The number of building permits issued in Cyprus experienced a significant surge in June 2024 as local authorities worked to process a backlog of delayed applications.
The rush to clear the application pile-up stems from the responsibility for issuing these permits soon being transferred to the newly established district self-governing organisations (EOA).
According to the state’s statistical service, the number of building permits issued by municipal authorities and district administrations in June reached 1,528.
This represents a year-on-year increase of 150 per cent compared to the same month last year, when building permits peaked at 610.
Moreover, the total value of these permits amounted to €781.6 million, covering a total area of 594.9 thousand square metres.
In addition, the permits issued in June are expected to lead to the construction of 2,772 residential units.
The statistical service explained that this remarkable rise in building permits issued in June was largely due to the efforts of the authorities to clear a substantial backlog of applications.
This push came ahead of the transfer of responsibility for building permits from municipalities and district administrations to the newly formed District Self-Governing Organisations (EOA), which took effect on July 1, 2024.
Furthermore, for the period between January and June 2024, a total of 4,782 building permits were issued, compared to 3,608 during the same period last year, marking an increase of 32.5 per cent.
The total value of these permits rose by 44.4 per cent, exceeding €2 billion, while the total area covered increased by 46.5 per cent. The number of residential units saw an increase of 44.4 per cent.
It should be recalled that building permits that 709 permits were issued in May alone, valued at €271.6 million, covering 213,800 square metres and leading to 990 new residential units.
Meanwhile, earlier this week, a dispute broke out between the new district self-governing organisations (EOA) and municipalities over who is responsible for demolishing dangerous buildings.
Self-governing organisations said that they lack funds, staff, and expertise, while municipalities resist taking on extra duties.
It was reported that Parliament may extend municipal control for a year, but the government insists the law transferring responsibility to EOAs will proceed as scheduled.
