Νο.240

Q.:  Driving along the Limassol-Platres road, I have noted that pine trees are cut down in order for houses to be built.  This destruction of forest hurts me and I tend to adopt the Greek system that no building should be allowed if a plot of land has trees on.  What do you think Mr Loizou?

G. Yiannakakis

A.:  I do not agree with you.  The Greek law is a disaster.  Because they are not allowed to build on wooded areas, locals-owners burn the forests which on many occasions lead to a disaster.  Our way is far better since it does not provoke the land owners to be against the forest.  What, perhaps, should be added in a building permit is that the cut trees to be replaced by planting as many as possible in the site once building works are completed.  This to form part of the building permit conditions.

Regards,

No.241

Q.:  Do Iranians buy real estate in Cyprus or is it another story like the “millions of Chinese” tourists we expected to come to Cyprus in the year 2009?

Jerry Knight

A.:  Stories of the likes that “Iranians are replacing the British” are just that, stories.  There is some Iranian interest for Cyprus mainly directed towards Larnaca, but their interest cannot be said that it is serious.  Some of these buyers are attracted by the “house for permanent residence” status, especially now with the troubles and with the opposition feelings unsafe.

Regards,

No.242

Q.:  We note what you say about Cyprus having 6% of the U.K. crime, yet we read everyday all sorts of crimes that happen in Cyprus.  Has the historic 6% not changed recently?  Security for us is paramount since we are at an age and in a country away from home.  We need security Mr Loizou, to have piece of mind before we can enjoy all the lovely opportunities that Cyprus offers.

Linda Smile

A.:  Dear Linda do have the piece of mind that you are saying.  In fact our 6% is going down in relation to the U.K., Spain, Greece etc.  Due to the lack of local news small crimes are blown out of proportion in Cyprus.  Traffic accidents are first in the news, whereas the crime that we have relates mainly to narcotics and regrettably a large part is attributed to foreign workers (thefts).  We have also Russian crime which is mainly restricted amongst themselves.  Avoiding central tourist areas late at night, having an alarm system at home and keeping clear of boozing people (mainly foreign I will add) should not get you into any trouble.  Living in residential areas (where locals live and not in the tourist areas) is another security tip.  On this point I would like to suggest that people who do not live permanently in their home (e.g. holiday homes) adopt an alarm system (cost around €700 and monthly fee of €40).  Take out also an insurance regarding (in addition) theft.  At the seasonal localities such as Protaras, three neighbours of ours were burglared on the same day.   In the first house they stole t.v. and electric gadgets, on the second they stole food and drinks (leftovers on the kitchen table) and the in third they slept (nothing missing)!!!  Our own home was left along since we had shutters and an alarm system.

Regards,

No.243

Q.:  What a lovely experience Mr Loizou.  There we were on new year’s eve walking along the shopping street of St. Andreas at Limassol and shop keepers were having a sougla do on the pavement.  We were invited to join so many times, that not only we were full at the end (in addition to the drinks), but we made many friends.  It made our day being invited by people who do not know us and expecting nothing from us.  Shall we repeat this next year and is there other occasions that this event repeats itself?

Michael Carbof

A.:   It is a traditional kept by some but not all invite passers by.  If you want to repeat the experience, have a couple of bottles of whisky in your bag.  It will help melt the ice for the creation of new friendships much faster and be more welcomed.  I wish you al the best for a healthy new year.

Regards,

No.244

Q.:  What are the transfer fees (in U.K. stamp duties) involved in a transfer of property?  We are invited to have our apartment transferred on our name, but we want to be prepared on the cost.

Zenon Maricin

A.:  Transfer fees are based on the current market value as at the date of transfer.  If you have deposited your contract at the Lands Office, the value will be as at the date of the sales contract.  Usually the lands Office who determines the market value accepts the sales price, but it may think different.  You can object to a higher assesssment through the use of a qualified valuer.

Fees are charged on the difference.

For those for one reason or other did not deposit their sales contract at the Lands Office, but bought the property sometime before transfer, they must prove that they have bought the property when they did.  The production of a sales contract duly stamped, the production of utilities bills and payments will go some way in persuading the Lands Office on the actual date of purchase (which determines the valuation date).  Usually the Lands Office will accept the declared/acquisition price, but there are cases where higher value (and thus higher fees) are required.  It is appreciated that in case of high worth property, the fees can be considerable – Lastly I add that transfer fees which are set as at the date of purchase, do not bear any interest charge if transfer takes place at a later date.

Regards,

A.P. Loizou

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No.245
Q.: I note that a number of new homes place on their roof tops photovoltaic panels, in order to save on electricity. Is it an investment worth it Mr Loizou? Love your articles and I take this opportunity to wish you a good/happy new year. Keep up the good work.
D.J.Legs

A.: I am not fully aware of the details but bear in mind that you can get a Governmental subsidy on the cost. For an ordinary house the cost could amount to €5.000. Bear in mind that like solar heaters their pay back period is around 5 years. It is a worthwhile investment bearing in mind that you must use your property preferably for the whole year and not for a 30-40 days holiday only. Also consider the aesthetics of your property since it is not what I will say very good looking (black panels on the roof etc). More suitable to have them on a flat roof and the panels can be hidden from the parapet walls. It is also a matter of initial cost. If I was to build a house now I would have done it seeking first the advice of a Mechanical & Electrical engineer before making my move – Many thanks for your good wishes which are reciprocated.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou

No.246
Q.: I note your previous reader who has suggested to place a gadget on the dogs collar which reduces the barking of dogs and keep piece with the neighbours. I think it is a cruel way out since these gadgets give a small electric shock to the animal, causing him pain, but, is there another solution around this problem which many of us face?
Lilly Hart

A.: As you know I have two Alsatian dogs who do there bit of barking to the discomfort of my neighbours and an embarrassment for me having to apologize. I bought these gadgets, as you say, at a cost of only €200, but I did not dare place it around their neck, since I feel guilty for altering nature. I have tried and to an extent I have managed to keep the barking at a minimal level by “teaching” the dogs to be more friendly to the 3 am refuge collectors and others. It is a difficult situation to handle and it will depend on how your dogs behave and how strong objections your neighbours raise. I have no other “doggie” solution I am afraid my dear Lilly.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou

No.247
Q.: What? – A donkey in a small house yard and you bothered to reply Mr Loizou? Are people using your time and knowledge in order to get an “all clear” advice?
N.Jackson

A.: Any animal is dear to his owners and Cypriot donkeys is the only animal that Cypriots have a strong liking. These animals helped our agriculture for years greatly, they are hard workers, loveable, helping even during the difficult times of the second world war etc. Approximately 10.000 Cypriot donkeys were “enlisted” in the Greek and British army during these difficult years and none returned!! But, yes, I agree with you having a donkey in a 700 sq.mts. garden is a problem, not only for the donkey itself (too little space when you take out the house and other parts that use land), but I tend to agree with the neighbour’s concern. I offered a solution, be it not ideal for its owners.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou


No.248
Q.: We were told that our solar heaters must be placed at a certain angle for maximum efficiency. We have a pitched roof and if we adopt this, the panels will stand out since they will not be in accord with the slope of the roof. Any ideas how to by-pass this problem Mr Loizou?
Euro Stass

A.: Usually 2 solar panels are enough. If the panels are not placed at the right angle, use 3-4 panels. It will cost you another €200/panel extra, but it is worth it.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou



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