The allocation of affordable state plots is set to return nearly 15 years after the scheme was abolished in 2012. This time, plots will be made available both through the Ministry of Interior, via local authorities, and through the Cyprus Land Development Corporation (CLDC), which will sell land for the first time in its history, having previously focused exclusively on completed housing units.
The revelation that the CLDC is nearing the final stages of its plot allocation plans was made by the organisation’s chairman, Theseas Ioannou, during a recent interview with Phileleftheros.
According to Ioannou, the CLDC is proceeding with the subdivision of 135 plots located in the districts of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos.
Where the plots will be located
According to information obtained by Phileleftheros, the remaining procedures concern building and planning permits to be issued by the District Local Government Organisations.
The plots include:
- 36 plots in the Ypsonas area of Limassol, pending building permits.
- 44 plots in Kokkinotrimithia, Nicosia, pending building permits.
- 31 plots in Timi, Paphos, pending planning permission.
- 26 plots in Dromolaxia, Larnaca, pending planning permission.
The plots are expected to have an average size of approximately 520 square metres.
They are anticipated to be offered at prices close to one-third of prevailing market values in the respective areas and will be allocated according to the eligibility criteria already applied by the CLDC under its existing housing schemes.
New scheme planned by the Ministry of Interior
Further inquiries indicate that the Ministry of Interior also intends to proceed with the subdivision of plots that will be transferred to local authorities and subsequently sold to interested applicants.
The matter is currently before the Legal Service, as the relevant bill has been submitted for legal and technical review.
Under the proposed legislation, local authorities will submit requests identifying areas where there is either a need or an opportunity to utilise state-owned land. The Ministry of Interior will oversee the subdivision process, after which local authorities will be responsible for allocating the plots to beneficiaries.
Eligibility criteria are expected to be linked to the income and social requirements already in place under affordable housing schemes. Sale prices are estimated to be set at around 25 per cent of the value assessed by the Department of Lands and Surveys.
First plots could be allocated in 2026
The first plots could potentially be allocated to beneficiaries during 2026, particularly under the CLDC schemes, provided that the necessary permits are issued promptly by the District Local Government Organisations.
By contrast, the Ministry of Interior’s scheme is expected to take longer to implement, as the proposed legislation remains at the legal review stage.
Source: Charalampos Zakos- Philelenews
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