Title deeds are ready so what now?

[fbg52]

Hi Nigel, After 11 years we have been informed by our developer that the title deeds are finally ready. We're in the UK and don't want to make a wasted journey over to Cyprus. Could you tell us what the process is now? When we go to Cyprus what will we need to do? Will we need a lawyer? Will we have to have the title deeds checked if they are in Greek? How much will it cost?

Many thanks for all your help and advice on this forum - over all these years it has been much appreciated.

[Nigel Howarth]

Hi fbg52

Glad to hear that your Title Deeds are finally ready after 11 years!!

The process is relatively simple. You and your partner (assuming you purchased in joint names) need to visit the Land Registry with your developer (or his rep) to effect the transfer.

You'll need to pay the Property Transfer Fees - use the calculator on the Department of Lands & Surveys website to see what they are likely to be.

You will not receive the deeds immediately - they will be sent to you in the post.

You will not need a lawyer (although you could instruct a lawyer to act on your behalf rather than flying to Cyprus yourself - it will be less expensive). If you do decide to come over yourselves I expect your developer will help you with the forms - if not there are some 'helpers' outside the Land Registry that will assist for a small charge.

If you want to know more about the actual process in more detail, check out pages 45 and 46 of the Department of Lands and Surveys Citizens' Charter.

Did you take out a loan to buy the property? If so the Land Registry will charge you 1% of the sum advanced to register it against the title (but this may have been included in the original loan).

When the Title Deed arrives it will be in Greek. Perhaps you can visit your local library and dig out an English/Greek dictionary.

Don't forget to open that bottle of champagne

Regards,