Deeds

[cherrink]

I purchased my property in 2005 and am now actively chasing my deeds.

My builder says they have no certificate of final approval. My solicitor says that the final application for deeds has not been filed yet and it is still certificate pending.

I have read information on the web which says that under article 10 without any certificate of final approval I should not be actually using the property. My bank should not have released funds and my solicitor should have advised me of risks as if final approval is not granted then property could be at risk of demolition.

Is the above true and also what does this mean in terms of when I might get my deeds. Am I at the back of the queue if the certificate of final approval gets granted and so I am 4 years plus away?

[Nigel Howarth]

Hi cherrink and welcome to the forum,

You can read about the process by which Title Deeds are issued on my website at http://www.cyprus-property-buyers.com/law/planning.htm - it does take a long time, typically 10 years if you bought off-plan.

Article 10 of the Streets and Buildings Regulations Law, Cap. 96, provides that "no person shall occupy, use or permit any other person to occupy or use any building, unless and until a certificate of approval has been issued in respect thereof by the appropriate authority".

But like other laws here, it is very rarely enforced! Even the Church breaks the law! (see http://www.cyprus-property-action-group ... u/case.htm )

If the developer is dragging his heels on getting the process of issuing your Title Deeds under-way, there is a possible way forward. The court can appoint someone else to progress the issue of Title Deeds - see http://www.news.cyprus-property-buyers. ... s/id=00167

Regarding possible demolition. This will only become a risk if your developer has built illegally, without the required permits. If you have mains electricity supplied from a pole (rather than a temporary supply from your neighbour) then the developer will almost certainly have received the required permits.

From what you say (certificate still pending) it sounds as if your developer has requested the authorities to inspect the development. If this is the case, and providing there are no planning infringements, it is a matter of waiting for the authorities to do their job.

Regards,