Usually, the ancient monument area is marked as AM on the Lands' and Surveys' plans but the non inclusion of the letters AM. does not guarantee that the plot is free from this kind of restrictions. If, therefore, you see on inspection ancient monuments close to the land you intend to buy or if you see your prospective acquisition being marked with AM. or that land close to it is so marked, then check the whole matter with the Antiquities Department.

If your property does not possess an access, the property can acquire a right of way over adjoining property in order to reach a point of public access. The procedure is undertaken by the Lands' Office on application and the right to obtain an access is reserved even if the owners of the property over which the access will pass object to it. Please note that if the right of access is in excess of 1,000 feet (distance from a public road to the property) then a permit to erect a house will, most likely, be refused.

The annual immovable property tax imposed by the government is approximately CY60-120 per year. The municipal authorities also levy an annual property tax of CY20-30 per year and other authorities may also require CY20-40 sewage tax. Common expenses are usually paid monthly or quarterly in advance. They vary from development to development and depend on the area and type of property.They cover an owner's share of the cost of cleaning and maintaining common areas and gardens, swimming pool expenses, electricity in common areas, management fees, rubbish collection and repairs. The estimated total is in the region of CY150 to CY300 per year.

When the building permit is issued works may begin. Try to avoid variations/changes as these will give rise to claims on the part of the contractor which will mean a financial loss to you. Upon completion of the work your architect must submit drawings (as built) to the Appropriate Authority, if changes have been introduced, for the issue of a covering building permit.

It is usual for developers to give credit terms of payment when selling these flats. Terms vary from developer to developer but commonly these are as follows: on signing the sale agreement - 1/3 of the total value; during construction - 1/3 of the total value; the balance over a period of 2 to 3 years. In most cases interest is charged at the rate of 9 per cent per annum as from the date the purchaser takes delivery of the apartment.