The Block: Try to choose a small block of flats. A five storey building accommodating a maximum of 10 to 15 units is ideal. Large blocks have problems primarily related to their management and lack of privacy. Bear in mind, however, that smaller blocks have a higher common service bill. Try to avoid the buying of flats on blocks with shops on their ground floor, since these are usually the cause of nuisance.

Prices are usually quoted as pounds per sq. metre. It is important, however, to ascertain the square metres of which area you are paying for. Certain developers include part of the common areas (staircases, lifts etc) while others include the verandahs and so on. If therefore, you are shopping around for the right price, make sure that you are comparing the same area.

The Town Planning Act. This law (expected to be fully enforced very soon) regulates development and it will supersede the liberal town planning zoning which exists at present. It requires the preparation of local plans for development and prior to any acquisition/development of property, the inspection of these plans is a must. Any development in the future will require a Planning Permission as well as a Building Permit.

Furthermore, it is not sufficient to merely check the zone of the property under consideration but one should also check the zone of the neighbourhood in general. This is so, since your plot may be within an agricultural area but a few feet away there may be another zone, say industrial or animal farming, which will create nuisance to your property.If an area is not subject to zoning, it is best to consult an expert or even pay a visit to the Planning Office and consult, unofficially, the officers on their views on the possible planning use of the area under consideration.

The seashore protection zone is independent of the town planning zones. It is a zone which extends from the sea and it usually (but not always) has a width of approximately 300 feet. Within this zone no building can be allowed, even a small hut, ice cream shed or a swimming pool. When there are ancient monuments close to your plot, be careful to examine whether the Director of Antiquities has any objections to a building project. If a plot of land is classified as an ancient monument area, the Director's approval must first be sought.