New Bills in Cyprus Target Safety and Management of Jointly-Owned and Dangerous Buildings

The Cyprus Parliament is currently reviewing two crucial bills set to reshape the framework for managing jointly-owned buildings and addressing hazardous structures across the island. These legislative proposals have sparked considerable discussion as they promise to enhance public safety and streamline housing governance.

Urgent Need for Inclusive Consultation

Members of the Standing Committee on Internal Affairs have called for better coordination between government bodies and key stakeholders before advancing these laws. Aristos Damianou, Committee Chair, openly criticised the Ministry of Interior for drafting the jointly-owned buildings bill without input from District Local Government Organisations (DLGOs), the very groups responsible for enforcing the new regulations.

“It is essential that dialogue precedes legislation when thousands of citizens are affected,” Damianou emphasised, warning that without proper consultation, implementation could face serious delays.

The committee has therefore approved a 15-day consultation period, with plans to continue detailed discussions by late October.

Key Provisions in the Jointly-Owned Buildings Bill

This bill aims to tackle common challenges in apartment complexes and shared housing, where cooperation among property owners is often lacking. MP Marinos Mousiouttas from DIPA pointed out that nearly 200,000 families—almost half of Cyprus’ population—reside in such properties.

• Establishment of mandatory management committees
• Requirement of debt clearance certificates prior to property transfers
• Creation of sinking and emergency reserve funds to finance maintenance
• Introduction of mediation procedures to resolve disputes

Mousiouttas noted, “When certain owners do not comply, it unjustly burdens others and can halt vital maintenance—this law seeks to correct that imbalance.” If you’re interested in exploring options for communal living, check out our Cheap Apartments for Sale Cyprus listings.

Addressing Safety: The Dangerous Buildings Bill

The second bill focuses on identifying and managing buildings deemed dangerous—a longstanding issue for local authorities. It allows for more decisive actions including:

• Demolition of unsafe structures
• Utility disconnections to prevent hazards
• Court-authorized orders issued through streamlined unilateral applications
• Registration of financial charges to recover costs incurred by local or state entities

Financial assistance is also planned to help District Local Government Organisations conduct emergency repairs when property owners neglect their duties.

Mousiouttas emphasized the urgency: “Incidents such as balcony collapses—fortunately without fatal injuries so far—highlight the necessity for urgent action to protect public safety.” The government intends to push both bills through within the current parliamentary session.

Looking Ahead

These legislative moves underscore a commitment to improving building safety and property management in Cyprus without overpromising or underplaying the challenges ahead. For buyers and sellers alike, staying informed about these changes is vital, whether you are interested in Plots of Land for Sale or other property types.

As these laws develop, INDEX.cy will continue to provide transparent, data-driven insights on Cyprus’s real estate landscape.