Planning Permission vs Building Permit in Cyprus: What's the Difference?
Two separate consents, two separate authorities, two separate risks — and why buyers should know which one a project holds.
Two consents, not one
Planning permission answers whether the proposed use, density and form are acceptable on that plot. The building permit answers whether the detailed technical design complies with construction, structural, fire and accessibility requirements. Holding the first does not mean holding the second.
Why the distinction matters to a buyer
A project marketed on planning permission alone can still change materially before the building permit is issued. Ask which consents are in hand, dated, and whether the marketed layouts match the permitted drawings.
Amendments
Amendments are normal and are not a red flag in themselves. What matters is whether an amendment affects your unit's area, orientation or common facilities — and whether the contract requires your consent when it does.