If you are purchasing a property on a new development, it will have been set by the developers/management company. Regardless of agent’s commissions, you should still pay the same price whoever you purchase through whether you go direct or through a third party. Resale properties are handled much the same way as in the UK with a valuation taking place and the agent’s fees agreed before the property is marketed.

Cyprus is registered on a land registry, similar to that on the United Kingdom. Therefore, the purchase process generally follows that of the United Kingdom but with differences. Use a Solicitor !!! It cannot be emphasised too strongly that anyone planning to buy land or property in Cyprus must take expert, independent legal advice.

Never sign anything or pay any money until you have sought legal advice in a language in which you are fluent from an experienced solicitor (ideally, someone who has been recommended).Under no circumstances should you use a solicitor who has been introduced or recommended to you by a vendor, agent or developer.

Accommodation: Avoid purchasing an one bedroom or studio type of accommodation (unless you are in a resort area) since you will have problems on resale. Prefer to get hired accommodation rather than think that you will sell your one bedroom unit and buy a larger one in the future.You may well find that selling the one bedroom flat is problematic. Flats most in demand are the three bedroom (around 120-130 sq.m.) and two bedroom (70-100 sq.m.) ones. This state of affairs is fluid however and changes from time to time and from location to location. In resort areas the most marketable accommodation are the compact one and two bedroom flats.

Upon signing a contract, the Purchaser is liable to pay stamp duty which amounts to 0.115% of a purchase price up to CY 100.000, and then at a rate of 0.2% on any purchase price in excess of CY100.000.Land registry fees are payable when the owner ship of the property is transferred. This is on a sliding scale, ranging from 5% to 8% depending upon the value of the property.

If there is a building on the plot you are buying, ask for the building permit in order to make sure that the structure is not illegal, as well as to ascertain the terms and conditions of the building.Please note that most of the above problems do not exist in case you buy a building site (as opposed to a plot of land/field). Even if the title deed registers the property as a building site, however, it is recommended that you go through the motions of checking the various prerequisites for development.

Prices are usually quoted as pounds per sq. metre. It is important, however, to ascertain the square metres of which area you are paying for. Certain developers include part of the common areas (staircases, lifts etc) while others include the verandahs and so on. If therefore, you are shopping around for the right price, make sure that you are comparing the same area.

Check whether your neighbours keep any animals in their yard since if they do the smell may be unbearable. Check also the distance from the town, the access, whether there is a telephone service, the nearest doctor, the frequency of the local post etc. Bear in mind that the cottage may be eligible for an improvement grant from the Government, if it is of historic interest. Your architect can advise you on this.

Upon signing a contract, the Purchaser is liable to pay stamp duty which amounts to 0.115% of a purchase price up to CY 100.000, and then at a rate of 0.2% on any purchase price in excess of CY100.000.Land registry fees are payable when the owner ship of the property is transferred. This is on a sliding scale, ranging from 5% to 8% depending upon the value of the property.

Compared with other international financial centres, Cyprus offers a distinct benefit in the form of double taxation treaties. Agreements with an increasing number of countries eliminate the double taxation of income earned in any one of these countries. In practice, the tax levied by one country is credited against the tax levied in the taxpayer’s country of residence. Where different tax rates apply, the tax payer will ultimately not pay more than the higher of the two rates of the respectively countries.

Never sign anything or pay any money until you have sought legal advice in a language in which you are fluent from an experienced solicitor (ideally, someone who has been recommended).Under no circumstances should you use a solicitor who has been introduced or recommended to you by a vendor, agent or developer.

In case you require air condition ing/central heating, we suggest that the advice of a qualified electrical and mechanical engineer be sought. Fees for this consultant are around 4% for the design and 2% for supervision (on the cost of the works).Insist on all drawings being ready before inviting tenders.It is recommended that a building permit be secured first before works commence, although works such as excavations etc may begin prior to the issue of the building permit. In this case, your architect must consult with the Appropriate Authority to see whether there are any major objections to the drawings.

The Town Planning Act. This law (expected to be fully enforced very soon) regulates development and it will supersede the liberal town planning zoning which exists at present. It requires the preparation of local plans for development and prior to any acquisition/development of property, the inspection of these plans is a must. Any development in the future will require a Planning Permission as well as a Building Permit.

