Get a property lawyer

In Cyprus, using a property lawyer is essential to protect your interests and ensure a safe, legal purchase—especially for foreign buyers. Here are the key reasons why:

1. Legal Due Diligence
   A property lawyer checks the title deeds, ownership status, planning permits, zoning, and any mortgages, debts, or legal claims attached to the property. This is crucial in Cyprus, where not all properties have immediate title deeds.

2. Protection Against Hidden Risks
   Your lawyer ensures the property is free from developer loans, encumbrances, or restrictions that could later prevent the transfer of ownership.

3. Contract Review & Drafting
   They review or prepare the sale agreement to make sure the terms are fair, clear, and legally binding, protecting you from unfavorable clauses.

4. Depositing the Contract
   The lawyer deposits the contract with the Land Registry, securing your rights to the property and preventing the seller from reselling or mortgaging it.

5. Compliance With Cyprus Law
   Property law in Cyprus differs from many European countries. A lawyer ensures the entire process complies with local regulations and timelines.

6. Government & Land Registry Procedures
   They handle applications to authorities, including Council of Ministers approval (for non-EU buyers), VAT issues, and transfer of title deeds.

7. Independent Representation
   A property lawyer works solely in your interest—unlike developers or agents who represent the seller.

In short: a property lawyer safeguards your investment, avoids costly mistakes, and ensures a smooth and secure property purchase in Cyprus.

Find the property and make the offer

Once you have identified a property that meets your needs, the next step is to make an offer. In Cyprus, offers are usually made through the real estate agent and can be subject to conditions, such as satisfactory legal checks or financing approval. If the offer is accepted, the property is typically taken off the market while your lawyer begins the legal due diligence. A small reservation deposit may be requested to secure the property, pending the signing of the sales contract.

Let the lawyer check the property and pay the deposit

Once the offer is accepted, your lawyer prepares a reservation agreement. The reservation deposit is paid into the seller’s lawyer’s client account and serves solely as confirmation of the buyer’s serious intention to proceed with the purchase. Upon signing, the seller agrees to remove the property from the market. The reservation deposit is fully credited toward the final purchase price at completion.

Working on sales agreement and signing it

After the reservation deposit has been paid, the buyer’s lawyer proceeds with the legal due diligence and prepares the Sales Agreement. This contract clearly outlines the agreed terms, payment schedule, and completion conditions, fully protecting the buyer’s interests. Once both parties are satisfied, the Sales Agreement is signed by the buyer and seller, formally securing the purchase and allowing the transaction to move forward toward completion. Usually the buyer pays 30% of the agreed purchase price upon signing the sales agreement.

Get the title deeds and keys

Once the Sales Agreement is signed and deposited with the Land Registry, the buyer proceeds with the final payment according to the agreed payment schedule. Upon completion and settlement of all outstanding amounts, the transfer of ownership is arranged at the Land Registry, where the Title Deeds are issued and transferred into the buyer’s name.

Timeframe:
If the property already has separate Title Deeds, the transfer usually takes place within 4-10 months depending on various factors. For new or off-plan properties, Title Deeds are issued once the development is completed and all approvals are finalized, which may take longer. Throughout the process, your lawyer will monitor progress and keep you fully informed until the Title Deeds are successfully secured in your name.