BUILDING A HOUSE IN CYPRUS

Building a house in Cyprus can be complex. It's crucial to carefully select professionals. While online research is helpful, personal recommendations from homeowners are invaluable.

 

1. Acquire Land:

- Hire a licensed real estate agent or search online.

- Cyprus land is divided into zones, each with specific building regulations. Construction is prohibited in agricultural and special protection zones. Consult with a local real estate agent or town planner to understand zoning restrictions.

- Find and purchase a suitable plot of land.

- It is possible to build on residential land without a full title deed, but it's easier to build on a plot with a full title deed, indicated as "ΟΙΚΟΠΕΔΟ" on the title deed.

- Hiring a lawyer to assist you is recommended but not always necessary. Ask for their fees upfront and seek recommendations from other homeowners.- Completing the land transfer to your name can take up to 60 days. 

2. Design and Planning:

- Hire an architect to design your house according to your preferences and needs. Seek advice from other experienced homeowners who have built homes in Cyprus.

- Obtain the necessary town planning permit from the local authorities. There are five district authorities in Cyprus, known as EOA, that issue these permits.

- Engage the following engineers for required studies and designs:

 a. Structural engineer

 b. Electrical engineer

 c. Geologist (for soil investigation)

 d. Sewerage engineer

 e. Energy efficiency certification specialist

- Obtain a building permit from the relevant authorities (issued by the five district authorities, EOA).

3. Tendering and Construction:

- Hire a quantity surveyor to prepare a detailed bill of quantities for the project.

 - Invite contractors to submit bids based on the bill of quantities.

 - Select a contractor and sign a construction contract.

 - Oversee the construction process to ensure adherence to plans and permits.

Additional Considerations:

- Legal and Tax Implications: Consult with a legal and tax advisor to understand property ownership, taxation, and legal requirements.

- Timeframes: The entire process can be lengthy. Account for potential delays due to bureaucracy and permits and bad weather.

- Cost Estimates: Obtain accurate cost estimates from architects, engineers, and contractors to budget effectively.

- Project Management: Ensure that the contractor prepares and submits to you a detailed program of works to you that you agree upon.

- Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local building codes, zoning laws, and environmental regulations.

- Legal Disclaimer: The information provided is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice.


Would you like to explore any specific step in more detail or consider alternative approaches, such as hiring a turnkey design and build team?

Contact Us: We specialize in building one house per year.