Cyprus enjoys a remarkably low crime rate 1/6 of the European average another reason for its popularity with foreign buyers for whom security has become a key element in the property world. Visitors are invariably surprised and reassured by this relaxed aspect of life on the island, where crime is virtually unheard of and theft not commonplace. Under the Aliens and Immigration Law, non-Cypriots wishing to take up employment in Cyprus are required to have a work permit.

Cyprus is the lead nation that joined the European Union in 2004 which is another factor affecting the growth and prices in the property for sale market of Cyprus. It is expected that in the run-up to becoming a member of “the club”, prices of property for sale in Cyprus will continue to rise at an estimated growth rate of around 20% per annum.The climate of Cyprus makes the island one of the healthiest places in the world. With 340 days of bright sunshine annually.

Although the better the area the higher will normally be the price, an extra sacrifice at this initial stage may prove well worthwhile in the future. If you have children, pay particular attention to the proximity of public open spaces, such as gardens, since you will find that children will need some space to play.

Solar heating is an economic alternative and its adoption is relatively inexpensive, having a payback period of approximately 5 years.If you will have a garden, it is advisable to drill a borehole for watering as the water charges rise more than proportionately with consumption. This will cost around C1,200 for the borehole and the pump, although it will depend on the depth of the borehole. The drilling of a borehole requires a Government permit first.

Although the better the area the higher will normally be the price, an extra sacrifice at this initial stage may prove well worthwhile in the future. If you have children, pay particular attention to the proximity of public open spaces, such as gardens, since you will find that children will need some space to play.

Going through a company like Headlands has several advantages: you will get to see a wide range of properties in Cyprus that suit your requirements;you have the benefit of our many years experience, as well as a fully staffed office to support you in the UK; it will eliminate any possible misunderstandings ;it helps takes away the stress and strain associated with house purchasing in Cyprus.

On a sale of a property the current policy is to allow immediate repatriation of a sum equivalent to the amount of the original purchase value of property. Any profit can be exported at the rate of CY 10,000 per calendar year, plus any interest.There is no Capital Gains Tax where the property was acquired by the importation of foreign currency. Otherwise CGT is levied at 20% on gains in excess of CY 5,000.

The annual immovable property tax imposed by the government is approximately CY60-120 per year. The municipal authorities also levy an annual property tax of CY20-30 per year and other authorities may also require CY20-40 sewage tax. Common expenses are usually paid monthly or quarterly in advance. They vary from development to development and depend on the area and type of property.They cover an owner’s share of the cost of cleaning and maintaining common areas and gardens, swimming pool expenses, electricity in common areas, management fees, rubbish collection and repairs. The estimated total is in the region of CY150 to CY300 per year.

The Cyprus Property market is one of the fastest growing markets within Europe. Purchasers are attracted by the potential growth in terms of returns on investment of property in Cyprus compared to other countries in Europe and the UK. The climate (340 days of sunshine a year), along with easy access to the UK, Europe and other destinations is also a significant plus factor when considering the purchase of property to buy in Cyprus.

In these circumstances, promises and the willingness of locals to help may meet the Authority’s objections. A more serious consideration however is section 4A of the Streets’ and Buildings’ Regulations. This amendment of the Law states that, in certain cases, no building permit will be granted to plots of land which are the result of field subdivision. Therefore, the derivation of the site’s title must be examined and verified by the District Lands’ Office.

In addition a 1.5%-2% is payable for the structural design and 0.3% for structural supervision. If you are at a loss as to the choice of a suitable consultant, seek the advice of the Registrar of the Association of Architects & Engineers (all licenced architects must be registered). Please bear in mind that in case of large buildings you may be able to negotiate a lower fee (as also in the case of repetitive work).

Action to be taken and points to bear in mind when buying your own plot to build your own house.Seek a suitable plot. Visit the area that you are interested in and ask the local residents directly, or in case of a village, the village muchtar, if there is land for sale. Seek the assistance of a registered estate agent who may be in a position to offer to you alternatives but bear in mind always that most local sellers do not use the services of estate agents.

Upon the issue of the covering permit or, if this is not required, an application must be made to the Appropriate Authority for the issue of a certificate of final approval.When this is issued, it will have to be deposited at the District Lands’ Office so that the registration of the building on the title deed of the land is effected.

