Local authorities in Limassol are expressing concern over the fate of dozens of unlicensed homes damaged by recent wildfires, warning that the Cabinet’s current framework leaves many residents without full compensation.
Mayor of Kourion: “20-30% without permits, they will not be restored”
Speaking on state radio, Kourion Mayor Pantelis Georgiou said that during a meeting with local officials and state representatives, it was found that around 20-30% of the destroyed homes are unlicensed and located outside residential zones.
He explained that many low‑income families, faced with the housing crisis, were forced in recent years to build houses on farmland outside designated zones to use as permanent residences. Others, he noted, may belong to families with means who use them as holiday homes.
For many cases, he added, it is practically impossible to issue permits, as the properties were built in areas where no residential development is allowed.
He called for renewed discussion of the issue, stressing that families in financial difficulty will only receive 25% compensation under the Cabinet decision- an amount insufficient for rebuilding.
Union of Limassol Communities: “Temporary permits to allow 100% support”
Lefteris Periklis, president of the Union of Limassol Communities, said the Cabinet’s measures are positive but require close monitoring in implementation.
Speaking on state television, he highlighted that owners of unlicensed homes outside residential zones risk exclusion from full compensation. Temporary permits, he suggested, could allow them to receive 100% of financial aid without legalising the buildings.
He estimated that over 50, possibly up to 100, of the approximately 400 destroyed homes fall into this category. Many residents, he reminded, converted storage buildings or makeshift shelters into homes due to lack of housing.
He also proposed that prefabricated homes be provided by the state, as many cases cannot obtain building permits due to the absence of registered road networks. “Whatever the cost, we must be humane,” he said.
Koilani Community Leader: “We must not abandon them”
Kyriakos Kyriakou, community leader of Koilani, stressed the dramatic impact in communities such as his, where many unlicensed homes were built by 1974 refugees who are now facing a second displacement.
“Just because someone had a farm storehouse and added two rooms doesn’t mean we should abandon them,” he said, noting that the government had assured them that all would be helped. “If that doesn’t happen, we will be the first to throw stones at the president, as we were witnesses to what was agreed,” he warned.
The goal, he said, is to issue temporary permits so that owners qualify for 100% compensation, without this automatically legalising the properties.
Cabinet decision provisions
According to the Cabinet decision:
- Unlicensed buildings within residential zones (no insurance): Owners must apply for a permit to the Limassol District Local Government Organisation by 31 December 2025. Financial aid is paid as follows:
• 25% upon application for a permit
• 25% upon appointment of an architect/engineer for works
• 50% upon certification that 50% of the works are completed
If no permit is issued, only 25% ex gratia compensation is granted. - Unlicensed buildings within residential zones (with insurance): Owners must apply for a permit by 31 December 2025. Aid is:
• Equal to the insurance excess waiver if permitted
• 25% of the excess waiver if not permitted - Unlicensed buildings outside residential zones (no insurance): Owners must apply for a permit to the Council for the Study of Derogations by 31 December 2025. Aid is:
• 25% upon application for a permit
• 25% upon appointment of an architect/engineer for works
• 50% upon certification that 50% of the works are completed
If no permit is issued, only 25% ex gratia compensation is granted. - Unlicensed buildings outside residential zones (with insurance): Owners must apply for a permit by 31 December 2025. Aid is:
• Equal to the insurance excess waiver if permitted
• 25% of the excess waiver if not permitted
Also read: Protest in Limassol today over deadly wildfire
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel.
