Hinode Checklist for Property Inspection Before Purchase: Key Points to Check (Downloadable Material)

Buying an apartment or house in Cyprus is not just about architecture and coastal views, but also about many nuances that are easy to forget when emotions take over. That is why we have prepared this checklist: a practical tool for independent preliminary inspection. With it, you can calmly walk through the property and check key points step by step — from documents and engineering systems to the facade, finishes, and surroundings. This approach helps you weed out problematic options in advance, notice details for bargaining, and feel more confident during viewings. And when the time comes for a full independent inspection and expert assessment, Hinode will take care of the professional inspection with a photo report and legal analysis.

CHECKLIST FOR SELF-INSPECTION

Available for download in PDF format

I. Legal status and documents

Ownership and registration

• Title Deed corresponds to the property; verification of cadastral data and address.
• Sale and Purchase Agreement stamped and registered with the Land Registry Specific Performance to protect the buyer.
• No encumbrances: mortgage, promissory note, seizures, pledges. If there are encumbrances, request a written waiver (waiver of liability or payment) from the bank/creditor before final settlement.

Permits and compliance with the project

• Town Planning Permit and Building Permit have been obtained; the project complies with the permits.
• Certificate of Final Approval/Completion (if available) – confirms that the house has been officially commissioned; there are no unauthorized alterations.
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
• Certificates for electrical, elevator, and gas systems (if applicable).

Financial and organizational documents

• Statements confirming no outstanding utility bills or management fees (management committee letter).
• Zoning of the plot/property: permitted use, building and coverage ratios.
• For new buildings/off-plan properties: bank guarantees and payment schedule by stages; liability for delays.

II. Financial obligations and regular expenses

What is included in the price

• Parking, storage room, furniture/appliances, air conditioning.

Transaction fees

• Stamp Duty, Transfer Fees, VAT (check current rates in advance).

Monthly expenses

• Utilities + building fees.
• Capital repair fund (if applicable).
• No outstanding debts for water, electricity, or garbage collection.

Additional

• Property insurance and local taxes (if applicable).
• Payment plan: deposit amount and terms, deadlines, late fees.

III. Physical condition – exterior

Structure and materials

• Cracks, corrosion of reinforcement, ‘weeping’ concrete (especially near the sea).

Roofing

• Waterproofing, penetrations, signs of leaks, condition of terraces.

Facades and balconies

• Cracks, delamination, salt efflorescence.
• Balconies and railings: rigidity, fastenings.

Windows and doors

• Double glazing, seals, smooth operation, no backlash or corrosion.

Drainage and slopes

• Water drainage from the foundation, no flooding of the yard and parking lot.

IV. Interior finish and fixtures

Floors and tiles

• Cracks, ‘voids’, uneven surfaces.

Walls and ceilings

• Traces of moisture or mold, quality of joints, fresh ‘masking’ paintwork.

Kitchen

• Fittings, countertops, outdoor exhaust fan, appliances (serial numbers and warranties).

Bathrooms

• Shower watertightness, slopes to drains, siphons, ventilation, stable hot water.

Windows and doors inside

• Porch, seals, mosquito nets.

Security

• Smoke detectors, alarm system, safe (if stated).

Cabinets and storage systems

• Condition and capacity. 

V. Utilities and equipment

Electrical

• Power input, circuit breakers/RCDs, grounding.
• Functionality of outlets and lighting.

Air conditioning and heating

• Type (inverter/other), age, noise level, signs of leaks.
• Service history.

Ventilation

• Kitchens and bathrooms: exhaust to the outside, check valves.

Water supply

• Pressure, boiler, solar panels, no leaks.
• Presence of scale and filtration system.

Sewerage

• Central network or septic tank, maintenance frequency, odors, riser ventilation.

VI. Ecology and safety

Protected areas and restrictions

• Nature conservation areas (e.g., Natura 2000), coastal setbacks.
• What can/cannot be rebuilt or expanded.

Floods and mudslides

• Traces of past flooding.
• Drainage condition.

Fire risks

• Access for firefighting equipment.
• Mineralized strips (for the private sector).

Seismic safety

• Year of construction.
• Compliance with the standards of its time.

Old materials

• Possible asbestos (roofing, pipes) in old houses.
• Safe disposal plan.

VII. Photos, measurements, checking expectations

Measurements

• Areas of key rooms and ceiling heights.
• Comparison with the floor plan and data from the advertisement.

Orientation and light

• Sun exposure: overheating in summer.
• Shadows from neighboring buildings.

Condition recording

• Complete photo and video record of defects with a Snagging List.

This checklist provides a convenient structure for independent inspection and helps you quickly understand how well the property meets your expectations. However, it remains only a preliminary tool. To eliminate hidden risks and be confident in every aspect—from technical condition to legal clarity—it is worth entrusting the inspection to specialists.

Hinode is your reliable partner in civil construction in Cyprus. We provide comprehensive services: property and contract verification, compilation of defect lists, and construction consulting. In addition, we prepare a detailed report with legal force, which will serve as the basis for both negotiations and the final purchase decision. Everything for your peace of mind and confidence!