Non-Cypriot citizens requires permission from the Council of Ministers to purchase property in Cyprus. If this has not been yet obtained then the purchaser should now apply to the council for the permission. This normally takes between 8 and 14 months to be granted, and without this the Title Deeds of the property cannot be made available to the purchaser.

Property owners in Cyprus are advised to make a will in Cyprus to cover their Cypriot estate. A Cypriot will speed up the process of obtaining probate in Cyprus.Inheritance Tax is payable on a Cypriot estate and rates are on a sliding scale depending upon the value of the estate. Full professional advice should be obtained with regard to making a Cypriot Will and Inheritance Tax planning.

Usually, the ancient monument area is marked as AM on the Lands’ and Surveys’ plans but the non inclusion of the letters AM. does not guarantee that the plot is free from this kind of restrictions. If, therefore, you see on inspection ancient monuments close to the land you intend to buy or if you see your prospective acquisition being marked with AM. or that land close to it is so marked, then check the whole matter with the Antiquities Department.

Firstly, a preliminary contract is signed. This binds both the vendor and the purchase to buy and sell the property on terms and conditions that have been mutually agreed. This is subject to the purchaser being able to receive good title to the property and obtaining the necessary permits from the Cypriot government.At this stage, a deposit is lodged with a Lawyer or a Notary.The purchases lawyer will now carry out the searches at the District Land Registry to ensure that the vendor of the property is indeed, the owner and ensures that the purchaser obtains good title to the property.

Charges for utilities are payable to the respective authorities at regular intervals throughout the year. They are based strictly on the consumption of each unit. While the cost will vary, approximately CY180 per year can be considered a rough guide.

Non-Cypriot individuals residing in Cyprus pay income tax at a flat rate of just 5%. This applies to the amounts remitted to Cyprus from pensions or income from overseas investments. The first CY2,000 per annum are tax exempt. Personal effects, household goods and furniture may be imported duty free by immigrant retirees, provided that they are for personal use and have been in use for some time (approximately one year). There is no duty on one car and retired couples benefit from the additional concession of two duty free cars.

If you are purchasing a property on a new development, it will have been set by the developers/management company. Regardless of agent’s commissions, you should still pay the same price whoever you purchase through whether you go direct or through a third party. Resale properties are handled much the same way as in the UK with a valuation taking place and the agent’s fees agreed before the property is marketed.

Bargains can still be found at the remote villages of Paphos and those of Limassol. It is strongly suggested that before concluding a deal, you obtain a firm estimate of the repairs / improvements required using the services of a qualified Q.S. or an architect, whereas what has been said previously about other property acquisitions holds good for this nature of property as well. In particular, you must check who your neighbours are, since in tightly knit communities, such as the local villages, they have their own way of living and attitudes towards life.

Services: Experience has proved that it is difficult for co-owners to agree on the common servicing of the blocks. It is therefore advisable, especially if you are buying in a large block, to prefer to buy where the block has the lowest common services bill. Central heating has proved to be a major problem and the cause of many quarrels amongst co-owners. Avoid, also, flats which have common hot water facilities

The most important pending legislation which affects the property market is the following: the Estate Agents’ Bill. This proposed legislation regulates the estate agents’ conduct and imposes penalties for misrepresentation etc. The agents must be registered with the Government and take out an indemnity insurance; the Developer’s Bill. This, most important piece of legislation, regulates development and it proposes to have the Lands’ Office to act as an overall controller on development projects which are for sale. Developers will have to take out an insurance in order to indemnify purchasers for wrong doings.

The Town Planning Act. This law (expected to be fully enforced very soon) regulates development and it will supersede the liberal town planning zoning which exists at present. It requires the preparation of local plans for development and prior to any acquisition/development of property, the inspection of these plans

2.2 Solar heating is an economic alternative and its adoption is relatively inexpensive, having a payback period of approximately 5 years.If you will have a garden, it is advisable to drill a borehole for watering as the water charges rise more than proportionately with consumption. This will cost around C1,200 for the borehole and the pump, although it will depend on the depth of the borehole. The drilling of a borehole requires a Government permit first.

