ACCORDING to the latest figures published by the Cyprus Statistical Service (CYSTAT) building permits for the construction of 1,587 dwellings were authorised in February 2009; up slightly on the 1,583 in February last year.
In January and February this year building permits for the construction of 3,172 dwellings have been authorised compared to the 2,812 in January and February last year.
From the CYSTAT figures it is impossible to say whether the number of homes being built in Cyprus is increasing or not. It is common knowledge that developers build properties illegally; i.e. before the authorities have issued the necessary Town Planning and Building permits required for their construction. As a consequence, it is highly likely that these permits have been issued for the construction of dwellings that have already been completed.
