Furthermore, it is not sufficient to merely check the zone of the property under consideration but one should also check the zone of the neighbourhood in general. This is so, since your plot may be within an agricultural area but a few feet away there may be another zone, say industrial or animal farming, which will create nuisance to your property.If an area is not subject to zoning, it is best to consult an expert or even pay a visit to the Planning Office and consult, unofficially, the officers on their views on the possible planning use of the area under consideration.

Ask, before buying, who and why has purchased the shops (if any) and ascertain whether any restrictions have been put to their use. You may find, for example, that the shops below will be used as a kebab house or as a bar (causing you a lot of hardship). If you have to buy a flat in a block of flats with shops below, avoid buying the flat over the shops. The further away (the higher up) the better.

When the building permit is issued works may begin. Try to avoid variations/changes as these will give rise to claims on the part of the contractor which will mean a financial loss to you. Upon completion of the work your architect must submit drawings (as built) to the Appropriate Authority, if changes have been introduced, for the issue of a covering building permit.

There is no difficulty in finding apartments to buy in any of the towns in Cyprus. Land development into apartments is very common and there is an abundance available for sale at any time all over Cyprus, the vast majority being very new. There is also a tendency to sell apartments "on paper". (ie when construction plans are still on the drawing board), or during construction, as a means of raising part of the finance for the project.Apartment prices are not uniform. They vary to a great extent with the location, the quality of the project and the town where they are situated.

Location: In any particular area there are many blocks of flats under construction (this is less true for the Paphos residential areas). Try to shop around and choose a block in a good area. Of course what is a 11 good" area is relative and depends on various factors including personal judgement and taste. it is widely accepted, however, that a 11 good" area is one which is relatively central, not densely developed with flats, more of a residential area, relatively quiet (not on main roads) and which is close to schools and shops.