In 2024, the Cyprus Real Estate Agents Registration Council secured 125 convictions related to unlawful real estate brokerage, as announced on Tuesday.

According to the council, this number of convictions “underscores its commitment to making the eradication of unauthorized activities a top priority.”

Over the year, the council addressed numerous complaints from licensed estate agents, the public, and its own team of inspectors across Cyprus.

“Following comprehensive investigations and legal proceedings, a substantial number of individuals and organizations have faced justice,” the council reported.

This development, as the council points out, “reflects the magnitude of an ongoing issue that continues to affect the Cypriot real estate market.”

Altogether, the council initiated approximately 400 criminal cases in 2024 against individuals and companies breaching the relevant estate agency laws.

Thus far, 90 people and 35 organizations have been tried and convicted in connection with 110 distinct cases of illegal brokerage, with many more cases awaiting trial.

In an effort to keep consumers informed and protected, the council routinely publishes the names of convicted parties on its official site.

Addressing the issue, council president Marinos Kineyirou emphasized that “the Real Estate Agents Registration Council maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal activities.”

“Only through such measures can we effectively deal with those who exploit our profession, mislead unsuspecting citizens, and undermine the Cypriot economy,” he noted.

Kineyirou highlighted that the council aims each year “to enhance our inspector team both quantitatively and qualitatively to operate effectively using all legal tools at our disposal.”

“Public support is crucial in this endeavor,” he continued, urging individuals to verify the credentials of estate agents before any transaction.

He advised that “potential documents to request include the agent’s annual professional license or the professional ID of anyone claiming to be an estate agent.”

Kineyirou also warned, “Scammers are among us, necessitating vigilance from property buyers.”

“The public,” he emphasized, “must realize that a licensed estate agent will not be offended if a client seeks to verify their credentials.”

He also reminded that “it is illegal to engage in transactions with unlawful estate agents, whether buying or selling.”

Confirming an agent’s licensing status can be done “swiftly and easily,” he pointed out.

“To avoid unfavorable outcomes, the council strongly recommends the public utilize its official real estate platform for secure transactions and reliable listings,” the council concluded.