This is a message for HappyH but also for others who may have similar queries or have read messages about "the lawyer" for Buy Abroad in Cyprus. These are my personal opinions but I would be happy if HappyH could direct me to the site where she read the bad reviews.
Firstly, we viewed several properties with Buy Abroad (Cyprus). The couple that showed us around the Larnaca area and introduced us to the various developers were Steve & Sherida Cooper. This couple are saints, they are life's angels. We made a decision on a Friday to buy a particular property in Mazotos and arranged to meet up with Steve & Sherry in Larnaca on the following Monday morning (we were staying in Paphos at the time) - they held our hands every step of the way, with the lawyer, the bank, the architect, the developer, back to the bank, you name it, for 8 hours solidly, they never left our side. Whatever problem we have or whatever thought we have had since signing the contract in November 2006, Steve & Sherry have answered it, be it a phone call, an email or a text. We have asked for photos or updates or can you speak with x, y & z and despite some hectic schedules for themselves in running the Cyprus end of Buy Abroad and running the Paphos office, they always, always accommodate us. Nothing is ever too much trouble. We never have to ask twice. The lawyer, George Coucounis was the recommended lawyer. He is also the Company Lawyer for Buy Abroad Cyprus. He is a very likeable man and the reason a lot of Larnaca and Paphos developers dislike him is because in all his contracts he puts in place safeguards that protect the purchaser, ie you, whereas other lawyers, put in safeguards to protect the developer, such safeguards include the ability of the purchaser to sell the property before it is finished, to place upon the developer time restraints and a 6 week snagging time at the end of the build. He also makes sure that if for any reason the property is not ready on time, then the developer has to pay to the purchaser an agreed sum of money on a monthly basis to cover renting fees if it came to this and this may be necessary in extreme cases such as an earthquake etc etc. George is a similar age to myself (47, there said it), his wife also works in the practice and you could not meet a nicer couple. If George promises to do something or send you something, he first does it by email and also puts a hard copy in the post. If you send him money by whatever method, he always sends you a receipt and is honest enough to tell you if there is money left over which he puts in his clients account or in their bank account if one exists. We often email George with how things are progressing in the UK and if we are encountering any problems, he then passes these on to Steve & Sherry and to the developer also. We make a point of calling in to see George if we are in Cyprus - if he is not busy, he always welcomes his clients. My husband is intending to meet with him on a forthcoming trip - some business and some pleasure. I am sure they will chat over a coffee. George is a well respected and much cherished lawyer. My family and I can only speak well of him. I have dealt with many foreign lawyers in my time in various countries and you will be hard pushed to meet someone as conscientous and honest as George. Coincidentally, many of the Paphos clients often complain that they can't find or have recommended to them a lawyer and I have known George to travel from Larnaca to Paphos to accommodate a couple who want him to act for them. He does this willingly. George also writes columns for many legal journals and the main Cypriot newspapers. He will not let you sign something until he is sure that you fully understand. There is no rush. In fact we were a month late in paying our initial deposit and his fees. We kept him up to date with our situation in the UK and the builder was so convinced that we would come through with our payment, that he started building before our deposit was logged and before George's fees were paid! Trust me, you will have no problems with George or with Buy Abroad. George is the lawyer up in Larnaca, there is another one with a similar sounding name down by the harbour. They might have family connections, but George is the bees knees and there is no confusing his professionalism with anyone else. Kind regards, Gracie06
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