Cyprus will make more than 570 state-owned plots available for purchase at just 25% of their market value under a new housing scheme aimed primarily at helping young families acquire land to build their own homes.
The Interior Ministry announced the Scheme for the Allocation of Plots to Families, saying it is designed to expand housing options for low- and middle-income households while making use of available state land.
In the first phase, more than 570 existing state plots that remain unallocated from previous land divisions will be offered across all districts of Cyprus.
The scheme also provides for the creation of additional plots through the subdivision of state-owned land in communities that express interest.
Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said the goal is to broaden housing opportunities and utilise available state land for the benefit of society, particularly young families.
The ministry also hopes the scheme will support rural communities, with special emphasis on mountainous, remote and disadvantaged areas.
Eligibility criteria
The scheme is open to Cypriot citizens and applies exclusively to communities across all districts, including 63 communities that have been incorporated into municipalities.
Under the scheme:
- Plots will be offered at 25% of their market value.
- Eligible applicants include couples with or without children and single-parent families.
- At least one member of a couple must be under the age of 45 when the application is submitted.
- At least one member of the household must be a permanent resident of the community where the plot is located or of a neighbouring community within a 15-kilometre radius.
- Gross annual household income must not exceed €45,000 for couples and single-parent families.
- The income limit rises to €50,000 for a household of three.
- The limit is €55,000 for a household of four.
- For households with five or more members, the income ceiling is €65,000.
Priority order
Plots will not be allocated solely on the basis of income criteria.
The Interior Ministry has established the following order of priority:
- Indigenous residents of the community who permanently reside there.
- Displaced persons who permanently reside in the community.
- Internal migrants wishing to return to the community.
- Repatriated persons or members of the diaspora who meet specific criteria.
- Permanent residents of neighbouring communities within a distance of 15 kilometres.
In cases where applicants score equally, priority will be given in the following order: large families, other families, single-parent families and couples.
Three years to build
Successful applicants will be required to build a home within a specified timeframe.
Under the scheme, construction must be completed within three years of signing the allocation agreement.
The plot may not be transferred before the home is completed, while the completed property may not be sold or otherwise transferred for five years after construction is finished.
Application process
For new subdivisions of state land, communities must first submit expressions of interest and applications to the relevant district administrations.
Proposed land parcels will then be assessed and procedures advanced in accordance with the scheme, with particular emphasis on mountainous, remote and disadvantaged communities.
For the more than 570 plots already available, application dates, procedures, information and required forms will be announced by the relevant district administrations.
