Concerns mount in Limassol over fire-damaged homes built without permits
Local authorities in the Limassol district are voicing growing concern over the fate of dozens of unlicensed structures destroyed in the recent wildfires, as the current government compensation framework leaves many affected residents without full financial support.
Mayor: “20–30% built without permits – many will be beyond repair”
Speaking on state radio, the Mayor of Kourion, Mr Pantelis Georgiou, revealed that during a meeting with local government officials and state representatives, it was determined that roughly 20–30% of the homes damaged by the fires were unauthorised constructions located outside residential zones.
According to the mayor, many low-income families, driven by the worsening housing crisis in recent years, were forced to build permanent homes on agricultural land beyond designated residential areas. While many of these dwellings were erected out of necessity, he acknowledged that some may have been used as holiday homes by wealthier families.
Mr Georgiou stressed that in many of these cases, it is practically impossible to obtain building permits, as the properties were erected in areas where no development is legally permitted.
He called for a renewed discussion around this issue, noting that under the current decision by the Council of Ministers, families already facing financial hardship stand to receive only 25% of the estimated value of their destroyed homes—an amount insufficient for reconstruction.
Community union president: “Temporary permits could unlock full compensation”
President of the Limassol Union of Communities, Mr Lefteris Pericleous, stated on national television that the government’s response so far is broadly on the right track, but vigilance is needed to ensure the measures are properly implemented.
He expressed concern that owners of unlicensed properties outside residential zones risk being excluded from full compensation packages. He suggested that temporary permits could be issued to allow them to receive 100% of the financial assistance, without retroactively legalising the structures.
Mr Pericleous estimated there could be over 50, potentially even 100 such cases among the roughly 400 homes either partially or totally destroyed. He reminded viewers that many residents converted warehouses or makeshift shelters into homes due to the lack of affordable housing.
He proposed that the government provide prefabricated housing for those affected, pointing out that most of the destroyed properties are in areas lacking even basic road infrastructure, making it impossible to obtain building licences. “No matter the cost to the state,” he said, “we must act with humanity.” He added that authorities should also work towards resolving issues related to rural road classifications.
Koilani leader: “We cannot abandon these people”
The community leader of Koilani, Kyriakos Kyriakou, emphasised the human tragedy unfolding in villages like his. He highlighted that many of the unlicensed homes were built by 1974 refugees, who now find themselves displaced once again.
“Just because someone extended a farm shed by adding a couple of rooms doesn’t mean we should leave them to fend for themselves,” Mr Kyriakou stated on state TV. He reported that the government has assured local leaders that everyone will receive assistance. “We’ve received these promises, and if they’re not kept, we will be the first to hold the President to account.”
He echoed the call for temporary permits, not as a step toward legalising these homes, but as a means for affected residents to qualify for full (100%) compensation.
What the cabinet’s decision entails
According to the Council of Ministers’ decision, the compensation process for unlicensed properties—whether inside or outside residential zones—will proceed as follows:
For unlicensed properties within residential zones (uninsured):
- Owners must apply for retroactive licensing to the District Local Government Organisation (DLGO) of Limassol by 31 December 2025.
- Financial assistance will be disbursed as:
- 25% upon submitting the permit application,
- A further 25% if the property is licensed, accompanied by a declaration from an architect or civil engineer confirming they’ve been appointed to carry out the necessary works,
- The remaining 50% once the engineer certifies that half the reconstruction is complete.
- All responsibilities for the works lie solely with the property owners.
If the property is not licensed, only the initial 25% (paid at application) is granted.
Also read: Protest in Limassol today over deadly wildfire
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