No.280
Dear Sir,

I am writing to ask if you would kindly give me some advice or perhaps point me in the direction of where to obtain such.

My husband and I have lived in Cyprus for approx 8 years and are now in possession of our Title Deeds granted in both names. Our property contract was lodged with the Land Registry as required when we first entered into a contract with our Developer who has been very helpful in all our dealings. However, I would really appreciate your advices regarding fees payable upon the transfer of Title in the event of the death of one of us.

We have just paid approx €11,000 in fees to obtain the deed. Are we to assume that in order for the Title to be put in one name the same amount would have to be paid yet again, or in fact even more as the sole owner? Also, what are the implications if you don’t have the money to pay this fee so instead don’t obtain probate and leave the property title as it is, or until you sell?

Many thanks for your time.

Regards – Jan Tucker



A.: Between first degree relatives no transfer fees are paid, other than a very small administration fee say +-€50.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou


3/29654-td
16.2.2010

No.281
Q.: I am following up my letter regarding things to do in Cyprus and I must thank you for the recent events that you have informed me with. The Limassol carnival parade was an experience to be remembered. I have attended the parade with a number of friends and the 10.000 people parading were a joy to the eye and the spirit. All of us have agreed that we will participate with a group of ours over next year. Is this possible and how can we go about it?
Nelly Stassis

A.: Get in touch with Limassol Municipality which will guide you along. Anyone can participate from a single person to any size groups. The major key of success is the required spirit and not so much the fancy dresses etc. A note to bear in mind, that the parade is 5 kms long, so, unless you ride on a vehicle, be prepared for a long dancing march. Also try to adopt a theme Nelly and coming from our column, how about being dressed up as houses and house bankers, following you with gallows, with the theme being “High interest rates and Housing”!! I am sure other readers can help out with more imaginative and less morbid ideas than mine.
A.P. Loizou

No.282
Q.: We are building our house and to be quite honest with you, we find that now, at this late stage of design, that it is a bit small!! Our architect has suggested to add a loft/attic on top, but we are anxious not to break any building law. We took the route “ask Loizou” and we hope you do not mind in helping us out.
J&K Nest

A.: Having an attic is a solution as having a basement. Both do not count in the building density. A basement must not be used as a main house use (e.g. a bedroom) but more for storage purposes. However should you want to follow the Cypriot way, show the basement as a store, make the necessary provisions for water/ drainage etc and use it as a bedroom etc, later on once the certificate of approval is issued. Similarly for the attic, but bear in mind that an attic has maximum dimensions regarding size and height. As an addition in adding more floor levels to your home, consider the access/stair/lift etc always depending on your age and health state.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou


3/29659-td
16.2.2010

Νο.283
Q.: We often hear but not see Cypriot hospitality, which the C.T.O. projects in its international promotion. We have lived at Pafos for 3 years now and yet we are searching to experience this “hidden” hospitality. True or false Mr Loizou?
Dereck Jekings

A.: A difficult question to answer. If you visit tourist areas, it is difficult to find the local hospitality of some form, but, if you visit the more remote (i.e. around ½ hours drive away from Pafos), you have a good chance to experience it). We have visited Konia village (not a remote village I will say) at the village square a 6 tables restaurant, across the road from the local church. We were treated to all sorts of home made delicacies, ranging from the restaurateur’s wife sausages, to the more spicy pastourmas and wild mushrooms. We only ordered two dishes set. All the rest was offered for free and our bill came out to €50 for both, including 2 bottles of carafa good quality wine. The whole restaurant family was there and we had a great time (I suspect my romantic singing helped towards the hospitality). One local resident paid for the one bottle of wine and we offered the local diners’ sweets, which we had in the car on our way to our Pissouri home. We made very good and nice friends. What can I say, it happens but regrettably not often. Can I suggest that you sing as well (!!!) while dining?
A.P. Loizou


No.284
A.: How right you are Mr Loizou. We did not follow your advice and we used parquet floors instead of your recommended ceramic tiles. We had a burst pipe the other day and we now have to replace the living room parquet at a cost of €1.800 – I want to say this for the advice of others.
Lina Trevor

A.: I hope your insurance covers the cost Lina. Other than this, real/solid parquet is unbeatable in appearance and warmth. As an addition, I will say that marble floors, although it sounds prestigious, they can also get strained by all sorts of things, including cigarettes burns, soft drinks, mop dirt etc. Unless top quality marble, avoid this material as well. There are marble type ceramics that you can hardly tell the difference.
A.P. Loizou

No.285
Q.: We note in the Greek press that one of the coalition parties is leaving the Government. Do we then expect to have a political upheaval and as a projection will this cause a further harm in the real estate market?
Lilly St. John

A.: Not at all. It is not material that one of these coalition parties leave the Government and I do not expect any noticeable side affects, save in having another opposition party. Regarding the Cyprus political talks this is a set back, but it is not expected to have any negative effects on the real estate market.
A.P. Loizou

No. 286
Q.: I am writing to you through this “English” language newspaper since I cannot address a letter through the Greek press. I note that some of your articles have parts missing, making at the end reading a not clear and coherent reading at all. Do you write according to the publisher’s wishes Dear Mr Loizou?
Marios Dampsas

A.: Not at all Marios. The papers have a certain space and if some articles are in excess of their space, they may decide to reduce the article at their own will, thus having the results that you say!! I have objected to this sort of thing (at least the paper should call me ahead to commend/reduce the articles), but with no results. I have to address this one way or another.
A.P. Loizou

No.287
Q.: I have noted your last year’s estimated cost for building a house, which I have found in your website. Do you think that we should revise these costs upwards? We are getting our financials together and we want to be sure that we will not over extent our budget. Should you wish to bill me I will be happy to pay a reasonable fee. Thank you in anticipation.
Johanna Jewel

A.: My dear Johanna how can I charge a Jewel? Building costs have remained constant and I will say even they show a small reduction of 5%-8% from last year. You must get 3-4 tenders and then decide whether you can afford it, bearing in mind always the V.A.T. (and possible refund) provisions and the never ending cost overruns etc.
All the best with your new home.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou


3/29658-td
17.2.2010

www.aloizou.com.cy

www.aloizou.ro

www.aloizou.ru

ala-HQ@aloizou.com.cy