Glossary

The terms you will see on Cypriot documents, in every language this site is published in.

Transfer fees

The fee paid to the Department of Lands and Surveys when ownership is registered in your name. Charged on resales; not charged where VAT applied.

Title deed

The registered proof of ownership. On new developments a separate deed for your unit issues only after the building is certified and the plot subdivided.

Common expenses

Monthly charges for shared parts of a development: cleaning, lighting, lifts, pool, gardens and the management committee's reserve.

Sale contract

The agreement between buyer and seller. Lodging it at the Land Registry creates a registrable interest in your favour.

Department of Lands and Surveys

The authority that keeps the register of ownership, collects transfer fees and records lodged contracts.

Covered area

The built area shown on the approved architectural plans. This, not the brochure figure, drives the reduced VAT calculation.

Planning permit

Permission for the development in principle, granted before the building permit. Its filing date can matter for transitional VAT questions.

Building permit

Permission to construct the building as designed. A property built in departure from it can be difficult to register.

Certificate of final approval

Confirmation that the completed building matches its permits. Title deeds do not issue without it.

Advocate

A Cypriot lawyer. Instruct one who is independent of the seller, the agent and the developer.

Encumbrance

Anything registered against a property that limits it: a mortgage, a memo, a charge or a court order.

Reduced VAT rate

The lower VAT rate available on part of the price of a primary and permanent residence, subject to hard area and value caps.