Nicosia, Cyprus. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou on Tuesday presented the government’s latest housing policy measures, outlining a drive to build 2,500 new homes across Cyprus over the next two years.
Housing drive and policy priorities
Speaking at the ‘Real Estate, Property Development and Construction’ conference in Nicosia, Ioannou said affordable housing remains a top priority for Cyprus, particularly during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
He said government interventions address the housing issue through four axes: increasing supply, reducing bureaucracy, strengthening investments in the housing sector, and supporting the most vulnerable groups of the population.
Focus during Cyprus EU Council Presidency
Ioannou said the Cypriot Presidency focuses on access to affordable and sustainable housing for all, with particular emphasis on middle-income households and young families.
He said this approach aims to respond to modern housing needs while also facilitating and strengthening investment in the housing sector.
Financial tools, partnerships, and supply measures
Ioannou said the government is using available financial tools and encouraging cooperation between the public and private sector through the promotion of a new pan-European investment platform for affordable and sustainable housing.
He said the strategy prioritises increasing affordable housing supply through new construction, renovation and reuse of existing buildings, while also promoting the exchange of knowledge and best practices among EU member states, supported by the collection of reliable market data.
Demand and supply imbalance
Ioannou said housing demand remains high while supply is not increasing at the same pace, making targeted policy intervention necessary.
How do you think the planned housing measures will affect access to affordable homes in Cyprus?