Cyprus Land Transfer Fees 2026: Rates & Exemptions
Buying or transferring property in Cyprus involves immovable property transfer fees paid to the Department of Lands and Surveys (DLS). The fees are calculated as a percentage of the property's market value and vary depending on the nature of the transaction and whether VAT applies to the sale.
Standard Transfer Fee Rates
For resale properties not subject to VAT, a 50% reduction currently applies to the standard rates below, making the effective rates 1.5%, 2.5% and 4% respectively. The standard rates are:
- First EUR 85,000 of market value: 3%.
- EUR 85,001 to EUR 170,000: 5%.
- Above EUR 170,000: 8%.
Transfer fees are progressive: each bracket applies only to the value within that range, not to the full property price.
Exemptions and Reduced Rates
Several categories of transfer are exempt from standard fees or attract reduced rates:
- New builds subject to VAT: 0% transfer fee - fully exempt from land registry transfer fees.
- Resale properties (not subject to VAT): 50% reduction on standard rates currently in force.
- Transfer from parent to child: 0%.
- Transfer between spouses: 0.1% flat rate.
- Transfer to third-degree relatives: 0.1% flat rate.
- Transfer to a trustee: flat fee of EUR 50.
Stamp Duty Abolished from January 2026
A significant change for 2026: stamp duty on property transactions was abolished from 1 January 2026. Previously, stamp duty was levied on the sale contract value at rates up to 0.2% (capped at EUR 20,000). Its removal reduces total transaction costs for buyers and sellers.
Other Transaction Costs
In addition to transfer fees, the following costs may apply:
- Mortgage registration fee: 1% of the registered mortgage amount, payable to the Land Registry.
- Disposal levy: 0.4% on property sales, introduced in November 2022, paid by the seller.
- VAT on new builds: 19% standard rate (5% reduced rate applies for primary residence purchases under certain conditions).
How to Calculate Transfer Fees
The Department of Lands and Surveys provides an online transfer fee calculator at portal.dls.moi.gov.cy. Enter the property market value and transaction type to get the applicable fee before completing a purchase.
When Transfer Fees Are Paid
Transfer fees are due and payable at the time of registration of the transfer at the Land Registry office. The buyer is typically responsible for paying transfer fees. Both parties must attend the registration in person or via authorised representative with power of attorney.
Sources: PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries - Cyprus Other Taxes. Department of Lands and Surveys, portal.dls.moi.gov.cy.