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Cypriot Government Reinforces Affordable Housing Initiative With Strategic Investment

Robust Financial Injection For Affordable Housing

The Cypriot government has committed an additional €12 million to advance an affordable housing project in Strovolos, a move confirmed by the Interior Ministry. The substantial allocation underscores the administration’s resolve to enhance affordable housing stock, alleviating the burdens on low- and middle-income households.

Strategic Partnership With Koag

Under the execution of the Cyprus Land Development Corporation (Koag), a total of 54 two-bedroom apartments will be constructed, with groundbreaking slated for later this year and completion anticipated within 24 months. This project complements a broader housing policy that aims to systematically address market pressures.

Expanding Developments In Limassol

A parallel initiative is already in progress in Limassol’s Ayios Nikolaos area, bolstered by €16 million in state support. This development includes 138 units offered at affordable rents and constitutes the first phase of a larger, municipality-partnered rental program budgeted at over €22 million. In total, approximately 600 units are planned across Ayios Nikolaos and Ayios Ioannis at a combined investment of €100 million, with rents set substantially below market rates.

Koag: The Government’s Strategic Implementing Arm

The agency, entrusted with expanded responsibilities under the Christodoulides administration’s housing strategy, now acts as the primary executor for affordable housing projects. Its specialized fund is being replenished through supplementary urban planning schemes, including amnesty programs, incentive plans, and build-to-rent initiatives.

Future Prospects And Expanded Geographic Reach

Koag’s strategic pipeline extends well beyond Nicosia and Limassol. Currently, agreements with private firms for 84 units have been finalized, 16 homes for sale were completed last year, and an additional 24 are underway for delivery in 2025. Looking ahead, 135 new homes are expected to commence construction in regions such as Pano Polemidia, Ayios Dometios, Lakatamia, Palouriotissa, and Kaimakli by the end of next year.

Steady Market Influx Through 2027

Plans forecast the initiation of 181 housing units in Nicosia and Limassol in 2025, followed by an additional 204 units in 2026. This phased approach is designed to gradually infuse the market with new supply over the coming years.

Government Commitment To Sustainable Housing Solutions

With these calculated investments and development strategies, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to resolving the housing challenge through targeted and pragmatic measures. This approach not only addresses current market needs but also sets a robust framework for continued growth and stability in the affordable housing sector.

Evel Elects New President As Maria Theocharous Takes Over For 2026–2029 Term

Maria Theocharous has been elected president of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel), taking over from Yiannis Tsouloftas for a three-year term covering 2026–2029. Theocharous previously served as the chamber’s vice-president for tourism.

The leadership transition marks a new chapter for one of Cyprus’ main regional business organisations, with the new board set to represent the district’s key economic sectors.

New Leadership Emphasises Cooperation

The chamber’s annual meeting brought together government, business and local authority representatives, including Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Michael Damianos, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) president Stavros Stavrou, Limassol district local government organisation president Yiannis Tsouloftas and Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis.

Speakers highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between public authorities and businesses in supporting Limassol’s economic development.

Representatives of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) also congratulated Theocharous on her election and thanked the outgoing president for his cooperation. The CSC described Evel as a longstanding partner, noting the chamber’s contribution to Limassol’s business development over more than six decades.

Tsouloftas Reviews Six Years As President

In his final address, Tsouloftas reviewed the chamber’s work between 2020 and 2026, highlighting its advocacy for major infrastructure projects and efforts to address development challenges across the district.

He also outlined initiatives to remove obstacles facing local businesses, accelerate development plans and improve the conditions for economic activity.

Tsouloftas will remain involved as immediate past president, providing continuity during the transition.

New Board Covers Key Business Sectors

The new board includes representatives responsible for the chamber’s main portfolios:

  • Ilikos Charalambous, vice-president for commerce
  • Vasos Demetriades, vice-president for industry
  • Christos Nicolaou, vice-president for services
  • Nicolas Agiomamitis, vice-president for tourism
  • Ilias Theodorou, vice-president for finance
  • Demosthenes Mavrellis, vice-president for innovation and technology
  • Ilias Neocleous, honorary secretary

Other board members are Minos Agathocleous, Marios Antoniou, George Demetriou, Anastasios Kounoudis, Marios Constantinou, Xanthos Nemptsas, Antonis Pappas, Charalambos Pattichis, Chrysis Petousis, Farah Shammas, Andreas Tsouloftas and Kyriacos Hadjiathanasiou.

Costas Ioannides, Agathi Katsi, Anna Petraki, Filippos Filis and Tonis Hadjiloucas have been appointed members by distinction. The chamber also highlighted the growing participation of women in business leadership and decision-making.

Chamber Recognises Longstanding Contributions

The annual meeting also recognised businesses and individuals for their contributions, including members who have maintained continuous membership for 50 years.

Tributes were paid to three former contributors to the chamber, Tonis Antoniou, Dimi Mavropoulos and Andreas Laou, in recognition of their service.

Under Theocharous’ leadership, Evel begins its 2026–2029 term with a board covering commerce, industry, services, tourism, finance and innovation. Its priorities include continuing to represent Limassol businesses and advocating for the investment and cooperation needed to support the district’s economic growth.

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