Buying a home in Cyprus is an exciting step, whether you’re planning a permanent move or a relaxing getaway. Once your offer is accepted, the legal process begins – and it’s important to get it right. With the right support, you can move through each stage smoothly and avoid costly mistakes. Buy the final stage, completing your property purchase in Cyprus can be the most painstaking.

This guide explains what happens after your offer is accepted. It walks you through every step, from signing the sales agreement to receiving your title deeds. You’ll also learn how to protect your budget from currency changes and how power of attorney can keep your purchase moving even if you’re not in Cyprus.

With expert help and a clear plan, buying property here can be simple and stress-free. Here’s how to make sure everything goes to plan – so you can start enjoying your new home as soon as possible.

Contents

• Drafting and finalising the Sales Agreement
• Obtaining title deeds
• Protecting your budget from currency movements
• Understanding power of attorney
• Cyprus property legal process FAQs

Working with your solicitor, you need to complete an agreement you’re happy with signing

Drafting and finalising the sales agreement

Once your lawyer completes the legal checks and confirms there are no concerns, they will prepare the Contract of Sale. This contract outlines the terms agreed between you and the seller. If you’re buying a new build, the agreement must include clear protections. These should cover things like delivery timelines, building standards, and the eventual transfer of title deeds. Without these, you may face delays or complications later.

After drafting, your lawyer will share the contract with you, the seller and any estate agents. Everyone must review and approve it. Once agreed, the contract is stamped and lodged with the District Land Registry Office. This registration locks in your rights. The seller cannot back out, sell the property to someone else or borrow money against it. This is thanks to Cyprus’s Specific Performance Law, which protects you before deed transfer.

You’ll usually need to pay a deposit at this point. For resale properties, this is around 10%. For new developments, it may be 20% to 30%. At the same time, you can begin arranging for utilities like water and electricity. Having these ready will make moving in much easier once the home is legally yours.

Protecting your budget from currency movements

When buying in Cyprus, you’ll need to transfer large sums from your home currency into euros. The exchange rate can change daily – and sometimes dramatically. Even small shifts in the rate can add thousands to your final payment. That’s why it’s crucial to protect yourself early in the buying process.

One way to do this is by using a currency specialist like Smart Currency Exchange. Unlike banks, they focus solely on international transfers for buyers like you. They can offer tools to lock in favourable exchange rates for future payments. This is known as a forward contract, and it’s useful when your purchase is months away.

To find how Smart Currency Exchange, book a call today:

Book now

With expert help, you can plan your payments in advance. You’ll know exactly how much you’re sending and receiving. This reduces stress and keeps your budget on track. By avoiding last-minute surprises, you’ll stay in control – and may even save money you can put toward furnishing your new home.

Obtaining title deeds when completing your property purchase

Getting your title deeds is the final legal step. These documents prove you own the property. Without them, you don’t have full ownership, so it’s vital not to skip this stage. In Cyprus, the transfer of title deeds happens at the Regional Land Registry Office. Both you and the seller must attend unless one of you has given power of attorney.

Before this appointment, your lawyer will check that all taxes and fees have been paid. You will need receipts for the registration fee and property tax. You’ll also pay a title deed transfer fee. This fee varies depending on the property’s value, but it’s often much lower than buyers expect.

Once the fee is paid and paperwork is complete, the title is transferred to your name. This confirms you as the legal owner. With the deeds in hand, you can update all local utility accounts. These might include electricity, water, waste collection and telecommunications. From here, your home is fully yours – on paper and in practice.

Understanding power of attorney

f you can’t be in Cyprus for every step, you can still move forward with the purchase. Power of attorney (PoA) lets someone else act on your behalf. Many buyers give this authority to their lawyer. It’s a common and safe option if managed carefully.

The key is to limit the scope of the PoA. It should cover only the tasks related to buying the property – like signing documents or attending the title deed transfer. Don’t give broader powers unless absolutely necessary. A lawyer can help you draft a PoA that’s clear, limited and legally valid.

To create a PoA, you’ll need to sign a document and verify your identity with a passport and tax registry number. If you sign it outside Cyprus, you may need to have it notarised and apostilled. Your lawyer can guide you through this.

Whether you attend in person or use PoA, the result is the same: your ownership becomes official, and you can begin your new life in Cyprus with confidence.

After your offer is accepted, the legal process in Cyprus is straightforward – if you have the right team supporting you. To ensure everything runs smoothly, read our full guide to buying property in Cyprus. You can also learn more about common risks buyers face or get clear advice on property taxes and fees before you complete your purchase.

Cyprus property legal process FAQs