VAT on Immovable Property: Laying the Foundations on Important Aspects
You’ve asked for it – and we listened! Our long-awaited Immovable Property VAT Seminar (in English!) is finally here. As we wrap up 2025, join us as we build clarity through a practical deep dive into the most common – and most complex – property transactions we advise on every day. Don’t miss this opportunity to construct a solid understanding and cement your VAT know-how with insights straight from the experts. Join us and end the year informed and inspired!
The Chelco VAT International Academy continues its series of high-level VAT educational events with a morning seminar focussing on the application and complexities of Value Added Tax (VAT) in the important aspects of immovable property transactions.
In the current market real estate and related services (i.e. development and construction) play a significant role. There is a significant volume of real estate related transactions and the value of such transactions only grows. With VAT having an impact of up to 19% of the transaction value it is important to know from the outset the VAT implications and obligations and avoid errors that could prove very costly.
The seminar will cover the following important topics:
- When to charge VAT on the sale of immovable property and when not: the rules and problems of when a property is considered as new;
- How to deal with the VAT relating to cancellation agreements vs assignment agreements;
- How to deal with VAT on exchange of land for property (αντιπαροχή);
- VAT on commercial leasing – when to charge VAT and when not on leasing, and leasing vs use-of-space.
The seminar is open to any professional with exposure to VAT matters in the real estate and construction industry such as business managers, accountants, CFOs and financial controllers, VAT advisors, auditors, tax lawyers, tax advisors, real estate agents et al.
Agenda
Registration & Coffee
Welcome Address
Alexis Tsielepis – Instructor
- VAT on the Sale of Immovable Property: when VAT applies and when not
- VAT on cancellation agreement vs assignment agreement
Coffee Break
- VAT on exchange of land for property (αντιπαροχή)
- VAT on commercial leasing: when does VAT apply, leasing vs use-of-space
Discussion and Questions.
End of Seminar
Instructor
Alexis Tsielepis, BSc, FCA
Managing Director
Chelco VAT Ltd
[email protected]
Alexis is widely considered as the foremost expert on VAT in Cyprus. With close to 20 years of experience in VAT strategic consulting, he advises businesses on international VAT matters and lectures at local and international VAT conferences.
Alexis possesses an extensive vocational and educational experience in European VAT and a detailed comprehension of EU VAT matters and decisions of the European Court of Justice (ECJ). He has served on various committees charged with tax matters and his work includes liaising with the Cyprus tax authorities and government on policymaking.
He has written a number of tax syllabuses, chapters and articles on matters pertaining to Cyprus and EU VAT. He is the author of the book “An in-depth analysis of the Fixed Establishment concept and a comparison with the Permanent Establishment concept”.
Alexis is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), and holds the Expert in European Value Added Tax Degree, which he earned with the highest grade ever awarded in the history of the coveted diploma. He is the co-founder and Vice-Chairman of the Cyprus VAT Association (CYVA) and a Partner and Director of the VAT Forum in Belgium.
Alexis also represents VAT Forum on the prestigious VAT Expert Group (VEG) of the European Commission (EC).
He was appointed on the VEG on 1 October 2025, for a mandate of 3 years. The 36 VAT experts that serve on the Group, assist and advise the EC on VAT matters, including the preparation of new legislative acts and other policy initiatives, on practical VAT administrative issues and good practices, as well as on the practical implementation of VAT legislation.
Alexis is a Certified Vocational Trainer with the Human Resources Development Authority of Cyprus (ANAD).
Alexis is sharing his knowledge on VAT in a series of seminars and workshops organised by the Chelco VAT International Academy, covering an array of VAT-dedicated topics, with the crown jewel being the Diploma in VAT Excellence (DiVE), a 10-month course covering EU and Cyprus VAT law in a depth never before seen in Cyprus.
Who Should Attend?
When, Where & How Much?
Limassol
Tuesday, 9 December, Columbia Plaza Venue Centre
9:00am – 1:30pm (registration at 8.30am)
4 CPD Units (certificates of attendance will be provided)
€175 + VAT
Group Discount (for 3 persons or more): 15%
Seats are limited!
English