09.07.2024
Under the government’s new plan, old and unsafe buildings, mainly in urban areas, will be demolished and replaced with new, modern facilities.
Cabinet approved a plan to provide incentives for the demolition of old buildings based on the deterioration and hazard profile of those buildings that were erected under an earlier permitting system that provided for higher development rates.
Benefits do not apply to protected buildings that are subject to other protection measures.
Incentives include maintaining the approved occupancy rate of existing buildings if it exceeds the maximum currently allowed.
There are preconditions for this relief to apply to applications made within five years of the date of publication of the decision, or to any pending applications for new developments following the demolition of old and unsafe buildings.
The government’s goal is to increase people’s sense of security and improve the aesthetics and image of cities and rural areas.
Konstantinos Ioannou stated that the decision was made based on requests for high development rates. He said maintaining the development factor meant owners could demolish buildings and build new ones without losing, for example, the number of floors.
