Property templates and checklistsCyprus
Reviewed October 28, 2026. Not legal advice. Have a notary or lawyer check your case before you sign.
Buying
- TemplatePurchase offer template
- TemplatePreliminary sale agreement template
- ChecklistBuyer's due diligence checklist
How buying works
- 1
Make a written offer
These rules cover the areas under the Republic's effective control. State your price in writing, often through a registered estate agent.
- 2
Pay any reservation fee
The buyer may pay a reservation fee to the agent at the offer stage.
- 3
Instruct an advocate
Each party instructs an advocate (lawyer). The buyer's lawyer checks the title, encumbrances, permits and the seller's tax position.
- 4
Sign the contract of sale
The lawyers agree a written contract. The seller attaches a Land Registry search certificate dated no more than 5 working days from signature.
- 5
Deposit the contract
Within 6 months, the buyer, seller or buyer's lawyer deposits it at the District Land Office. This creates a charge and lets a court enforce the sale.
- 6
Non-EU buyers: get a permit
A buyer who is not an EU or EEA citizen needs a permit under Cap. 109. Documents signed from 1 January 2026 carry no stamp duty.
- 7
Transfer at the Land Office
When the price is paid and the property has its own title deed, both parties sign the transfer there. The buyer pays the transfer fees.
Renting
- TemplateResidential lease agreement template
- TemplateMove-in inventory report template
- TemplateLease termination letter template
How renting works
- Lease type
- Most homes use a free written lease. The Contract Law (Cap. 149) and the lease set rent, term, deposit and notice.
- Rent control scope
- Law 23/1983 covers homes completed by 31 December 1999 in areas the Council of Ministers declares controlled.
- Under rent control
- Statutory tenancy after the lease ends, limited rent rises, recovery only on listed grounds via the Rent Control Court.
- Deposit
- No legal cap. One to two months' rent is the market norm.
- Stamp duty
- None on leases signed from 1 January 2026.
- Rent payment
- From 1 July 2026 by bank transfer, card or other electronic means. Never cash or cheque.
- Energy certificate
- The landlord shows the energy performance certificate and gives it to the tenant.
- Pending rent cap
- A bill to cap rent increases outside rent control is before the House of Representatives.