Systematic appeals by SKEK to the government, the House of Representatives, and independent institutions to address the problems facing the real estate sector and put an end to controversial administrative practices.
The Cyprus Association of Real Estate Agents (SKEK) expresses its deep concern and dissatisfaction regarding the ongoing situation in the real estate sector, caused by decisions, practices, and interpretations of the Real Estate Agents Registration Council (SEK), which, in the Association’s view, create serious problems for the operation of legitimate real estate businesses.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
During the period 2025–2026, SKEK, under the presidency of Christos Nikolaou, undertook a series of initiatives and institutional interventions, seeking to resolve the problems through dialogue, cooperation, and respect for the procedures of the Republic of Cyprus.
Despite repeated efforts, significant issues remain unresolved, causing uncertainty among professionals and businesses in the sector.
Engagement with the Republic’s Institutions
SKEK has addressed letters, memoranda, and requests for meetings to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance, and the House of Representatives.
At the same time, it has raised relevant issues with the Commissioner for Administration and Protection of Human Rights, the Commission for the Protection of Competition, and the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority.
Interventions have also been made with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) with the aim of securing broader institutional support for the sector’s demands.
Particular importance is attached to the interventions with the Ministry of Labor, including the meeting on July 29, 2026, as well as the memorandum submitted to the Competition Protection Commission in September 2026.
These interventions demonstrate that SKEK did not limit itself to protests but systematically sought to address the problems through the relevant institutions.
Serious Problems with Real Estate Agent Assistants
One of the main issues concerns the registration, license renewal, and employment of real estate agent assistants.
SKEK has expressed serious reservations about administrative practices that affect employment, part-time work, compensation, and the ability of real estate agent assistants to work legally.
The Association believes that labor relations issues should be addressed in accordance with applicable labor laws and the jurisdiction of the relevant government authorities.
The regulation of the real estate profession should not lead to unjustified restrictions on business activity or to uncertainty regarding the employment status of professionals.
The Need to Modernize Real Estate Legislation
SKEK has repeatedly called for the review and modernization of real estate brokerage legislation.
The modern real estate market requires a regulatory framework that responds to current business conditions, protects consumers, and ensures healthy competition.
The Association specifically raises the issue of the concentration of significant administrative, supervisory, and disciplinary powers within the Real Estate Agents Registration Council.
Strong oversight is necessary. However, transparency, proportionality, impartiality, and meaningful accountability are equally necessary.
SKEK maintains that clear legislative provisions and effective oversight mechanisms are required, in order to avoid practices that may unjustifiably restrict professional freedom.
SKEK’s Seven Key Demands
The Association calls on the Government and the Parliament to take immediate action:
- Substantially modernize real estate brokerage legislation, with the participation of professional organizations.
- To review the powers of the Real Estate Agents Registration Council, with a focus on enhancing transparency, impartiality, and accountability.
- Definitively clarifying the registration, licensing, and employment status of real estate agent assistants.
- Ensuring equal treatment of legitimate real estate brokerage firms and protecting fair competition.
- Establishing clear and objective procedures for the issuance and renewal of professional licenses.
- To conduct a substantive review of the petitions and complaints submitted to the relevant state authorities.
- Initiating an organized institutional dialogue, with a specific timeline, to promote the necessary legislative and administrative changes.
Statement by SKEK President Christos Nikolaou
“For quite some time now, our Association has been taking systematic initiatives to address serious problems affecting professionals and businesses in the real estate sector.
We have reached out to the President of the Republic, the relevant ministers, the Parliament, independent authorities, and organized business associations. We have presented our positions, called for dialogue, and proposed specific solutions. We are not asking for privileges or special treatment. We are asking for legality, equality before the law, transparency, respect for the rights of professionals, and protection of legitimate entrepreneurship. The protection of the real estate profession cannot be used as an excuse to impose unjustified restrictions on legitimate professionals.
SKEK supports effective oversight and the rigorous fight against illegal real estate brokerage. However, supervision must be exercised on a clear legal basis, with proportionality, and with respect for the principles of the rule of law.
The period of constant letters and repeated protests must now lead to concrete decisions.
We call on the Government and the Parliament to assume their responsibilities and proceed with the necessary institutional and legislative changes.
SKEK will continue with determination, responsibility, and every legal means to defend the rights of its members and the proper functioning of the Cypriot real estate market.”
SKEK Calls for Action, Not Further Delays
The Association reiterates that it wishes to cooperate with all relevant bodies, including the Real Estate Agents Registration Council.
However, it believes that the continuation of the current situation without substantive institutional measures serves neither professionals nor consumers nor the development of the Cypriot economy.
The Government and the House of Representatives are now called upon to translate the institutional dialogue into concrete legislative and administrative decisions.
SKEK remains committed to upholding legality, professional integrity, healthy competition, and transparency in the real estate market.
