Around 30,000 abandoned buildings in Cyprus could be brought back into use

Cyprus has around 30,000 buildings that are effectively unused but could be renovated and brought back into use. According to estimates by the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK), this could partly address the housing shortage, especially for people who cannot afford to buy property and are forced to rent.

Former chair of the parliamentary committee on the environment Charalambos Theopemptou examined the experience of other EU countries and proposed measures that could be applied in Cyprus.

He said his interest in the issue began after he moved to the Ayios Andreas area of Nicosia, where he discovered a large number of abandoned buildings, including historic mansions. He later found that a similar situation existed in many areas across the island.

In Ireland, owners are offered grants of up to €50,000 to renovate vacant properties and up to €70,000 to restore abandoned buildings. In France, a special tax on vacant homes applies in areas with high demand for housing. In Spain, municipalities may, under certain conditions, increase the property tax on properties that have remained unused for a long time. Portugal has a special fund for the restoration and reuse of buildings.

In Cyprus, the Ministry of the Interior currently provides up to €40,000 for the renovation of a three-bedroom residential property.

Theopemptou proposes creating a register of vacant, abandoned and dangerous buildings in every municipality and community, in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior and the relevant technical services.

He also proposes dividing the buildings into several categories: those posing a danger, those suitable for renovation, those with architectural or historical value, and those located near schools, bus stops, local centres and areas with high demand for affordable housing.

According to Theopemptou, this would allow municipalities to set priorities and address buildings systematically, rather than responding only to complaints received.

He also proposes combining financial incentives with certain obligations for owners. Owners who want to bring their properties back into use could be offered expedited technical consultations, simplified procedures and targeted financial assistance.

As an example, he cites the «Save and Upgrade» programmes currently operating in Cyprus, which aim to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. In his view, similar mechanisms could be adapted for the restoration of vacant and abandoned properties.

Such buildings, particularly those located in city centres and older residential areas, could be used for affordable housing, student accommodation, small shops, cultural events and other community needs.

Among the possible uses, Theopemptou mentions long-term rentals, partnerships between the state or municipalities and property owners, social enterprises, and the conversion of unused municipal buildings.

For small and medium-sized renovation works, he proposes introducing an accelerated permit procedure. He said that many buildings do not require large-scale reconstruction. In some cases, it would be sufficient to carry out a structural inspection, remove hazardous materials and waste, complete basic repairs, improve energy efficiency, ensure accessibility for people with disabilities and restore essential utilities.

Theopemptou also believes it is necessary to publish data on the number of registered abandoned buildings, the number of properties classified as dangerous, and how many buildings have been cleared, renovated, brought back into use or used for social purposes.

In his view, such a system would make the work of municipalities more transparent while also helping them secure funding for the restoration of properties.