Greek Cypriot refugees living on state housing estates whose homes have minor irregularities will soon be able to obtain title deeds, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said on Tuesday.
The proposed legislation is expected to go before the cabinet on Thursday before being submitted to parliament. The move is set to resolve long-standing legal uncertainties affecting displaced families living in government-supported housing.
Once issued, title deeds will allow homeowners to transfer property to their children or secure mortgages. However, selling the property will not be permitted until minor planning irregularities are addressed.
State schemes continue supporting displaced persons
Government refugee settlements and self-housing programmes remain central to Cyprus’ long-term housing strategy for displaced persons.
Self-housing schemes provide plots of land or financial assistance to eligible applicants, enabling them to build permanent residences. Since 1976, more than 14,000 plots have been allocated under these programmes.
Increased assistance near the Green Line
Ioannou also confirmed that refugees seeking to purchase or construct homes near the Green Line or in disadvantaged areas will soon qualify for increased state support.
Under the revised framework, households with at least one refugee member could receive up to €65,000 – representing a 20 per cent increase in assistance.
The Service for the Care and Rehabilitation of Displaced Persons currently operates with a €50 million budget, with government considering further grant increases in 2026.
Ktizo scheme to replace unsafe refugee housing
The minister provided an update on the Ktizo housing scheme, confirming that two new apartment buildings will be completed in May, followed by four more by the end of the year.
Launched in April 2023, the €130 million long-term programme aims to upgrade or replace ageing refugee apartment blocks considered unsafe. The initiative offers incentives to tenants to relocate to improved housing.
Across government-controlled areas, 358 refugee apartment buildings have been recorded. Of these:
- 245 are considered in satisfactory condition
- 70 require maintenance
- 43 face structural issues deemed beyond viable repair
Some residents have warned that deteriorating conditions leave buildings at risk of collapse.
Government aims to increase stock & reduce prices
Ioannou emphasised that broader housing policy remains focused on addressing the imbalance between supply and demand, which continues to push up real estate prices.
Government efforts are aimed at increasing housing stock to help stabilise property prices and improve affordability.
