Local government reform and its impact on land development took centre stage at the19th property development, construction conference and exhibition, presented by Exness on Wednesday.

A roundtable discussion, moderated by Yiannis Misirlis, president of the Cyprus Property Developers Association, brought together key industry figures to assess the reform’s implementation a year after its rollout.

Constantinos Yorkadjis, now president of the Nicosia EOA emphasised that the reform is necessary and has a future, arguing that it will lead to better conditions than in the past.

He emphasised the consolidation of eleven local authorities into one, noting that progress in issuing permits in Nicosia has been significant each month.

He also pointed to the Ippodamos system, acknowledging its initial shortcomings but stating that it is now operating more efficiently than when it was first introduced.

While welcoming the Ministry of Interior’s fast-track procedure for reviewing and issuing planning and building permits for low and medium-risk developments, Yorkadjis stressed the need for enforceable penalties and corrective measures to ensure accountability.

Addressing the ministries, he suggested they refrain from re-examining planning applications already assessed by colleagues, arguing that such duplication slows the process.

Antonis Kakoullis. vice-chairman of the Cyprus Property Developers Association meanwhile, emphasised the need for greater transparency.

He proposed a mapping system that tracks when applications are submitted and what type of development they involve, which he said would improve oversight and help clear older applications.

He commended the Ministry of Interior’s efforts to expedite permit approvals, which he said the industry has long sought.

However, he also called for faster approvals for large projects, stressing the need for streamlined coordination between agencies.

Etek president Constantinos Constanti acknowledged sweeping changes in local government over the past year, noting that transitional challenges were inevitable.

He pointed to the benefits of digitalisation, stating that applications can now be submitted at the touch of a button from anywhere in the country, improving both productivity and environmental sustainability.

While praising the reform as necessary, he insisted that significant work remains.

He also underlined the simplification of procedures, which he said was rightly implemented, and thanked the Ministry of Interior for its role in the process.

The transition to paperless systems, including electronic submissions through the Ippodamos platform, was a step in the right direction, he said, while also backing efforts to simplify fees currently under discussion in Parliament.

Reflecting on the reform’s impact, Yiannis Tsouloftas, the head of the Limassol EOA said Cyprus had reached a state of partial normality, though further improvements were needed.

“The goal is to create modern, flexible public organisations that are both business-oriented and socially and environmentally sensitive,” he stated, adding that after seven months of implementation, the main challenges had become clear.

Tsouloftas also stressed that full administrative autonomy for local government agencies is essential, arguing that they must be freed from the slow-moving civil service.

He suggested access to an AI-based planning application system, which allows applicants to track progress in real time, would be a crucial improvement.

Andy Hadjiadamou, board member of the association, for his part, outlined how the sector has evolved and identified areas for further reform.

He emphasised that cooperation between all relevant stakeholders remains key to ensuring the success of the restructuring efforts.

Drawing on his own experience, he pointed to tangible changes that have already increased efficiency and accelerated the reform process.

As local authorities continue adapting to the new framework, industry leaders agree that digitalisation, efficiency, and streamlined cooperation will be critical to ensuring a fully functional and modernised local government system in Cyprus.