Νο.336
Q.: Dear Mr Loizou,
I have followed your column regularly in the CW, I never
thought I would need to contact you for advice until
today. I happened to come across a property listing with
B.S Cyprus, and requested to see the apartment. When
someone contacted me to arrange a viewing, they asked to
meet at their offices, but since they are out of my way,
we arranged to meet directly at the advertised premises.
One hour prior to our meeting, I receive a phonecall
from their office saying that I am obliged to go to
their office first before viewing the apartment. When I
asked why, the answer I repeatedly got was this is the
"new" procedure. I insisted to find out why it was so
important for me to go there, I was then told that it
was because I had to sign a paper. When I asked what it
is I had to sign, they were hesitant to tell me what it
was and kept saying that this was the procedure.
Ofcourse this answer was not good enough for me and
after persisting for a real answer, I was informed with
hesitation that in case I was to buy the property, that
I would agree to pay them a commission. With this my
reply was "I am the buyer not the seller, and I prefer
to find another estate agent, thank you and goodbye".
Please correct me if I am wrong - for as long as I
remember, usually the seller is obliged to pay an agreed
commission to an agent if they go through them and
certainly not the buyer. Have the laws changed?
Furthermore, if this is the case, then shouldn't I have
been informed prior to arranging an appointment instead
of calling me 1 hour before?
I appreciate your help on this matter, in case I am
wrong then I can accept it, however, people ought to be
made aware of what they are about to sign if there is
such a "new procedure".
Thank you for your valuable time.
L.E.
A.: In Cyprus it is the seller who pays the commission
and not the buyer, unless otherwise agreed amongst the
parties. The “new procedure” means most likely that the
agent wants commission from both, buyer and seller. A
Greedy Agent??
Some countries the Buyer and Seller pays the commission
50-50, but not in Cyprus.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou
3/29883-td
3.5.2010
No.337
Q.:
Dear Mr. Loizou, I would appreciate your advice on how
to proceed with the following problem. Wanting to take
advantage of the Governments promotion on water
conservation and apply for the financial assistance
available to use well water for grey water i.e. toilets
etc I submitted an application to the Land Registry
Office to drill a well for water. The application was
rejected because I do not have my title deeds to the
property. I pointed out that the deeds were already over
due by five years as per contract and from their own
prediction would take at least another five years before
issue. It was suggested that the developer could stamp
and sign the application and it would be reconsidered
which I find deferential to the developer as it isn't
his land and the Water Authority will in the end decide
to approve the application or not based on the proximity
of the nearest well. A site assessment has indicated
this to be within the approved distance. The developer
has declined to cooperate there by denying me my legal
right to avail myself of a Government promotion. Like
thousands of other readers of your column your free
advice forms the backbone of dealing with the many
property issues.
Yours Sincerely
G Harris
A. I communicated with the District Officer in Nicosia
(you did not mention which area you live in) and were in
fact surprised that the Developer/owner of the land has
declined. I must stress that the licence is always given
to the registered owner of the land but on the licence
it is mentioned that it is on behalf of the buyer of the
house. I suggest if you are in the Nicosia area you call
the District Office and ask for the department of the
licence of water wells. For Nicosia the direct phones
are: 22804140/141.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou
3/29884-td
3.5.2010
Νο.338
Q. Look what I found Mr Loizou in one of the records
that the «archaeological spade» has discovered. The
caption underneath includes Tony Loizou. Is this you in
the photo and being the «foreign» looking one and being
6.2’’ tall, is that you the tall guy 3rd from left to
right?
Susan Hayward.
A. My dear Susan. What an unexpected surprise which
touched me deeply [nothing can be hidden in this world
of ours]. Yes it is me as you say being part of the
rowing team ‘Talk in Turn» in Carlisle. I must say it
brings back a lot of lovely memories, including the most
embarrassing game we have had with the district clubs,
where our boat actually sank!! [One of the rails got
stuck and we overturned]. Thank God British people being
disciplined people did not laugh. The local Baroness
[God help her – I forget her name], in order to
compensate for our embarrassment took us out for drinks
in order to drown our sorrow. The baroness is a lovely
person of charm and compassion. This photo I will
treasure always, since a rowing team needs a team effort
and cooperation between the members including and most
importantly, the cox. I love you Susan for sending this
«archaeological photo» to me and as far as I am concern
you are a friend for life.
P.S. I must say, even if I say so myself, I was quite a
«dish» at the age of 22 don’t you think? I dare not send
you a today’s photo of mine since the «happy go lucky»
life in Cyprus is a disaster. Going back to the
Baroness, the club reciprocated with an «exotic dish»
[she was told]. So, there I was and I made the Cypriot a
sougla and Commandaria wine that my father has sent me
at the time. Am I then mistaken for having a soft spot
for the Brits?
Our Ref.3/29881-DV
5.5.2010
www.aloizou.com.cy
www.aloizou.ro
www.aloizou.ru
ala-HQ@aloizou.com.cy
