Buying property in Cyprus and visiting post Brexit

When the Brexit transition period came to an end on 1st January 2021, UK citizens became “third country” nationals; a generic term describing non-EU member states.

Cyprus (particularly Paphos) is a hot-spot for Brits seeking a second home in the sun. But now, as third country nationals, what Brits are permitted to purchase and the process of owning a property have changed.

What can Brits buy?

Before Brexit Brits could buy as many properties of whatever size they wished, but since 1^stJanuary 2021 they’re only allowed to buy one of the following:

• An apartment.
• A house.
• A villa on a building site or a plot of land not exceeding 4,014 sqm.
• A piece of land not exceeding 4,014 sqm provided that a residence will be built for owner occupation soon.
• Offshore companies may also acquire premises for their business or as residences for their foreign employees.
• A second home may be allowed depending on its type and use.

The property buying process

Brits now have to apply in writing to the Council of Ministers for permission to acquire a property. Although they will be able to enter into sale agreements and deposit their sales contract at the Land Registry office, they will be unable to get the property’s all-important Title Deed until permission is granted.

Although permission is granted in virtually all cases, Brits buying property will need a clause in their contract of sale stipulating what will happen in the unlikely event that Council of Ministers permission is refused.

British tourists

Since the 1^st January 2021 British tourists, including those with holiday homes and other property in Cyprus, can no longer come and go as they please. They can only stay on the island and other EU countries for a total of 90 days in any 180 day period. If they wish to stay longer, they will require a visa.

Many British “silver swallows” who overwinter in Cyprus and return to the UK in the summer have had their feathers clipped; their time in Cyprus will be limited to 90 days without a visa.

Unlike some other EU countries, British visitors and tourists may drive in Cyprus using their UK driving licence. However, those planning to remain longer than six months must exchange their UK driving licence for a Cypriot one before 7^th July 2021.

Source: Cyprus Property News

Author: Christos Nikolaou

BEng Mechanical Engineering, MSc Real Estate, ETEK Property Valuer, Register and Licensed Real Estate Agent.

Christos Nikolaou is the founder and Managing Director of Property Canvas, he holds a license as an Estate Agent from the Association of Real Estate Agents of Cyprus and he is a registered Property Valuer in the Technical and Scientific Chamber of Cyprus (ETEK). He is the author of our “Buying property in Cyprus and visiting post Brexit” and is a certified advance negotiator.