No.326
Q.: We know that you are a dog lover Mr Loizou. Yet, in most projects, including some that you manage, have a clause that dogs are not allowed. Is there some inconsistency in your way of doing business?
M & K Patric

A.: I am one of the victims of local attitudes, I am afraid. We have a house at Pissouri village and one at Platres, yet we do not take our 2 Alsatian dogs with us. The neighbours in Nicosia are not all dog lovers and we must respect their own opinion. The other day we had an “incident” in one of the apartments blocks that we manage, because the Serbian owner of one of the apartments has two dogs (not allowed) since they did their staff everywhere and the garden is in a mess. Dog lovers have rights but duties also and good neighbourliness is paramount. I must tell you that I miss my 2 dogs when I am away and I often cut short my weekends, in order to be with them.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou



3/29763-td
12.4.2010

No.327
Q.: Dear Mr Loizou

We obviously read your articles in the Cyprus Weekly and respect all that you are trying to do to improve the image of the Building Industry.

We would like to ask your advice on the problem we are having.

Please see attached synopsis of our problems.

Any advice you give is gratefully appreciated.

Respectfully yours


Mr & Mrs B. Kinnear

Synopsis of the Problems.

1 Mr G. K. (lawyer) charged us £800 CYP to draw up the Land purchase and Building Contracts.

2 All payments were paid when asked for. Not all receipts were given, excuses made – Books are with the accountant – will give it to his son to bring up, etc always excuses.

3 We went into dispute with Contractor (C.E.) over outstanding defects and snagging problems. Details sent to his office by letter and e-mails. Promises that the team would be sent, no team ever came. Always delays, excuses and promises. On two occasions a worker came and did little repairs (BODGE) to windows and doors, which made no improvement – damage was done to a window. I was told I was refusing workers entry and that I was sending them away. Not True, just delaying tactics, Very frustrating. Workers that came just bodged/tinkered.

4 The lawyer e-mailed us (Sept 2007) he was now acting for his client and would no longer act for us. We were threatened with legal action.

5 A new lawyer was found, deposited £500 CYP. Have a bill for £1255.87 CYP

6 It was recommended we pay into the clients account the amount being claimed as outstanding as an act of good faith. This we did. 7,500 CYP

7 It was also recommended we have an Independent Building Survey Report commissioned. This we did. Final cost £250 CYP + Vat

8 The Building Survey Report was not accepted by C.E. At no time had C.E. come to view the defects/problems himself.

Other people including his son had visited (not to do work) and agreed the
Problems were in fact real. Snagging/Repairs still not addressed.

9 No comprise was offered. Only bullying threats – he will take us to Court.

10 The lawyer G.K. now sends us the Court Summons.

10 A leaking carport roof has had to be repaired as the water damage inside the
bungalow was getting close to the Electrical Main Distribution Board.
Cost to date € 800

WE have photographs on computer of the continuing problems and a transcript of e-mails sent and received. Quote for Windows and cills to be repaired € 7,500
Septic tank soakaway not working, to replace with a sewage system € 10,000 minimum.

A.: My dear friends the way you represent the matter it appears that you have been ill advised. Sort out how much you owe to the developer and get an estimate to put matters right. Take legal action against the developer and get your £7.500 paid back. I find the said lawyer’s bill a bit excessive, since he has not done anything so far.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou


3/29798-td
13.4.2010

No.328
Q.: My son who is attending Reading University in the U.K. in the real estate sector, told me that you gave a lecture at the Masters class, but he was impressed how young you looked. He said that you are around 30 years old. I told him not possible, Loizou says is around retirement age – Was it you?
Net Paraschos

A.: I wish I was 30 years old Net. The lecture was given by my son who is a visiting lecturer at the University. I know that women have “a thing” about their age, but I can tell you that if anyone tells me that I look around 30 years old, he will be on my good side!! Many thanks for your thought.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou


No.329
Q.: Dear Mr Loizou I have been keeping a close eye on your weekly reports and activities in Cyprus and I must admit that we do not have anything like this in Greece. We need to have a well known person with a good record who cares and who can give us sound information. Have you thought of expanding in Greece at some time, especially now that we have so many problems in the real estate sector and the Greek economy in shambles? Is this an attraction for you? I am one of the members of the Chamber of Commerce in Greece and this might help you.
(name withheld)

A.: Dear Sir, we have attempted to expand in Greece 15 years ago and we did and we still do carry out work with our Thesseus Beach Village project in Crete for which we recently got the 4 star International Award as being the best in Greece. Expanding in other countries in theory is good for the ego, but my age cannot let me do this. It is a different country and attitude altogether in Greece and notwithstanding the fact that we have had offers from the international real estate firms to have a joint operation, I fear that our existing Cyprus operation will suffer. As we say in Greek “he who prays is two churches he is bound to miss one”. Thank you for your thought.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou



3/29757-td
14.4.2010

No.330
Q. I own a plot of land of 1200sq metres with 90% build, at the moment, because of the exchange rate I have decided to put a static caravan having double axle wheels measuring 7.3m x 13m on the land, I already have applied and got temporary electric on the land as the A.E.K said it was allowed for a caravan, but can you tell me what permission, if any, I need for me to do this.

Best Regards Mr E. Thompson


A.: You best seek the advice of the local Town Planning Office since various local authorities have different approaches. On my part I will say that it is a matter of time. Since your plot is within the residential development zone if you live in the caravan and leave it there for a long period of time, say in excess of 6 months you might stand the chance to be told to move it.
Regards
A.P. Loizou


3/29814-td
14.4.2010

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