Cyprus has taken a significant step towards resolving one of the real estate market’s longstanding hurdles. The House of Representatives unanimously approved a crucial amendment law aimed at providing relief to thousands of property buyers who have been unable to secure their title deeds for years.
“Trapped buyers” refers to those individuals or companies that have purchased property—often paying in full—yet remain without official title deeds. Various factors such as outstanding mortgages, developer debts, or issues with building and planning permits have prevented these buyers from being legally recognised as property owners.
To tackle this, the Interior Ministry collaborated closely with the House Legal Committee, creating a dedicated working group tasked with drafting legislation aligned with constitutional and judicial mandates.
Officially enacted on July 4, 2025, following parliamentary approval on June 25, Amendment Law 110(I)/2025 updates the Transfer and Mortgage of Immovable Property Laws of 1965. This change came after a pivotal Supreme Court ruling in June 2024 deemed certain previous provisions unconstitutional for infringing on property rights and freedom of contract.
The result? Thousands of trapped buyer applications that had been stalled indefinitely are now able to move forward under a newly structured, constitutionally compliant framework.
For buyers to benefit, purchase contracts must either have been logged with the District Land Registry by December 31, 2014, or, if concluded by December 31, 2024, must be lodged via a court order based on a timely application.
Where buyers had pending applications before the new law and no title deeds were issued due to planning or building permit issues, the Land Registry Director is now authorised to process these where feasible. Importantly, title deeds must be issued within two years and eight months of the law’s enactment, with buyers required to submit any outstanding documents within eight months of notification.
If properties carry prior mortgages or legal encumbrances registered before contract deposit, purchasers must secure written consent from the encumbrance holders or seek a court order if consent is unjustifiably withheld. This mechanism safeguards buyers’ rights while respecting existing creditor interests.
The amendment extends the deadline for settling outstanding balances from 30 to 60 days after official notification, easing payment pressures on buyers.
This reform enhances transparency and legal certainty within Cyprus’ property sector—a much-needed foundation for rebuilding investor trust and market confidence. It effectively addresses the infamous “trapped buyer” dilemma, unlocking opportunities for buyers to finally gain full legal ownership of their properties.
For anyone exploring cheap apartments for sale in Cyprus or considering plots of land for sale, this reform ensures a more dependable transaction environment moving forward.
While the challenges of Cyprus’ property market are complex and multi-layered, legal clarity is a crucial step towards a healthier, more orderly landscape for both domestic and international buyers.
Disclaimer: This article offers informational insights only and does not substitute legal advice. For specific legal assistance, consulting specialised law firms such as Polycarpos Philippou & Associates LLC is advisable.
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