Constantinos Ioannou: The two pillars on which the integrated housing policy is based

The lack of access to housing constitutes one of the most important challenges for modern societies, said the Minister of Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, noting that the Republic of Cyprus, through the ‘StegaZO to Mellon Mou’ (Housing my Future) policy, has adopted a comprehensive plan to combat the problem.

Ioannou was the keynote speaker at an event in Limassol on the evening of 9 April, organised by the Cyprus University of Technology and the Pancyprian Association of Public Administration and Political Science, on the topic: ‘The Right to Housing - Housing Policy’.

According to a Ministry announcement, in his statement, Ioannou pointed out that the lack of access to housing constitutes one of the most important challenges for modern societies and indicated that the Republic of Cyprus, through the ‘Housing my Future’ policy, has adopted a comprehensive plan.

This plan, he said, is based on two pillars, namely the increase in the housing stock in its entirety and in particular affordable housing options, and the strengthening of citizens' purchasing power, with an emphasis on young people and young families.

He also recalled that within the framework of housing policy, the Urban Incentive and "Build to Rent" Plans are being implemented, with the aim of constructing more housing units and providing them at affordable market and rental prices.

Ioannou noted that the additional building coefficient, up to 45%, granted to land development professionals, is accompanied by the obligation to construct and make available housing units in the affordable housing market, either through a direct offer or through the payment of compensation to the Special Affordable Housing Fund of the Cyprus Land Development Corporation (KOAG).

He also explained that projects, within the framework of the Plans, can be developed on plots with a minimum area of ​​800 sq.m., which strengthens the Government's effort to include all land development professionals, regardless of the size of their business activity.

At the same time, he expressed his satisfaction with the interest so far from land development entrepreneurs in utilising the Plans, conveying the estimate that in the next few years, more than 1,900 residential units will be produced and almost 9 million euros will flow into the Special Affordable Housing Fund of KOAG, from the right to purchase the building coefficient.

Additionally, Ioannou underlined the significant changes in the licensing framework, following the transfer of responsibilities to the District Local Government Organisation and added that, with the reinforcement of the Organisations with additional staff and the implementation of 22 measures that simplify procedures, the gradual decongestion of applications has begun.

He also stated that, by introducing the framework for faster processing of applications for low and medium-risk developments, and issuing planning and building permits within 40 and 80 working days, respectively, the Government is achieving its goals of shortening the licensing time for 50% of submitted applications, facilitating the pace of development and strengthening control of developments.

"With the aim of simplifying procedures, the responsibility for the correctness of an application was assigned to private architects, while at the same time the legislative establishment of the Building Inspector is being promoted, to strengthen on-site inspections and ensure the quality of buildings," he added.

Ioannou also announced the Ministry's intention to abolish the obligation to maintain specific percentages per type of apartment in tourist zones and to promote the reduction of the minimum area in apartments, to 15%, to increase the capacity of residential developments.

Additionally, he continued, the announcement of a new Plan is expected that will concern mixed developments in commercial zones, so as to cover the housing needs of business employees in those areas and not in urban centres.

Concluding his statement, the Minister of the Interior reiterated that housing policy remains dynamic and is constantly adapting to the needs of society, emphasising consultation and active cooperation with market actors and civil society.

(Source: InBusinessNews)