Dialogos

Ioannou: Significant Changes Coming to Urban Planning and Land Registry in 2026 – Aiming for Less Bureaucracy

Published December 31, 2025, 11:04
Ioannou: Significant Changes Coming to Urban Planning and Land Registry in 2026 – Aiming for Less Bureaucracy

Minister of Interior, Konstantinos Ioannou, announced that 2026 will bring substantial changes to the Urban Planning and Land Registry Departments, aiming to improve citizen services and reduce bureaucracy. According to Mr. Ioannou, the Ministry of Interior managed to strengthen housing policy in 2025, offering more solutions, especially for young people and couples. Furthermore, it proceeded with the rationalization of the management of Turkish Cypriot properties, emphasizing transparency and meritocracy. Accelerating development licensing was also significant, reducing inconvenience for citizens and businesses. The urban amnesty, as the Minister pointed out, gave thousands of citizens the opportunity to settle their urban planning issues and obtain property titles. The Ministry faced significant challenges in 2025 but managed to implement substantial reforms. Finally, Mr. Ioannou referred to Cyprus's assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, describing it as an important responsibility and opportunity to strengthen Cyprus's voice in Europe.