Hallelujah! At last, after four years of letters, e-mails, phone calls, meetings, heated discussions, promises, excuses and participating in public meetings and placard waving, I have taken possession of my long overdue Land Deeds, which were earmarked in my contract of sale, to be issued to me by October 2007, after my villa was purchased in September 2004.
In the autumn of 2008, after no signs of my deeds being issued, I attempted to obtain them by a range of methods, but without avail.
In hindsight, if I had known what lay ahead of me, as a single pensioner, when deciding to move to Cyprus to find and buy my ‘dream home’ and live in ‘paradise’, as the brochures and sales reps advertised, both in the UK and Cyprus, I would certainly have had considerable doubts.
For those still waiting for deeds, keep up the pressure on your developer, support the Cyprus Property Action Group (CPAG), whose title deeds campaign is now gathering pace, or keep writing to your European or UK MP, or to anyone else who can help you with this chaotic and disgraceful situation here in Cyprus.
The day of reckoning is slowly approaching for some of these Cyprus developers, some banks and the Government, as the EU starts to be informed of this situation, and in-depth questions will be asked and decisive action may soon be demanded.
One of the biggest hurdles, is the inability of property developers to match contracts with actions.
This is both unfair, time consuming, illegal and has given this island a very bad name and reputation for honesty and openness on the property market, and I even read recently in the local press that the crisis is deepening as property market sales continue to tumble.
On a more positive note, for those contemplating buying here in Cyprus, do not be deterred but just be prepared.
Select and research your developer, not all are rogues. Seek good professional legal advice from the onset which will ensure the terms the contract are not confusing and will protect you.
Cyprus has much to offer in so many ways, and once you have your deeds, you should be able to start to relax and enjoy your new home and resident country.
Name and address,
withheld
