Thursday, 7 February 2008

Cyprus Property Online

By William Marind

The seashore protection zone is independent of the town planning zones. It is a zone which extends from the sea and it usually (but not always) has a width of approximately 300 feet. Within this zone no building can be allowed, even a small hut, ice cream shed or a swimming pool. When there are ancient monuments close to your plot, be careful to examine whether the Director of Antiquities has any objections to a building project. If a plot of land is classified as an ancient monument area, the Director's approval must first be sought.

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.

For those who want to buy a plot of land and put up a building there, there are certain major points they have to bear in mind. As a rough and general rule, and provided there is a "satisfactory" access, a single house can be erected on a plot of land. If more than one house is required, then water must be provided. The water supply may be either from a public or private source. In the event of private water supply (usually a borehole) its quantity and quality are tested by the Water Development Department.

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.

employment in Cyprus are required to have a work permit. Permission to purchase a property must be obtained from the Council of Ministers by written application. This must be submitted by the non-Cypriot purchaser after the agreement has been signed. However, the permission is granted more or less as a matter of course to all bona fide buyers. In the meantime purchasers may take possession of their property without restriction.

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