Cyprus-Forum.com

[cosmic]

Having been woken up by torrential several times during the night, then sitting in my lounge here in Southern England looking out at the rain this morning, I thought there must be a better way of life than this. Somewhere a little warmer, maybe nicer scenery and longer summers. Not to mention lower government taxes. So spent some time checking out some web sites selling property and land in Cyprus to get an idea of feasibility.

Maybe somebody can help answer a basic question – I have searched but not seen an explanation. Some of the land is listed as having a 10% or 20% or whatever (even seen 150%) coverage. So for example, if I bought a 1000 sqm plot with 10% coverage does that mean I can build a 100 sqm single story building or a 200 sqm 2 storey building because I am only building on 10% of the land. Or does it refer to total floor space. Even more worrying is the land for sale without a stated coverage factor, I assume you are not allowed to build on that.

Just doing some basic research at the moment rather than looking to buy (have to tell the wife first )

[cosmic]

oops sorry - meant to say Hi to everyone first

[G.Man]

The one with a 10% covergae factor is generally agri land, and it refers to the ground floor coverage..

Welcome btw

[cyprusgrump]

Hi!

It refers to the ‘covered area’ of your property.

In your example you could have a 100m² single story building (bungalow) or a two-storey building with each floor having an area of 50m².

There are some ‘tricks’ to increase the area of your property – ‘sofitas’ or rooms built into the roof or loft area don’t count in the covered area nor do basements. Garages with two sides open don’t count either but if the garage area is enclosed it counts in your covered area calculations (which is why you see so many houses with ‘car ports’ here…

[cosmic]

Thanks for your replies - they are very much appreciated

So the 10% coverage for agricultural land relates to the ground area occupied by the building, so 1000 m² of land could allow for a 200m² 2-storey building, but if its not agricultural land then I would only be allowed 100m² for both floors so a ground area coverage of 50 m²

Or am I reading too much into this?

thanks

[Kifeas]

Thanks for your replies - they are very much appreciated

So the 10% coverage for agricultural land relates to the ground area occupied by the building, so 1000 m² of land could allow for a 200m² 2-storey building, but if its not agricultural land then I would only be allowed 100m² for both floors so a ground area coverage of 50 m²

Or am I reading too much into this?

thanks

There are 3 factors you should take into consideration.

a.) The Building coverage factor (sq. m. as % of the plot area)
b.) The Area coverage factor (sq. m. as % of the plot area)
c.) The maximum height factor (meters)

The first refers to the maximum permissible total size of the building in sq. meters, the second reefers to the maximum permissible ground level coverage of the plot in sq. meters, and the third refers to the maximum height the building can go up to. Usually they work in a direct relationship to each other, i.e. if the maximum height is 7 meters (i.e. 2 floors) and the Building factor is 40%, then usually the area factor will be 20%. However, this is not an absolute rule, and therefore you will need to check with the town planning office for the particulars of each area zone. Basements, open verandas and open ground floor parking are not calculated in the building coverage factor.

PS: Agricultural land is usually around 10% building factor (it can be even less, including 0%,) but there is a minimum size of land which you must have in order be able to build a house (of any size.) If I am not mistaken it must be at least 5 donums (6670 sq. meters) or larger. There must also be a formally registered road passing by the land (touching to it with at least 3 meters from any side of the land,) otherwise you will have to buy a passage road first, from someone else that has such access.

[cosmic]

Thank you very much Kifeas for that detailed explanation, much appreciated.

[Radio]

cosmic,

I recommend you buy the excellent guide to buying all kinds of land and property from:

www.cyprus-property-buyers.com

[cosmic]

Yes a good idea, thank you Radio

A lot of useful information on that website, but did not find an answer to my specific question as detailed as that from Kifeas. Probably covered in the book.

Its early days for me at the moment, I am just trying to understand the general concepts and information I see on various websites. I will buy the book once I have tested my wifes reaction to the idea of a permanent move, I have already hinted - but need to go over the costs with her. Maybe we just keep a small flat in the UK.

I must say people here on the cyprus-forum have been very helpful with explaining things.

[MARTIN ALLSOPP]

All the information on building on agricultural land is absolutly correct.The only bit that Kifeas got slightly wrong is the size of the agricultural land you need . There is no minimum size of land you need to have, to build a house on. Obviously if the plot is to small ,say 500 square mts at 10% build. You will only have either a 50 square mt bungalow or a two storey villa of each floor being 25 square mts. I myself would not recomend buying a plot of land at 10% build under 1000 square mts. Because then you are looking at a very small house. I myself have just purchased a plot of land 1215 square mts at 10% build. it is ajoining a road ( which is the most important thing). Electricity is next to the plot and like the village the water will come via a bore hole. I have also spoke to the village Muktar who was a very nice man and very helpful. I was also lucky enough to get hold of the title deeds as well! Anyone thinking of buying agricultural land would do well to find the area you like. Go and look around the nearest village and speak to the village Muktar. They can not do enough for you. I hope this information will be of help to someone. Happy hunting