PROPERTY TRANSFER FEES – CYPRUS
Transfer Your Property the Right Way — Pay Only What’s Due.
Guidance on all applicable property transfer fees, exemptions, and reductions under Cyprus law.
At a Glance
| Transaction Type | Authority | Applicable Rate | Current Incentives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer of Title Deeds | Department of Lands & Surveys | 3%–8% (per band) | 50% Reduction for most transfers |
| Transfer with VAT-liable Purchase | Department of Lands & Surveys | 0% | Full exemption |
| Corporate Restructuring Transfers | Department of Lands & Surveys | 0% | Full exemption |
| Donation / Inheritance | Department of Lands & Surveys | 0% | Exempt under specific conditions |
Cyprus offers one of Europe’s most investor-friendly property transfer systems — streamlined and tax-efficient.
Request a Transfer Fee Estimate
We calculate your exact payable amount and secure all exemptions before submission.
1. Overview
Property Transfer Fees are payable to the Department of Lands and Surveys upon registration of immovable property in the buyer’s name.
They represent an administrative cost based on the market value of the property at the date of transfer, as assessed by the Land Registry.
Following reforms in 2016, Cyprus implemented a permanent 50% reduction on standard transfer fee rates to encourage property ownership and investment.
2. Transfer Fee Rates (After 50% Reduction)
| Market Value of Property (€) | Normal Rate | Effective Rate (after 50% reduction) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 85,000 | 3% | 1.5% |
| 85,001 – 170,000 | 5% | 2.5% |
| Above 170,000 | 8% | 4.0% |
Key Points
- The total transfer fee is cumulative across all value bands.
- The value assessed by the Land Registry prevails over the contract price if higher.
- Transfer fees are not subject to VAT.
3. Exemption for VAT-Liable Purchases
When a property purchase has been subject to VAT (typically 19% or 5%), no transfer fees apply. This exemption avoids double taxation on new property transactions.
Example: A newly constructed property sold with VAT automatically qualifies for 0% transfer fee at registration.
4. Corporate and Intra-Group Transfers
Transfers between companies forming part of the same group (direct or indirect 75% ownership link) are exempt from transfer fees, provided the group structure remains intact for at least three years after transfer.
5. Exemptions for Donations & Inheritances
| Transaction Type | Transfer Fee Status |
|---|---|
| Transfer by Will or Inheritance | Exempt |
| Donation between Spouses / Parents & Children | Exempt |
| Donation between Relatives up to Third Degree | Nominal Fee |
| Court-ordered Transfer | Exempt |
These exemptions ensure that family and succession transfers are not burdened with additional costs.
6. Payment Procedure
Where to Pay:
Payments are made directly at District Land Registry Offices or online via TAXISnet.
When to Pay:
Upon submission of the Transfer of Title Deed Application (Form N270).
Documents Required:
- Original Sale Contract (stamped and filed with Land Registry)
- Tax clearance certificate
- Title Deed and Identification of buyer/seller
- Receipt of stamp duty payment
7. Penalties and Surcharges
If transfer fees are not settled within the prescribed time, interest and penalties may apply based on the Central Bank reference rate. Timely settlement ensures faster title deed issuance and legal ownership registration.
8. Additional Notes
- Joint Purchases: The market value is divided equally among buyers to apply the correct fee brackets.
- Land Developers: Transfer fees may differ for developer-to-client transfers when VAT has applied on first sale.
- Disputed Valuations: Buyers may appeal Land Registry assessments with independent valuation reports.
9. Why Clients Choose Our Firm
- Exact computation of payable transfer fees before submission
- Application and representation at the Department of Lands & Surveys
- Handling of VAT exemption verification and group-transfer documentation
- Integration with legal due-diligence and sale-purchase advisory
- Fast and compliant title transfer process
We make your property registration seamless, cost-efficient, and fully compliant with Cypriot law.