Buying agricultural land
Posted: 25 Jun 2013 18:09
In 2011 I think it was, an unexpected announcement was made by Town Planning concerning a new law which severely restricted development on agricultural plots, such as you had to show a connection to the area,couldn't already own a house and no build more than 1.5 km from the village. A certain well known Estate agent even threated to take the Ministry to court.
I managed to get an interview with a senior planning officer in Paphos District this year to find out what the situation really was, so thought I would share this info with you.
There is NO LAW. The changes have come in a procedural memo from The Ministry of the Interior, Nicosia. It will become law in time.
No build allowed more than 1.5km from the village, measured from the village centre.
1 house only per plot no matter how large the plot is.
Access or right of access must be in place.
Companies not allowed to build on agricultural land, only individuals.
Single storey and no more than 200m2 cover.
Owner has to pay all the costs to take electricity and water to the plot.
Whether approval is given for development will depend on environment, flora, protected areas.
if "clusters" of other houses exist in the vicinity of the plot then approval is more likely.
Press reports of having to show one has an attachment to the area or being an existing house owner is Cyprus is not relevant.
The officer STRESSED that if I was thinking about buying an agricultural plot to build on, then I should make a request in writing for a decision on whether they would allow planning permission and I should wait for their written reply. DON'T BUY BEFORE GETTING THEIR REPLY.
I note their are hundreds of agricultural plots for sale in the Paphos district, some at very hefty prices, so it is worth proceeding with caution before signing a contract of sale.
I managed to get an interview with a senior planning officer in Paphos District this year to find out what the situation really was, so thought I would share this info with you.
There is NO LAW. The changes have come in a procedural memo from The Ministry of the Interior, Nicosia. It will become law in time.
No build allowed more than 1.5km from the village, measured from the village centre.
1 house only per plot no matter how large the plot is.
Access or right of access must be in place.
Companies not allowed to build on agricultural land, only individuals.
Single storey and no more than 200m2 cover.
Owner has to pay all the costs to take electricity and water to the plot.
Whether approval is given for development will depend on environment, flora, protected areas.
if "clusters" of other houses exist in the vicinity of the plot then approval is more likely.
Press reports of having to show one has an attachment to the area or being an existing house owner is Cyprus is not relevant.
The officer STRESSED that if I was thinking about buying an agricultural plot to build on, then I should make a request in writing for a decision on whether they would allow planning permission and I should wait for their written reply. DON'T BUY BEFORE GETTING THEIR REPLY.
I note their are hundreds of agricultural plots for sale in the Paphos district, some at very hefty prices, so it is worth proceeding with caution before signing a contract of sale.