Nicosia, Cyprus. The interior ministry on Wednesday unveiled updates to the government’s housing policy, including a plan to construct student accommodation and revisions to schemes aimed at increasing affordable housing. Interior minister Constantinos Ioannou said the changes are intended to address a shortage of rooms for students near higher education institutions.
Student accommodation plan
Ioannou said student accommodation units will consist of a maximum of 10 rooms per unit. A five-room unit can be built in 77 square metres of usable space, and units may be integrated into new or existing developments within one kilometre of registered universities. Parking requirements have been further relaxed to one space for every five rooms.
Changes to grants and scheme conditions
Grants per unit will rise by €5,000, and non-residential spaces may now be converted for housing. Electricity limits for tenants have been raised from 200 to 500 kilowatt hours per year.
Eligibility and support levels
Income thresholds for applicants have been increased, while displaced families may receive an additional 20 per cent in financial assistance. Total state support could reach €100,000 by combining schemes with the energy ministry.
Koag funding and unit targets
The Cyprus land development organisation (Koag) has been reactivated with €28 million in state funding, aiming to deliver 244 affordable units for sale and 192 for rent within the year, alongside over 2,500 new units. A further 22 applications will provide additional units through €11.5 million in contributions to Koag’s affordable housing fund.
Licensing process simplification
Simplification of the licensing process is intended to accelerate housing supply, allowing over 5,500 units to enter construction a year earlier than planned.
How do you think the new student accommodation plan will affect housing availability near universities?
