Government introduces rapid building permit system

The government has rolled out a fast-track system for building permits, aiming to cut red tape and make home ownership more accessible. Announced in January, the new process speeds up approvals for single homes and duplexes deemed "low risk," reducing the wait time to just 40 working days—20 for town planning and 20 for the final building permit.

Applications must be submitted through the 'Ippodamos' online system by architects, who take full responsibility for the accuracy of the information. If a permit isn’t rejected within 20 days, it’s automatically approved. Since its launch last October, the system has processed hundreds of applications, with most getting the green light.

Starting in March, the fast-track scheme will expand to "medium-risk" projects, covering small apartment buildings and row houses, with approvals set to be completed in 80 working days. The system also introduces self-monitoring by architects and mandatory on-site inspections at key construction stages to ensure compliance.

While the initiative is expected to ease pressure on local authorities and speed up housing development, some issues remain — particularly with the ‘Ippodamos’ platform, which has faced technical hiccups since its launch in mid-2024. Despite these challenges, officials believe the reforms will boost housing availability and benefit aspiring homeowners, especially young families.