The number of building permits issued in Cyprus in September 2024 recorded a year-on-year decline of 30.9 per cent, according to data released this week by the state statistical service.

The decrease is largely attributed to operational issues with the newly implemented system Ippodamos.

Specifically, a total of 423 building permits were issued in September 2024, compared to 612 in the same month of 2023.

The total value of these permits amounted to €160.5 million, covering a total area of 129,100 square metres.

The service explained that these permits are expected to facilitate the construction of 706 residential units.

The significant decline in building permits is mainly due to the transition, as of July 1, 2024, of permit issuance responsibilities from municipalities and district administrations to the newly established district self-governance organisations (EOAs).

The introduction of Ippodamos, an integrated information system for permit processing, has encountered operational difficulties, further impacting the process.

Despite the September decline, the overall number of building permits issued during the period from January to September 2024 increased by 4 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 2023, reaching 5,485 permits from 5,274.

The total value of these permits rose by 8.9 per cent, while the total covered area expanded by 10.6 per cent.

Finally, the report showed that the number of residential units also saw a 10 per cent increase.