Cyprus-Forum.com

[simonwjones]

Just got back from Paphos and the amount of 'dodgey' estate agents trading is amazing. How can they do this? I thought there was supposed to be some law/rules imposed in 2004. Dodgey estate agents were everywhere offering this and that.

How do they do it and aren't they breaking the law?

I went into a small taverna and guess what? The waiter was a developer!!!

[Sotos]

Skip the estate agents. Buy direct from the good developers.

[Svetlana]

More than half the 'Estate Agents' operating in Ppahos are working illegally; unlike many countries, it is a criminal offence (max £1000 fine or one year in jail) to operate as an Estate Agent unless propably licensed.

To become licensed you require a professional qualification, relevant experience and to pass an examination (in Greek or Turkish).

lana

[nhowarth]

There are many 'property-middlemen' acting as estate agents - many of them retired British expatriates who prey on the fears of their fellow countrymen and then proceed to rip them off. The Estate Agents law, which was introduced back in 2004, has proved totally ineffective.

Professional Estate Agents are licenced by the CREAA.

As for property developers, the profession is completely unregulated; it's a joke! In a case reported last year, a 'property developer' turned out to be a barman at an army camp! (Needless to say, buyers lost their money when he went bust).

The property business is Cyprus' national sport - there are many individuals and companies playing the game with varying degrees of skill, professionalism, and integrity.

Make sure you do your homework and take independent legal advice before you even think about buying property here.

Regards,

[simonwjones]

Buysell are everywhere-I've been told they trade illegally - but how and why are they still in business. What is the point of this rule if cowboys can still go on selling property etc. It makes the whole thing worthless.

[snursy3]

Buysell are not legal estate agents as they do not have a licence.
If you are going to buy a property, can l make a suggestion you choose your own solicitor either from Limassol, Nicosia do not use one recommended.

[Kikapu]

I don't know who is acting more illegal, the North or the South. You can at least excuse the North by being "illegitimate", but what excuses can you give to the South. So much for the "European Values" pushed so much by some of the members on this Forum. Yep, corruption from Top to Bottom seems to be the norm, in the "legitimate" South.!!

[simonwjones]

Buysell are not legal estate agents as they do not have a licence.
If you are going to buy a property, can l make a suggestion you choose your own solicitor either from Limassol, Nicosia do not use one recommended.

We've bought somewhere after severe research! NOT from Buysell Cyprus

[Rosemary]

BuySell are not estate agents - nor do they claim to be.

I have bought and sold through them with no problem.

Estate agents will soon be a thing of the past. In the UK you now have the likes of House Ladder, Houseweb, MyProperty for Sale and plenty more.

[simonwjones]

BuySell are not estate agents - nor do they claim to be.

I have bought and sold through them with no problem.

Estate agents will soon be a thing of the past. In the UK you now have the likes of House Ladder, Houseweb, MyProperty for Sale and plenty more.

They don't claim to be an Estate Agent. I thought Estate Agents sold houses. What are they then? A car hire company