to families that meet the specified criteria, so that they can acquire their own home for owner-occupation."
According to what Ioannou announced, the plots will be made available at 25% of their market value. Beneficiaries are Cypriot citizens under 45 years of age, while the Scheme covers families with children, couples without children and single-parent families, based on specific income, family and other criteria.
"In this way, we are creating a real opportunity for young and low- or middle-income families to acquire land to build their own home, at a significantly reduced cost," he indicated.
At the same time, he said, the provision of land to rural and mountainous communities contributes to their strengthening and revitalisation.
It is emphasised that the detailed guides to the two new housing projects will be posted in the coming days on the website of the Ministry of Interior.
The two new Schemes, Ioannou continued, "are part of our broader effort to address the housing crisis, which focuses on two main pillars: increasing the housing stock and strengthening citizens' ability to acquire housing."
At the same time, he pointed out, the existing measures now have to present specific and measurable results.
Firstly, the Housing Scheme for young people and young families up to 41 years of age supported 700 beneficiaries, with a total expenditure of €26 million. The great response creates the prospect of its re-announcement, provided that the necessary resources are secured.
Secondly, the Housing Schemes for mountainous, remote, disadvantaged and rural areas enhance both housing and community development. During the period 2023-2026, 1,075 applications were approved, with a total expenditure of €43 million.
Thirdly, the housing projects of the Displaced Persons Care and Rehabilitation Service are being implemented, which resolve the housing needs of a sensitive group of the population, that of our refugee fellow citizens. In the three-year period 2023-2026, more than 6,500 applications have been approved, with a total amount of €168 million.
Fourthly, the procedures for the Affordable Housing Scheme on State Land are progressing, with the aim of creating 460 modern and quality homes for young people and families, at very affordable rent. The architectural competition has been completed, the standard development schemes have been selected, some of which you see on the screen, and we are moving forward with the next stages of implementation.
Fifthly, KOAG has been reactivated and strengthened as a key arm of our housing policy. A total of 702 housing units are under construction, licensing or planning, while the development of 135 plots is being promoted.
Sixthly, through the Urban Incentive Schemes and Built to Rent, more than 4,100 housing units are expected to be added to the market over the next three years, of which 1,142 will be available for affordable purchase or rental. At the same time, more than €22 million is expected to flow into the Special Affordable Housing Fund of KOAG, for the creation of approximately 250 additional units by the Organisation.
Seventhly, the Schemes for student and collective accommodation are progressing, expanding the options available for students and workers and covering specific housing needs.
At the same time, he stressed, the fast-track licensing reform has already yielded measurable results. By the end of August, 2,533 single-family and duplex houses were licensed in 40 working days and 1,242 multi-family and terraced housing developments in 80 working days. These developments concern more than 15,000 families, who are estimated to be able to acquire their homes approximately one and a half years earlier.
"These numbers reflect in practice the Government's direction in relation to housing: more supply, more choices, faster implementation and substantial support from citizens," Ioannou stressed.
Concluding the presentation, the Minister of Interior stated that "housing is one of the most important political priorities for the Government, because it directly concerns the quality of life, young people and families, the demographic and economic security of citizens, and social cohesion."
"That is why we are moving forward with a comprehensive and constantly evolving policy framework, increasing the housing stock, utilising state and private land, supporting citizens and accelerating procedures," he pointed out.
The new Schemes, he further emphasised, are part of this overall effort, while noting that "the most important thing is that our housing policy does not remain on paper. It is being implemented and is already yielding tangible results."
"We will continue with the same orientation, enriching and adapting our policies to the real needs of society and utilising every available tool and capability of the State," he concluded.
(Source: InBusinessNews)
