Q.: Dear Mr, Loizou,
We are regular readers and admirers of your column and (earn something new most weeks. I am writing to you regarding an old chestnut that we thought we understood, but a recent event has left us confused again.

Last year we purchased a house in the Paphos area. The house is valued at considerably less than £100,000 and is over 15 years old. The title deeds (now in our names) show the 1980 value as £16,915.15. We were under the impression that property had to be valued at over £100,000 at a certain date for property tax to be levied. This is the second time this has happened to us - our previous property was in Limassol, so we need some clarification on the legal position.

We enclose a copy of the property tax demand (in the name of the vendor, although the new title deeds have already been seen by the Board office, and we will be showing them again this week). The amount is small, but we are thoroughly confused and want the matter clarified for once and all. We obviously also pay refuse and Council tax so this is clearly a different matter.

We would be very grateful for your advice on this matter, and would also ask you to withhold the vendor's and our names.

Many thanks
(name withheld)

A.: I have checked with the Income Tax Authorities and you have no tax record. What I was informed is that the property tax you pay refers to property tax imposed by your local authority, which is not related to the Immovable Property Tax handled by the Income Tax people.
A.P. Loizou

Q.: Dear Mr Loizou
I'm another fan of your valuable articles, questions and answers, in the Cyprus Weekly newspaper.
I am the founding secretary of our Owners' Association, on a complex of 80 dwellings that was built very close to the motorway in Oroklini. Most of us purchased off plan in 2004,and many of us find the constant roar of the motorway traffic is spoiling our enjoyment of our properties, and I write to ask for your kind advice please.
Is there any Cyprus or European law requiring the construction of special sound-absorbing screens along the motorway wherever there are dwellings in close proximity?
I have seen these screens in other European countries, and they seem to be very effective.
Thank you in anticipation of your expert guidance.
--
Mrs Eva Oratis

A.: Regrettably no. Surely who must have inspected the site at least prior to purchase. Perhaps if you join together and approach the local authority, you might be allowed to erect a barrier, but you do appreciate this will cost.
Regards and thank you for your comments. I am sorry that I cannot be the bearer of good news.
A.P. Loizou

Q.: Mr Loizou, I wonder if you can help. I am a regular reader of your column . My query relates to local council tax [rates payable for refuse collection, street lighting, etc]. I seem to recall reading somewhere that the maximum chargeable was laid down by Government. Is this the case and, if so, can you tell me what the maximum is? In addition, can you tell me if a council can try and charge extra fees due to non-collection/arrears of other residents in the area? I live in an area where allegedly the council is to increase the rates payable by non-Cypriots dramatically due to non-payment for holiday homes, etc!!! Thank you for your help.
Cathi Delaney

A.: Depending on the local authority there are maximum rates laid down. Regrettably the councils have a free hand to charge what they like within the maximum, independently of the service quality. A council cannot charge the paying residents for the arrears of the non paying ones. All residents must be treated equally holiday homes or not. If you are unfairly treated you can choose the court procedure, but due to the low charges people usually do not bother.
A.P. Loizou
 

www.aloizou.com.cy

www.aloizou.ro

www.aloizou.ru

ala-HQ@aloizou.com.cy