Cyprus Updates Housing Support Schemes for Rural and Mountainous Areas

Updated housing support programs aimed at developing mountainous, rural, remote, and economically vulnerable areas have come into effect in Cyprus. The changes became active on March 2 and are part of a state policy to strengthen citizens' purchasing power and encourage permanent residency in sparsely populated regions.

First launched in 2019, the programs provide financial assistance for purchasing or building a primary residence in specified areas. The amount of support depends on family income and composition. Additionally, the initiatives aim to revitalize rural communities, mountain regions, and territories near the buffer zone.

From 2019 to 2025, authorities received 2,892 applications, of which 2,027 were approved. Total aid allocated amounted to approximately €77 million.

To increase the program's appeal, the ministry introduced several key changes:

• A 20% increase in financial assistance for displaced persons;
• A €5,000 increase in the maximum grant for all family types under the rural scheme;
• A €5,000 rise in the income threshold for eligibility;
• Introduction of new family categories based on the number of children, increasing the maximum grant for large families by €5,000;
• Additional construction grants: +€5,000 for mountainous and disadvantaged areas, and +€15,000 for high-altitude and remote settlements;
• Removal of the minimum continuous residency requirement in Cyprus for citizens, including returning expats;
• Permission to combine Ministry of Interior housing grants with Ministry of Energy energy efficiency schemes.

Applications can be submitted until December 31, 2027, through district administrations. Detailed terms and instructions are available on the Ministry of Interior's website under the 'Housing Policy' section.