Never sign anything or pay any money until you have sought legal advice in a language in which you are fluent from an experienced solicitor (ideally, someone who has been recommended).Under no circumstances should you use a solicitor who has been introduced or recommended to you by a vendor, agent or developer.

Location: In any particular area there are many blocks of flats under construction (this is less true for the Paphos residential areas). Try to shop around and choose a block in a good area. Of course what is a 11 good” area is relative and depends on various factors including personal judgement and taste. it is widely accepted, however, that a 11 good” area is one which is relatively central, not densely developed with flats, more of a residential area, relatively quiet (not on main roads) and which is close to schools and shops.

Cyprus enjoys a remarkably low crime rate 1/6 of the European average another reason for its popularity with foreign buyers for whom security has become a key element in the property world. Visitors are invariably surprised and reassured by this relaxed aspect of life on the island, where crime is virtually unheard of and theft not commonplace. Under the Aliens and Immigration Law, non-Cypriots wishing to take up employment in Cyprus are required to have a work permit.

Such treaties combined with very favourable tax rates for international business entities in Cyprus open the doors to significant tax planning opportunities. The fact that Cyprus is not considered a tax haven but rather a country offering tempting tax incentives expels the distrust that international tax havens often arouse.

The quality of construction is another problem. Normally the developer’s reputation and a visit to a previous project will give you an idea of what you can expect. Show a preference to blocks utilising low maintenance materials: sprits finish to a block as opposed to decoration is an advantage; the use of timber windows as opposed to plastic ones is a disadvantage; a poor quality lift will cause you major future difficulties etc.

The most important factor however is access. Do not be fooled by what is on the ground. Check the Lands’ and Surveys’ plan to see whether the property abuts onto a public access, as well as the nature of its boundaries (shown on the title deed). The fact that the property abuts a public access does not necessarily mean that a building permit can be obtained based on this road access.

Bargains can still be found at the remote villages of Paphos and those of Limassol. It is strongly suggested that before concluding a deal, you obtain a firm estimate of the repairs / improvements required using the services of a qualified Q.S. or an architect, whereas what has been said previously about other property acquisitions holds good for this nature of property as well. In particular, you must check who your neighbours are, since in tightly knit communities, such as the local villages, they have their own way of living and attitudes towards life.

With the increasing complexity of the property market and the constant introduction of new concepts and measures new for the island (although not so in the European countries) it is advisable that the potential purchaser seeks professional advice prior to concluding a deal in order for hardships and disappointments to be avoided. This advice is specially useful to the foreign purchaser who has to encounter the problem of different laws and local attitudes. For this reason this firm has prepared the following tips which may be useful to the local property purchaser.

Cyprus enjoys a remarkably low crime rate 1/6 of the European average another reason for its popularity with foreign buyers for whom security has become a key element in the property world. Visitors are invariably surprised and reassured by this relaxed aspect of life on the island, where crime is virtually unheard of and theft not commonplace. Under the Aliens and Immigration Law, non-Cypriots wishing to take up employment in Cyprus are required to have a work permit.

Firstly, a preliminary contract is signed. This binds both the vendor and the purchase to buy and sell the property on terms and conditions that have been mutually agreed. This is subject to the purchaser being able to receive good title to the property and obtaining the necessary permits from the Cypriot government.At this stage, a deposit is lodged with a Lawyer or a Notary.The purchases lawyer will now carry out the searches at the District Land Registry to ensure that the vendor of the property is indeed, the owner and ensures that the purchaser obtains good title to the property.

Check whether your neighbours keep any animals in their yard since if they do the smell may be unbearable. Check also the distance from the town, the access, whether there is a telephone service, the nearest doctor, the frequency of the local post etc. Bear in mind that the cottage may be eligible for an improvement grant from the Government, if it is of historic interest. Your architect can advise you on this.

The Minister of the Interior may grant a permit only if the Immigration Control Board confirms that the applicant falls under one of the following categories and meets the necessary criteria. (a) Farming. He possesses adequate land or a permit to acquire it and at least CYP250.000.(b) Mining. He possesses a mining permit and at least CYP200.000. (c) Trade. He has capital of at least CYP150.000,(d) Retirement. He has a secure income of about CYP5.000 per person and he and hid dependants will not work.