The big picture is that first-generation refugees or their heirs who wish to buy a new apartment will be asked to pay only 10% of the value of a new apartment, Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou said.
Following today's Cabinet meeting, the Minister of Interior made statements regarding the Cabinet's decision to approve the Plan of Grants for Multi-Family Houses in Government Housing Estates for Displaced Persons. here), he answered questions from reporters.
Asked if the rent subsidy until it is repaired will be 100%, the Minister clarified that it will be a rent subsidy. "Specifically the amounts will be €400 for a one bedroom apartment, €600 for two bedrooms and €800 for three bedrooms," he said, noting that the rent subsidy scheme for displaced persons already exists and will apply to the existing scheme.
The Minister was then asked to answer what will happen in cases where there are landlords who will not be able to pay the small contribution to acquire an apartment and whether there is a plan for such cases.
Mr Ioannou explained that the Plan provides that the small contribution will be given depending on the type of one, two or three bedroom apartment they wish to receive.
If the building is deemed to be demolishable, a lump sum will be given, the Minister added.
He pointed out that owners are divided into three different groups. "Group A is first generation refugees or their heirs, second and third generation refugees. In group B are refugees who have bought the apartment but have already received assistance. Group C is refugees who are not entitled to any housing assistance, or non-refugees who have bought an apartment," he continued.
"The amount will vary from one category to another and in Group C they will not be entitled to any lump sum," the minister said.
He noted that "in case someone wishes to participate in the reconstruction project, i.e. participate by buying a new apartment, they will be asked to contribute a small amount not exceeding 10% of the market value of the apartment."
He stressed, however, that "the big picture is that first generation refugees or their heirs, if they decide to receive a new apartment, will be asked to pay about 10% of the value of a new apartment."
In case they do not wish to participate, he continued. Ioannou, then they will be allowed to take that lump sum plus the value of the land, return the title deed and leave.
Asked whether there is a possibility that a project might not proceed if a condominium owner does not wish to participate, the Minister replied that those condominiums that are deemed demolishable will have to be vacated. He added, however, that "here we also want the contribution of the local authorities who are directly responsible for the evacuation of the buildings in case of demolition."
Referring to the new blocks of flats to be built, he said that all but one of them have been built on adjacent plots in the same neighbourhoods where they are located.
According to the Minister, the blocks of flats to be built will be of 16 apartments. Once the number of the first 16 interested parties is filled, he said, an agreement will be made with a private designer, who in turn will receive bids from private contractors/builders to rebuild the apartment building.
"Those who delay will be delayed for themselves," he concluded.
(EFYs)
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