Housing policy and strengthening of the HFC

Housing policy and strengthening of the HFC

The Housing Finance Corporation has lost its social character due to understaffing, leading to delays in loan processing that frustrate potential borrowers. This issue was highlighted in a recent report, emphasizing the urgent need to address housing as a social issue. AKEL and SEK are calling for the government to strengthen the HFC and implement measures to help middle and lower-income households acquire housing. The state must provide immediate solutions to address the critical housing problem faced by citizens, especially the youth.

What is the solution for low-cost housing?

What is the solution for low-cost housing?

The cost of buying houses or apartments in Cyprus has become a big issue, especially in recent years. The level of residential rents has increased by around 20% in the last 2 years. Various proposals have been made to alleviate the problem, including increasing area ratio, abolishing minimum areas, and creating low-cost units. Immediate measures are needed to address the housing crisis, such as tax reductions for landlords who rent out apartments and implementing summary eviction procedures. Colleges and universities could also play a role in providing housing for students. The Housing Finance Corporation and Land Development Agency may not be able to effectively address the issue.

Greek Cypriots receive , €30m from north’s IPC so far this year

Greek Cypriots receive , €30m from north’s IPC so far this year

Greek Cypriots have received £25.4 million (€29.8m) in compensation from the Immovable Property Commission (IPC) in the north so far in 2024.

On This Day: Ayatollah Khomeini died in 1989

On This Day: Ayatollah Khomeini died in 1989

German cartographer Martin Behaim unveiled the Erdapfel, the first known globe to show the Americas.

Cultural festival kicks off this weekend

Cultural festival kicks off this weekend

The 27th edition of the Cultural Festival of the University of Cyprus is taking place at Axiothea Mansion in old Nicosia from June to July. The festival will feature performances by local and international artists from various countries, including Cyprus, Bulgaria, England, France, Germany, Greece, Iran, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Portugal. The festival will include recitals, dance performances, literature and poetry evenings, theatre productions, and more.

Is social media the be-all and end-all of marketing?

Is social media the be-all and end-all of marketing?

Marketing professionals should look beyond social media and create a comprehensive strategy that integrates various touchpoints to deliver a unified customer experience.

How impartial can the UN in Cyprus really be?

How impartial can the UN in Cyprus really be?

Turkish Cypriots have lost confidence in the UN and Unficyp and do not consent to their presence in northern Cyprus. The funding for Unficyp in Cyprus is paid for by Cyprus and Greece, raising concerns about the impartiality of the UN forces in Cyprus. The UN could have asked the UK, Greece, and Turkey to contribute to the funding to avoid a conflict of interest. Without confidence in the UN, any proposals from them will be rejected.

Recognition “victory for Palestinian rights,” Palestine’s FM tells Phileleftheros

Recognition “victory for Palestinian rights,” Palestine’s FM tells Phileleftheros

Recognizing the State of Palestine is fully in line with international law and UN resolutions, serving as an opportunity to revive the peace process between the two sides, according to Palestine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. This recognition empowers the Palestinian government to fulfill its duties and address the daily needs of its citizens.

Animals burned alive in Ayios Sylas fire

Animals burned alive in Ayios Sylas fire

Dozens of animals were burned alive in the Ayios Sylas fire, with a livestock farm and fenced compound being burned down. The fire has been described as a blatant arson attack, and police operations to track down suspects are underway.

Cypriot government and Chinese firm nearing settlement

Cypriot government and Chinese firm nearing settlement

The Cypriot Government and Chinese state-owned company CPP are working towards a velvet divorce, focusing on resolving the remaining works for the terminal at Vasilikos. The Chinese side has made financial demands for the delivery of the Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) to its owner, ETYFA, which could amount to tens of millions of euros in addition to the funds already spent. Intensive consultations are expected to find a compromise exclusively for the FSRU, with legal advisors seeking a settlement based on the arbitrator’s decision. Once a settlement is reached for the FSRU, an agreement for the dissolution of cooperation regarding projects in Vasilikos is expected. Financial differences will be resolved through arbitration, with ETYFA seeking another contractor to complete the jetty and other projects on land.