From 2 March 2026, Cyprus introduced updated Housing Schemes aimed at revitalising rural, mountainous, remote, and disadvantaged areas. The two schemes form part of the government’s wider housing policy, designed to improve citizens’ access to home ownership.
Purpose of the schemes
The schemes, successfully implemented since 2019, provide financial support based on household income and family composition. They target the acquisition of owner-occupied homes in designated areas, while also supporting broader government plans to rejuvenate rural, mountainous, and border-adjacent communities.
Between 2019 and 2025, a total of 2,892 applications were submitted, with 2,027 approved, amounting to approximately €77 million in grants.
Key updates and improvements
To increase attractiveness and accessibility, the Ministry of Interior introduced several improvements:
- Additional 20% grant increase for displaced applicants.
- €5,000 increase in the maximum grant for Rural Scheme beneficiaries.
- €5,000 increase in income limits for all regions and family types.
- Extra categorisation by number of children, raising the maximum grant by €5,000 for larger families.
- Additional income categorisation by family size, increasing thresholds by €5,000.
- Higher grants for special constructions: €5,000 for mountainous/disadvantaged areas, €15,000 for extremely remote or small areas.
- Removal of minimum residency requirement for Cypriot citizens (returnees and permanent residents).
- Option to combine the Housing Schemes with Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry grants for energy upgrades.
Application process
Applications are accepted until 31 December 2027 through the relevant District Administration offices. Detailed guides and information on the schemes are available on the Ministry of Interior website under the “Housing Policy” section.
These revisions aim to strengthen homeownership opportunities, support population retention in rural areas, and promote sustainable regional development.
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