The Cyprus Land & Property Owners Association (KSIA) has joined calls for urgent reforms to deal with the growing issue of dangerous buildings.
In a statement signed by its president, Kyprianos Theocharides, KSIA called for a modern and practical legal framework to remove barriers that are preventing essential repairs and maintenance work.
Among its key proposals is the introduction of a fast-track process for collecting unpaid communal fees in jointly-owned buildings. It is also calling for mandatory sinking funds to help property owners plan for major repair costs, including structural reinforcement works and waterproofing.
Faster action on unsafe buildings
KSIA is also proposing the appointment of professional building managers in developments where management committees are not functioning properly.
It wants special legal procedures introduced to allow the immediate evacuation of buildings deemed unsafe, while also speeding up approvals for maintenance work on listed properties.
Mr Theocharides said most property owners want to invest in and improve their buildings, stressing that proper maintenance is essential for both safety and long-term property values.
However, he said many owners are unable to carry out repairs because of serious legal and institutional obstacles.
Why repairs to jointly-owned buildings are often delayed
In jointly-owned buildings, weak systems for collecting unpaid service charges often leave responsible owners covering costs for those who fail to pay.
Lengthy court cases frequently make matters worse, with legal claims often delayed or dismissed on technical grounds.
Another major issue is that many jointly-owned building management committees are run by volunteers with limited expertise, leading to poor planning and delays in identifying urgent repair needs.
The Association also highlighted problems linked to tenancy agreements and Cyprus’ rent control laws.
Even when funding is available, landlords can struggle to carry out major works because some tenants refuse to leave properties temporarily, while legal proceedings can take months or even years.
Lack of financial incentives for landlords
Many landlords also have little financial motivation to invest in ageing properties.
The Association said strict limits on rent increases often prevent owners from recovering maintenance costs, turning necessary upgrades into a financial loss.
Mr Theocharides said building safety should be treated as a matter of public safety, adding that the recent fatal building collapse should act as a wake-up call for policymakers.
While acknowledging there are cases of negligence, he stressed that these should not define most property owners, many of whom are simply asking for the right tools to protect their assets.
