Cyprus proposes introducing building inspections with fines of up to €40,000

The House of Representatives’ Interior Committee discussed amendments to the Streets and Buildings Regulation Law that would introduce mandatory periodic technical inspections of buildings, modelled on vehicle roadworthiness tests. The aim is to identify structural problems before a building becomes dangerous.

The Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK) proposed inspecting buildings every five years. Responsibility for obtaining a report on a property’s condition would primarily lie with the owners.

The bill would give the authorities the power to evacuate residents, require repairs, partially or completely demolish structures, prohibit entry to a building and its rental, and cut off water and electricity for violators. Failure to comply would incur a fine of up to €40,000.

For the transitional period, the Ministry of the Interior allocated €2 million to the district local government organisations (EOAs). The Nicosia EOA is requesting €2 million annually for each of the next ten years.

In Nicosia alone, 1,495 properties are registered with the EOA: 711 have officially been classified as dangerous, 130 are undergoing assessment, and a further 654 are at the inspection stage. “Local government organisations genuinely need the tools, and responsibility lies primarily with the government, but also with Parliament,” said committee chairman Aristos Damianou.

The committee expects to bring the bill before Parliament for consideration by November 2026.