Cyprus-Forum.com

[Hazza]

Don't know dizey, but I have an appointment with a developer tomorrow with a view to buy an appartment. Am I now worried/scared?? You bet I am

[michalis5354]

Yes there are. The point is that you need to inspect personally and you can easily identify who is cheating and who is not!

I had no problem with mine!

Crikey, what have I started!! There must be some honest, trustworthy developers out there who build quality and don't try to fiddle you......or am I being totally niave?

[simonwjones]

michalis5354, exactly. You need to sort the good from the bad and Dizey will be fine. There are dodgey people/companies everywhere. You just have to do research and everything will be fine.

Hazza, chill. Don't listen to any sales talk and make your mind up yourself. The guy we bought from didn't pressure us once, he wanted to sell there own development, but i can understand that. There was no sales push or rubbish he just let us get on with it. Good luck and hope you find the perfect place - it may take you one, two or three visits.

[michalis5354]

Hazza you need to inspect different appartments of the same size to make up your mind! Then you need to see the price they each charge and what offers the best value compared of course to what your looking for! Of course this is not an easy job but do not rush to take a decision!

[Hazza]

lol, I've been looking for the last 6 months. It may be the wrong way to go about things, but I go with the purpose of talking myself out of that particular one. If I can't, then thats the one I shall buy!

[chedda]

In my opinion after looking at over 100 options in southern cyprus i chose not to choose a developer. Why you ask well the newer buildings are not so generous with size & quality. I realise to buy off plan is beneficial as when you finally recieve your property it will be worth more . However in my view apartments or houses from the 80's were under less pressure for space & profit. Now unfortunately developers give you the minimum required. Also a build from the 80's has already withstood many earthquakes and if it is still in good condition means solid construction. The prices here in Cyprus also depend on age from the 80's you can expect to pay 600 m2 where as now if its a new build you can expect to pay upto 1000 m2 so there are monetary benefits. Whatever happens do not rush your decision and take a broad view. Plus you have the added stress of waiting for the developer to release deeds and the snagging process associated with any new builds.I know for a fact this snagging is done by sub contractors after the original developer has long gone. I believe there are more agents in Cyprus than propertys so its a difficult job to sift through them all. However from good advice i was told my agent was already established from a good family and successfull. This meant to me he had no reason to rip me off. I can wholeheartedly recommend his professionalism and sincerity. My agent was George Arouzos and my legal representation was through Costas Tsirides & Co both of which were superb.

[Svetlana]

Hi Simon

But does not Fopdac only represent British Developers, many of whom will have less exeperience of the terrain and Building legislation, thyan local Cypriot ones?

Lana

[dolmadis]

And FIABCI-Cyprus seems to be somewhat circular when you look at who the principal members are:

Cyprus Land & Building Developers Association
Cyprus Real Estate Agents Association

In other words a "club" for developers and CREAA and it therefore adds no greater value to consumer protection for property/a building as a "product" rather than "services" which is what lawyers, estate agents,surveyors and architects etc., provide.

In Cyprus the purchasing of property or buildings are not covered under the Republic's Consumer Protection Act.

That should be no surprise to UK readers because Consumer Protection Act 1987 in the UK, buildings are not covered although individual goods from which they are built (e.g. bricks and beams) are covered.

All you can do, in my view, is follow all the steps published widely on the internet using qualified professionals who are independent of the developer and estate agent.

[simonwjones]

Hi Simon

But does not Fopdac only represent British Developers, many of whom will have less exeperience of the terrain and Building legislation, thyan local Cypriot ones?

Lana

Hi Lana

1000 posts hey!!

I don't know the link between British developers and Cypriot developers but I guess you are probably correct. Our developer/agent has offices in the UK and Limassol. I wouldn't be happy with the developer over there and me over here! I can get in my car and pop down the road and speak to them. We can only do the best research we can i guess.

[Svetlana]

Hi simon

<1000 posts> I would like to thank my Parents, my Agent amd all the team who have helped me get where I am today....< End oscar acceptance speech mode>



Lana