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New Proposal Set to Aid Trapped Property Buyers in Cyprus

The draft legislative proposal aimed at resolving the dilemmas faced by trapped property buyers in Cyprus has been finalized. This initiative, anticipated to be discussed by the parliamentary Legal Committee, seeks to address the predicament of buyers at risk of foreclosures due to unresolved loan issues and lack of property titles.

Background and Legal Context

Last summer, the Court of Appeals declared unconstitutional the law facilitating property title acquisition for these buyers. The new proposal seeks a legal solution within the constitutional framework, promising swifter progress than a government-drafted bill, which would require extensive legal review.

The goal is to conclude this matter by month-end, with the temporary suspension of foreclosures ensuring some respite until the end of July. This will prevent thousands of buyers from remaining in legal limbo.

Key Proposal Details

According to the explanatory report, amendments to the Transfers and Mortgages Law are directed at protecting these trapped buyers by ensuring their rights are secured within constitutional limits. A concerning 9,497 buyers are in such a predicament, with 4,080 having their property titles, while 5,417 do not.

The draft law specifies conditions under which it applies, such as contracts registered by December 31, 2014, and those mandated by court orders regarding property transactions. It also ensures protection against existing property encumbrances, emphasizing equitable solutions for all parties involved.

These measures underscore Cyprus’s commitment to addressing this significant social issue justly, maintaining balance in protecting the rights of all contract parties involved. Stay informed with more insights on real estate market dynamics.

Evel Elects New President As Maria Theocharous Takes Over For 2026–2029 Term

Maria Theocharous has been elected president of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel), taking over from Yiannis Tsouloftas for a three-year term covering 2026–2029. Theocharous previously served as the chamber’s vice-president for tourism.

The leadership transition marks a new chapter for one of Cyprus’ main regional business organisations, with the new board set to represent the district’s key economic sectors.

New Leadership Emphasises Cooperation

The chamber’s annual meeting brought together government, business and local authority representatives, including Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Michael Damianos, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) president Stavros Stavrou, Limassol district local government organisation president Yiannis Tsouloftas and Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis.

Speakers highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between public authorities and businesses in supporting Limassol’s economic development.

Representatives of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) also congratulated Theocharous on her election and thanked the outgoing president for his cooperation. The CSC described Evel as a longstanding partner, noting the chamber’s contribution to Limassol’s business development over more than six decades.

Tsouloftas Reviews Six Years As President

In his final address, Tsouloftas reviewed the chamber’s work between 2020 and 2026, highlighting its advocacy for major infrastructure projects and efforts to address development challenges across the district.

He also outlined initiatives to remove obstacles facing local businesses, accelerate development plans and improve the conditions for economic activity.

Tsouloftas will remain involved as immediate past president, providing continuity during the transition.

New Board Covers Key Business Sectors

The new board includes representatives responsible for the chamber’s main portfolios:

  • Ilikos Charalambous, vice-president for commerce
  • Vasos Demetriades, vice-president for industry
  • Christos Nicolaou, vice-president for services
  • Nicolas Agiomamitis, vice-president for tourism
  • Ilias Theodorou, vice-president for finance
  • Demosthenes Mavrellis, vice-president for innovation and technology
  • Ilias Neocleous, honorary secretary

Other board members are Minos Agathocleous, Marios Antoniou, George Demetriou, Anastasios Kounoudis, Marios Constantinou, Xanthos Nemptsas, Antonis Pappas, Charalambos Pattichis, Chrysis Petousis, Farah Shammas, Andreas Tsouloftas and Kyriacos Hadjiathanasiou.

Costas Ioannides, Agathi Katsi, Anna Petraki, Filippos Filis and Tonis Hadjiloucas have been appointed members by distinction. The chamber also highlighted the growing participation of women in business leadership and decision-making.

Chamber Recognises Longstanding Contributions

The annual meeting also recognised businesses and individuals for their contributions, including members who have maintained continuous membership for 50 years.

Tributes were paid to three former contributors to the chamber, Tonis Antoniou, Dimi Mavropoulos and Andreas Laou, in recognition of their service.

Under Theocharous’ leadership, Evel begins its 2026–2029 term with a board covering commerce, industry, services, tourism, finance and innovation. Its priorities include continuing to represent Limassol businesses and advocating for the investment and cooperation needed to support the district’s economic growth.

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