Fresh Efforts to Reform Jointly-Owned Building Rules in Cyprus

Managing jointly-owned buildings in Cyprus has long been an uphill task, leading to disputes among residents and inadequate upkeep for countless properties. To tackle this persistent problem, the Land Registry sought the Commissioner of Legislation’s help, subsequently handing the matter to the Ministry of Interior. Although a draft law targeting the chaotic oversight has been prepared, its progress has been hindered by repeated extensions and review processes.

Why Are Reforms Stalled?

According to Vasos Yazos, head of the Land Registry’s ownership division, the bill has undergone numerous revisions in response to diverse stakeholder feedback. These adjustments have slowed finalization, making it difficult to specify when the legislation will reach Parliament. The original plan to submit the bill by mid-January was derailed by the large volume of recommendations.

Back at the Ministry of Interior

Once refined, the bill needs approval from the Ministry of Interior before it proceeds to Parliament. Officials there have received separate documents detailing stakeholder modifications and the complete legislative draft. The ultimate goal is to bring clarity to building management, halt ongoing disputes, and ensure proper maintenance across Cyprus.

Mounting Safety Concerns

Christos Kyzis, president of the Cyprus Association of Condominium Managers, stresses that the current legal framework is ill-equipped to deal with non-paying owners. This shortage of funds complicates upkeep of crucial facilities like elevators and electricity services, with some balconies reportedly nearing collapse. In recent years, several instances of structural failure have occurred, and one municipality recently identified hundreds of buildings needing urgent repairs.

An Urgent Need for Progress

Official data indicates that there are approximately 30,000 jointly-owned buildings across Cyprus, housing around 200,000 apartments. Many remain neglected due to a lack of clear regulations. The overhaul of existing laws is essential not only to address delayed maintenance but also to protect the safety and wellbeing of residents. Meanwhile, those looking to invest in Cyprus’s real estate scene—whether Plots of Land for Sale or Cheap Houses and Villas for Sale Cyprus—are watching developments closely, hoping the new legislation will provide greater security for property owners.

Swift action is needed to finalize the law and allow public authorities to enforce regulations that safeguard the structural integrity and communal harmony of Cyprus’s buildings.