Land Development Regulations Likely to Change in Cyprus: Here's What's Revealed
In a significant move towards modernizing Cyprus' land development sector, the Ministry of Interior has announced plans to institutionalize the profession and establish a legal framework for the industry. This development comes after a recent landmark urban land reform law was passed, aiming to transform the urban landscape and address longstanding development challenges.
The Ministry, under the leadership of Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, has acknowledged the importance of stakeholder consultation in this context. A working group will be formed, including officials from the Department of Lands and Surveys and members of the Cyprus Land and Building Developers Association, to draft legislation for land development in Cyprus.
The aim is to enhance transparency, oversight, and the credibility of the land development sector. The Ministry considers stakeholder consultation as a necessary step for the institutionalization of the land development profession and a key component of the process.
During a meeting with the Cyprus Land and Building Developers Association, key issues discussed included accelerating the issuance of building permits, simplifying bureaucratic procedures, and addressing housing affordability. The developers welcomed the Ministry’s efforts and emphasized the importance of effective local government operations in supporting the real estate sector’s growth.
The association also highlighted affordable housing as an urgent priority, aligning with government initiatives to support public housing policy. The reforms aim to create a more competitive and sustainable real estate sector that contributes significantly to Cyprus’s economic growth.
In addition to the urban land consolidation law, a pending bill is nearing parliamentary vote, focusing on resolving the issue of "trapped" property buyers. This bill, once passed, is expected to bring relief to thousands of affected individuals who have paid for homes but lack legal titles due to developer insolvency or malpractice.
These coordinated efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to overcoming long-standing obstacles in land development regulation in Cyprus, aiming to foster urban regeneration, improve housing availability, and strengthen the real estate sector’s economic role. The Ministry of Interior has shown its willingness to collaborate with stakeholders in the process of institutionalizing the land development profession, ensuring a smooth and effective transition for all parties involved.
[1] Cyprus Mail. (2025, June 29). Urban land reform law passed in Cyprus to unlock long-idle land plots. Retrieved from https://cyprus-mail.com/2025/06/29/urban-land-reform-law-passed-in-cyprus-to-unlock-long-idle-land-plots/
[2] Cyprus News Agency. (2025, June 24). Developers meet with Ioannou to discuss land development issues. Retrieved from https://cyprus-news.com/2025/06/24/developers-meet-with-ioannou-to-discuss-land-development-issues/
[3] Phileleftheros. (2025, June 27). New urban land reform law to promote compact, sustainable growth. Retrieved from https://phileleftheros.com.cy/2025/06/27/new-urban-land-reform-law-to-promote-compact-sustainable-growth/
[4] Cyprus Mail. (2025, July 10). Consensus reached on bill to help trapped property buyers, says Ioannou. Retrieved from https://cyprus-mail.com/2025/07/10/consensus-reached-on-bill-to-help-trapped-property-buyers-says-ioannou/
- The Ministry of Interior, led by Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, is drafting legislation for land development in Cyprus with the help of a working group, aiming to institutionalize the land development profession.
- During discussions with the Cyprus Land and Building Developers Association, the Ministry focused on accelerating building permit issuance, simplifying bureaucratic procedures, and addressing housing affordability issues.
- The association emphasized affordable housing as an urgent priority, aligning with government initiatives to support public housing policy and promote sustainable economic growth in Cyprus's real estate sector.
- A pending bill is nearing parliamentary vote, focusing on resolving the issue of "trapped" property buyers, bringing relief to thousands of affected individuals who have paid for homes but lack legal titles due to developer insolvency or malpractice.
