City buildings in Cyprus are in such a bad state that one is better off not looking at them. Many have never been maintained, resulting in an unacceptable state of affairs, from the standpoints of both security and aesthetics, in almost all urban areas. As a result, the residents of these buildings and their neighbours have to put up with this chaos.
What no-one seems to understand is the fact that the value of these buildings, as well as that of newer ones in the vicinity, is diminishing at an alarming rate. Consequently, when such properties go on the market, the owners will never obtain a good selling price.
A ray of hope emerged following several cases of damage caused by falling old balconies but it was forgotten soon afterwards.
One of the stumbling blocks to restoring these buildings remains the fact that, according to current legislation, too many agencies are involved: the Department of Lands & Surveys, the municipalities and others.
Experience also tells us that many owners are unwilling to pay for repairs to their aging properties. Home owners know that minor maintenance work is required every about three years, only to be followed by a major refurbishment every decade. Major repairs can account for 10% or more of the cost of the house.
Many owners of flats fail to understand that buildings as whole need maintenance and, as a result, no-one wants to pay for such work.
The Cyprus Association of Property Owners has set the maintenance of these buildings as a priority. It might be a good idea to set up a system along the lines of the motor vehicle MOT inspections, whereby every 3 years a building’s Main Administrative Committee employs a licensed engineer to inspect and report problems, based on set guidelines.
If the inspector’s repair list is not followed and repairs are not carried out within 6 months, a newly established agency would have the right to step in, make the repairs and charge the owners.
Completion of the necessary repairs would be confirmed by a relevant certificate posted on the building’s notice board. The certificate would have to be presented during the sale or rent of any flat.
The relevant law (on commonly held buildings), requires several changes to become efficient, including:
• All owners must automatically be members of the Administrative Committee, by law, regardless of whether they attend the meetings or not, so that they bear the responsibility for all decisions
• The Administrative Committee’s ability to collect common expenses must be strengthened by law, i.e. legal proceedings must be expedited for small claims.
• Any illegal activities by owners/tenants regarding common areas, (staircases, roof, parking place), must be regarded as a criminal offence and the police must be empowered to intervene.
• The amount of common expenses to be paid by each flat must be clearly calculated and not be left to the discretion of each Administrative Committee.
• The law must explicitly provide for the creation of a sinking fund to aid future repairs and maintenance.
It is really high time that state and municipal officials took measures to ensure a better and safer picture of our cities and their buildings.
What no-one seems to understand is the fact that the value of these buildings, as well as that of newer ones in the vicinity, is diminishing at an alarming rate. Consequently, when such properties go on the market, the owners will never obtain a good selling price.
A ray of hope emerged following several cases of damage caused by falling old balconies but it was forgotten soon afterwards.
One of the stumbling blocks to restoring these buildings remains the fact that, according to current legislation, too many agencies are involved: the Department of Lands & Surveys, the municipalities and others.
Experience also tells us that many owners are unwilling to pay for repairs to their aging properties. Home owners know that minor maintenance work is required every about three years, only to be followed by a major refurbishment every decade. Major repairs can account for 10% or more of the cost of the house.
Many owners of flats fail to understand that buildings as whole need maintenance and, as a result, no-one wants to pay for such work.
The Cyprus Association of Property Owners has set the maintenance of these buildings as a priority. It might be a good idea to set up a system along the lines of the motor vehicle MOT inspections, whereby every 3 years a building’s Main Administrative Committee employs a licensed engineer to inspect and report problems, based on set guidelines.
If the inspector’s repair list is not followed and repairs are not carried out within 6 months, a newly established agency would have the right to step in, make the repairs and charge the owners.
Completion of the necessary repairs would be confirmed by a relevant certificate posted on the building’s notice board. The certificate would have to be presented during the sale or rent of any flat.
The relevant law (on commonly held buildings), requires several changes to become efficient, including:
• All owners must automatically be members of the Administrative Committee, by law, regardless of whether they attend the meetings or not, so that they bear the responsibility for all decisions
• The Administrative Committee’s ability to collect common expenses must be strengthened by law, i.e. legal proceedings must be expedited for small claims.
• Any illegal activities by owners/tenants regarding common areas, (staircases, roof, parking place), must be regarded as a criminal offence and the police must be empowered to intervene.
• The amount of common expenses to be paid by each flat must be clearly calculated and not be left to the discretion of each Administrative Committee.
• The law must explicitly provide for the creation of a sinking fund to aid future repairs and maintenance.
It is really high time that state and municipal officials took measures to ensure a better and safer picture of our cities and their buildings.