Managing Real Estate in Cyprus from Abroad – Full Legal Support for Expats and Non-Residents
Legal Framework for Property Management in Cyprus
Real estate transactions, inheritance, renovation, taxation, and legal representation in Cyprus are governed by several key laws, including:
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The Immovable Property (Tenure, Registration, and Valuation) Law, Cap. 224
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The Wills and Succession Law, Cap. 195
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The Town and Country Planning Law (90/72)
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The Capital Gains Tax Law (52/1980)
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The Stamp Duty Law (19/1963)
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(Note: The Immovable Property Tax Law has been abolished since 2017)
These laws form the legal foundation for any property management or transaction in Cyprus, whether you are a resident or a Greek/Cypriot expat living abroad.
1. Buying and Selling Real Estate in Cyprus
Under Cap. 224, all real estate transactions must be officially registered at the Cyprus Department of Lands and Surveys. Non-residents can legally buy or sell property through a Power of Attorney issued to a local licensed lawyer.
The process includes:
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Signing a Sale & Purchase Agreement
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Paying Stamp Duty at the Tax Department
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Submitting the agreement to the Land Registry
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Obtaining a Tax Clearance Certificate
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Transferring the title deed to the new owner
The Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is 20% on net profits (with deductions for inflation, improvements, and legal costs).
2. Inheriting Property in Cyprus
Cyprus applies forced heirship rules (Cap. 195), unless the deceased was permanently domiciled abroad, in which case foreign succession rules may apply (e.g. under an unrestricted will).
Heirs must:
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Apply for probate or letters of administration
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File an acceptance or renunciation of inheritance
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Register the inherited property in their name at the Land Registry
E. CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC can handle the entire process remotely for heirs living abroad.
3. Title Deed Checks and Land Registry Compliance
Every property in Cyprus has a unique registration number (KAEK) and official title deed.
Before any transaction, we recommend verifying:
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Ownership and history of the property
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Registered mortgages, liens, or restrictions
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Urban planning compliance and legality of construction
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Whether the title is eligible for transfer
Our office conducts official searches and due diligence at the Land Registry on your behalf.
4. Construction and Renovation Permits
According to the Town and Country Planning Law (90/72), any significant renovation or new construction requires:
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A Town Planning Permit (for zoning, density, height, etc.)
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A Building Permit (for structural and technical compliance)
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Special Permits for historical or environmentally protected zones
Construction without proper permits is illegal, and the property may not be registered or sold legally in the future.
5. Real Estate Taxation in Cyprus
Although the annual Immovable Property Tax was abolished in 2017, the following taxes and fees still apply:
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Capital Gains Tax (CGT): 20% on profit when selling
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Transfer Fees: 3%–8%, depending on property value
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Stamp Duty: Up to €20,000 per contract
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Municipal and Local Taxes: Approx. €85–€300/year, depending on the area
We assist expats with tax filing, calculation, and optimization, including working with tax accountants and the Tax Department.
6. Remote Legal Representation – How It Works
All the above services can be performed without the client being physically present in Cyprus through a notarized and apostilled Power of Attorney.
We provide:
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Full document preparation and submission
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Contract negotiation and title registration
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Tax and legal compliance
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Representation before all Cyprus authorities and courts
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Regular updates via email, video call, and courier
Contact E. CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC Today
If you are a Greek or Cypriot expatriate who owns or is about to inherit or sell property in Cyprus, we offer secure, transparent, and fully remote legal services — tailored to the needs of the diaspora.
Website: www.hatzidimitriouvirtuallaw.com
Email: info@hatzidimitriouvirtuallaw.com
U.S. Phone: +13474034789
Manage your Cyprus property — from wherever you are.