Nicosia, Cyprus. Greek Cypriot refugees living on housing estates whose homes have minor irregularities will be able to acquire a title deed, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said on Tuesday. He said the relevant legislation will be submitted to the cabinet on Thursday before being tabled in parliament.
Legislation and conditions for title deeds
Ioannou said owners would be able to transfer the deed to their children or mortgage the property. However, they would not be able to sell the property until the minor irregularities are sorted out.
Refugee housing and self-housing programmes
Government refugee settlements and self-housing programmes provide state-supported residential solutions for displaced persons. Self-housing, or self-help schemes, grant plots or financial aid to assist in constructing permanent homes, and since 1976 more than 14,000 plots of land have been granted to eligible individuals for building homes.
Additional support near the Green Line and disadvantaged areas
Speaking at the House refugees committee, Ioannou said refugees wanting to buy or build homes in areas close to the Green Line and disadvantaged areas would soon be entitled to 20 per cent more assistance from the state. He said that where one person in a household is a refugee, he or she would be entitled to up to €65,000.
Budget and grant considerations
According to Ioannou, the Service for the Care and Rehabilitation of Displaced Persons has a budget of €50 million, and the government is considering increasing grant amounts for next year.
Ktizo scheme timeline
Regarding the Ktizo scheme, Ioannou said that in May two more apartment buildings will be ready, with four more to be ready by the end of the year.
How will the proposed changes affect your ability to secure a title deed or housing assistance?