Strong opposition has been voiced by the Cyprus Real Estate Registration Council against a new legislative proposal submitted to the House Legal Affairs Committee, which would require that all property rental and sales contracts be drafted exclusively by licensed lawyers.

In a public statement, the Council expressed serious concern over what it describes as an arbitrary restriction of real estate agents’ professional duties. It calls for the immediate withdrawal or rejection of any legislative initiative that imposes such constraints.

According to the Council, the proposed law directly undermines the real estate profession by introducing artificial barriers to the exercise of legal professional responsibilities — responsibilities, it emphasizes, that are carried out with accountability, transparency, and full compliance with tax and regulatory obligations.

The Council argues that the proposed requirement contradicts one of the most fundamental constitutional principles: the inalienable right of every citizen to freely enter into private agreements with other individuals or legal entities, without the compulsory involvement of third parties.

“The principle of private autonomy and freedom of contract is a cornerstone of the legal order,” the statement reads, “recognized both by established case law and the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus.”

It further warns that the proposed law would unjustifiably increase transaction costs in the property market — a burden that would ultimately fall on tenants, buyers, and property owners.