Cyprus is speeding up permits for construction to increase housing

Cyprus is reducing the time required to approve house permits for small-scale developments to 40 working days. In an attempt to modernise the construction industry and reduce delays, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou introduced this reform.

The modifications centre on "Category A" developments, which are low-risk projects like single-family homes or structures with two or more apartments. The time required for building permits and planning permissions has been shortened to 20 and 20 working days, respectively, as part of a package of 22 measures.

A specific checklist will now be used by applicants, giving private designers additional responsibility to guarantee compliance. In the event that no decision is made within 20 days, the permission will be granted automatically.

From paper-based assessments to real-time site checks, inspections will occur at three different stages of construction to make sure everything is in order.

Since its October inception, the Ippodamos digital platform has handled 147 planning applications. Beginning in January 2025, the same simplified procedure will apply to building permits for Category A developments.

By March 2025, the changes will apply to medium-risk "Category B" projects as well, requiring licenses to be obtained within 80 working days. Reducing processing delays, resolving 5,000 pending applications, and enhancing efficiency in the construction industry are the objectives.