The Cyprus Consumer Protection Service (CCPS) has recently imposed penalties totaling €1.4 million on two leading Cypriot banks—Bank of Cyprus and Eurobank (formerly Hellenic Bank)—after discovering unfair clauses in over 22,000 mortgage agreements. This landmark ruling emphasizes the growing focus on transparency and consumer rights protection within Cyprus’s real estate financing sector.
The Bank of Cyprus was found to have included problematic terms in approximately 14,810 mortgage contracts dating back to June 2021. These contracts predominantly affect borrowers aged 20 to 45 years old. The contentious clauses related to rights of retention, consolidating accounts, set-off practices, notifications to customers, and costs linked to property revaluation.
Following the CCPS directive, the bank agreed to revise the contract language to comply with relevant legislation, improving clarity and safeguarding consumer protections. The regulator acknowledged the bank’s cooperative stance and improved contract transparency as positive steps. The bank must eliminate these clauses within 60 days or face additional fines of €1,000 per day beyond the deadline, alongside its initial €800,000 fine.
Eurobank, holding previously as Hellenic Bank, was fined €600,000 after 7,456 housing loans issued since August 2022 were found to contain unfair terms. These included questionable clauses concerning repayment methods, collateral conditions, insurance obligations, base interest calculation, fees, reporting requirements, default conditions, lien rights, and general contractual terms.
The CCPS highlighted that repeated application of these terms in long-term agreements put undue financial pressure on borrowers while disproportionately benefiting the bank. However, Eurobank’s cooperation, absence of fraudulent intent, and proactive revisions to contract wording were recognized as mitigating circumstances.
Like the Bank of Cyprus, Eurobank is required to halt the use of these clauses within 60 days and adjust existing contracts accordingly, with daily penalties of €1,000 for non-compliance.
These rulings send a strong message that consumer rights and contract transparency in Cyprus’s mortgage market are under closer watch, aiming to prevent exploitative practices. Borrowers can expect clearer and fairer loan agreements moving forward, reducing hidden costs and unfair financial burdens.
For those actively exploring Cyprus real estate, understanding the evolving lending landscape is crucial. Whether you are hunting for cheap apartments for sale in Cyprus or searching for auction properties in Cyprus, lender transparency can significantly impact your financing options and overall investment experience.
While these rulings demonstrate the regulatory bodies’ dedication to consumer fairness, the Cyprus property market continues to offer diverse opportunities across various price points and locations. Whether looking at affordable homes or luxury villas, keeping informed about loan conditions and market regulations provides a competitive advantage.
Stay tuned to INDEX.cy for the latest insights, property listings, and analysis to navigate Cyprus’s dynamic real estate scene with confidence.
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