Property Law

Specific performance — the remedy compelling a party to fulfill their contractual obligations — sits at the intersection of law and conscience. In Cyprus, it draws life from both equity and statute, most notably through the Sale of Immovable Property (Specific Performance) Law of 2011 (Law 81(I)/2011). Understanding the remedy’s role, limitations, and procedural requirements is essential, particularly in the real estate sector, where monetary damages may fall far short of justice.

In a unanimous judgment given on the 12th of June 2025, the Supreme Court of Cyprus reaffirmed that a mortgage creates an autonomous primary obligation, independent of the lender's ability to prove a debt against the mortgagor personally.

Trespass - the unlawful and direct interference with immovable property-continues to be one of the most pressing threats to landowners' rights in Cyprus. Whether in the form of unauthorised entry, refusal to vacate, or continued occupation without legal basis, trespass can cause immediate and often irreparable harm. In such cases, how and when can a plaintiff obtain an interim injunction to stop the unlawful occupation or recover possession?

In a recent judgment dated 28 May 2025 were our office co-handled the case successfully on behalf of the tenants, the Rent Control Court of Nicosia dismissed an application for the determination and increase of rent relating to a commercial premises, holding that it lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate the matter. The Court found that the tenancy remained contractual and periodic, and that the tenant had never acquired statutory tenancy status within the meaning of the Rent Control Law (Law 23/1983).

In Cyprus, the legal management of an incapacitated person's estate is a critical safeguard designed to protect individuals who are unable to manage their own affairs due to physical or mental incapacity. Governed by the Law on the Management of the Property of Incapacitated Persons of 1996 (23(I)/1996), this process is firmly rooted in principles of protection, accountability, and judicial oversight.

In cases where marital relations break down, one of the most immediate and sensitive issues that arises is the continued residence of the spouses, particularly when minor children are involved. Cyprus law provides a structured mechanism to address this, enabling one spouse to secure exclusive use of the marital home under certain circumstances.

A surprising number of Cypriot property buyers discover-often years after paying the full price-that their sale contract was never lodged at the Land Registry. Until it is, the purchaser cannot compel transfer of title, nor can they rely on the statutory "specific performance" shield that blocks the seller, often a developer, from re-mortgaging or re-selling the unit.

The eviction of statutory tenants due to demolition is a significant and complex legal issue governed by the provisions of the Rent Control Law, Law 23/83, and the corresponding case law.

In property and construction matters, ensuring compliance with planning permissions and final certifications is critical. Disputes often arise when property usage changes or construction occurs without appropriate approvals. Such cases highlight the importance of adhering to legal frameworks like the Streets and Buildings Law (Cap. 96) and the Municipalities Law (N. 111/85) in Cyprus.

Rental agreements involving state-owned or leased properties often come with complexities that demand careful attention to the terms of the contract and an understanding of the legal framework governing lease revisions. A recent case concerning lease agreements for a property in the Troodos area illustrates the challenges in determining fair rental revisions and resolving disputes when contractual obligations are called into question.

When buying property in Cyprus, registering the purchase agreement with the Land Registry is a crucial step that safeguards your investment and provides significant benefits.

In Cyprus, lease agreements for real estate that extend beyond 15 years can be registered with the Department of Land and Surveys. Once registered, the agreement grants a real right to the tenant, which is transferable, mortgageable, inheritable, and can be sold at public auction if necessary.

Εισήγηση του Καθ. Χρίστου Κληρίδη στο πέμπτο πανελλήνιο συνέδριο του Κέντρου Κτηματολογικών Μελετών (ΚΕ.ΚΤΗ.ΜΕ). Θέμα της εισήγησης του οι αρχές που διέπουν το Κυπριακό Κτηματολόγιο και ειδικώς η αρχή της επιείκειας και της κτηματολογικής αναγκαιότητας. Οι εισηγήσεις έχουν εκδοθεί με ενιαίο τίτλο ΚΥΠΡΙΑΚΟ ΚΑΙ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΚΤΗΜΑΤΟΛΟΓΙΟ απο τις ΕΚΔΟΣΕΙΣ ΣΑΚΚΟΥΛΑ και διατίθενται σε βιβλιοπωλεία.

Το Μάρτιο του 2003 (17.3.2003) δημοσιεύτηκε με σχετική ειδοποίηση αρ. 311 η αναθεώρηση του Τοπικού Σχεδίου Πάφου. Υποβλήθηκαν οι ενστάσεις από επηρεαζόμενους ιδιοκτήτες γης μέσα στην τότε προνοουμένη προθεσμία οκτώ  μηνών (σήμερα τεσσάρων) οι οποίες «εξετάστηκαν» από τον Υπουργό και το Υπουργικό Συμβούλιο κατά νόμο αρμόδιο το οποίο πήρε και την τελική απόφαση του.  Το τελικό Αναθεωρημένο Σχέδιο δημοσιεύτηκε στην Επίσημη Εφημερίδα στις 27.10.2006. Ακολούθησαν προσφυγές στο Ανώτατο Δικαστήριο οι πλείστες εκ των οποίων εκκρεμούν προς εκδίκαση.