New Powers Proposed for Local Councils to Handle Dangerous Buildings in Cyprus

Stricter Regulations for Unsafe Buildings

Local councils and district authorities in Cyprus are expressing hesitation about taking on additional responsibilities for buildings deemed hazardous. A recently proposed bill by MP Marinos Mousiouttas aims to give local authorities more power, including shutting off water and electricity services in unsafe structures and preventing owners from renting them out.

If building owners ignore crucial safety notices, officials would gain the right to enter these properties and address imminent risks. Failure to comply could incur fines up to €40,000 or a maximum of two years in prison.

However, many councils remain cautious because they are often left footing the bill for urgent repairs when owners refuse to pay. Government representatives say that once these repairs are done, municipalities must then pursue reimbursement, creating logistical and financial challenges.

Proposed Law

The new legislation would empower authorities to impose significant fines of up to €40,000. In extreme cases, they could order an evacuation if the building is deemed at risk of collapse. When a property is labeled as having unsafe conditions, the owner must be promptly notified and informed of the issues. A 30-day window is then provided for the owner to appoint an engineer to evaluate the structural dangers and propose solutions.

If an owner fails to respond or make arrangements within the specified timeframe, the authorities can issue fines and proceed with repairing, demolishing, or fencing off the building. Any costs incurred would be recorded as a charge against the property with the District Land Registry Office, which prevents the sale of the property until the debt is paid in full.

Parliament is set to discuss the bill soon, as officials seek a balanced way to deal with dangerous buildings across the island. For buyers looking to invest in secure real estate, it may be worth exploring Cheap Houses and Villas for Sale Cyprus or Cheap Apartments for Sale Cyprus to find safe and budget-friendly options.