Cyprus Property Forum for Buyers, Sellers & Investors

Hi,
We bought our property in Cyprus ( Dherynia ) in 2004. We have our title deeds which show access to our first floor apartment via a passage way to the side of the building. this passage way is for the 4 owners in our block, a separate dwelling to the rear and the property on the other side of said access.
Recently this empty ( since 2002 ) property has been opened as a coffee shop the owner has blocked off access to the rear of the block , installed a roof and is now using this area as extra seating / smoking area for his shop.
We have contacted the planning department of the municipality and they tell us he has no planning permission for this usage, however it may take up too four years to take this through the courts !!!!.
Today he has erected a screen across the front of the access and tells us we can have a key to gain access , our title deeds show we have equal rights to the access ( 1/6th ) but he tells us he has bought the access and can do what he wants .
What is the quickest and cost effective way forward please .

Hi Bill and welcome to the forum

I suggest you take legal advice. The only way I believe this can be moved forward is through the court.

Regards,

Your title deed should specify the access passage if it is anything different to the normal apartment block access.

If it does specify that you have access rights and that he has closed it off, call the police in the first instance as he is preventing you access your property. At this stage you have a chance to say to the cops it is all illegal and that you believe some dodgy deals take place there.

In fact why not make an anonymous call and say you think drug deals are going done in this illegal shack that is hiding behind screens!

Other than that, the legal route is the only other option.

Good luck

Hi,
Many thanks for the swift responses , much appreciated.
We have been down to the municipality offices today and have also lodged a complaint with the police. We have a meeting with the Chief of Police tomorrow and from there they have said they will instruct him to remove the hoardings or they will take him to court !!!!!!!
Watch this space !! but don't hold your breath.