Cyprus is considering MOT-style technical inspections for buildings, but a dispute over who pays is delaying the bill, while separate compulsory acquisition amendments are also under review.
According to Cyprus Property News, Cyprus is considering periodic technical inspections to assess building safety, similar to vehicle MOT tests, in order to reduce the risks posed by unsafe properties. The proposal is being examined by the Interior Committee of the House of Representatives, but progress is held up by a disagreement between the Ministry of Interior and the District Local Government Organisations (DLGOs) over who should cover the costs. The DLGOs are expected to take on more responsibility for dealing with dangerous buildings. MPs said there is broad agreement on the main legislative changes, and that building owners remain primarily responsible for maintaining their properties. They also noted that state intervention is still needed when a building threatens human life or the public. Lawmakers raised concerns that responsibility for licensing, inspections and enforcement is fragmented, which can cause overlapping duties and delays. DISY MP Nikoleta Constantinou said Parliament is ready to give the ministry and the DLGOs time to find a mutually acceptable funding solution, while ELAM MP Andreas Papacharalambous backed periodic inspections and proposed a single development authority with clearly defined responsibilities. The committee also began examining proposed amendments to the law on compulsory acquisition, which lets the state acquire property for projects in the public interest. The changes aim to modernise procedures and improve how affected owners are informed, including online publication of notices and the involvement of community authorities. MPs stressed transparency, fair treatment of owners and prompt, meaningful compensation, and discussed safeguards so that acquired property is used only for the public purpose that justified the acquisition. Both bills are still under parliamentary review and have not become law. The funding issue must be settled before the building safety bill goes to the House in plenary.