Living The Dream
By Sanya Christodoulou Sun, sea, sand, scenery… The list is endless when trying to describe just what it is that makes Cyprus such an appealing destination.
This jewel of the Mediterranean has evolved over the last 10 years into a European hot-spot for holiday-makers, investors and those in search of a new, more desirable way of life.
It is estimated that approximately 200.000 people are leaving the UK each year to start a new life abroad. A good number of these are choosing Cyprus as their new home and it’s easy to understand why.
Although relatively small in size, Cyprus is big on culture, close family ties and traditions that have remained strong, despite western influences on the island.
This traditional way of living is a major factor in attracting Brits to the island, as so many seek a more laid back, secure and family-oriented way of living.
Another attraction is that language is no barrier in Cyprus. English is widely spoken throughout the island and years of British involvement and influences are evident in all areas. So what steps should be taken by those wishing to own a piece of this alluring island? First and foremost: FIND A LOCATION
There are four particular areas that have become increasingly popular in recent years and all are unique in what they have to offer. Paphos, on the West coast, was the first area to enjoy a boom in the property market and has long been a popular location for ex-pats and golf lovers. Although it is comparatively lacking in beaches, beautiful countryside surrounds the area and much history can be found in this part of the island, which is currently the tourist capital of Cyprus. Moving along the South coast brings us to Limassol, the second largest city in Cyprus. The resort and town areas lie close together, which makes it a great location for holidays. The stunning beauty of the Troodos Mountains with their quaint, unspoiled villages can be reached within 30 minutes drive. Heading east you will find Larnaca, a smaller town, close to the sea, which has a cosmopolitan feel to it. Its pretty marina is set on a palm-fringed promenade, which is lined with an array of cafes, bars and restaurants. Close-by, the ever-expanding village of Oroklini has become home to those who require a property close to the action but just far enough away from the noisy hustle and bustle of the town. Moving further east brings us to the most up-and-coming area on the island; the region known as Ammochostos, which is famous for its red soil and fabulous sandy beaches.
The area is made up of a number of villages that surround the main town of Paralimni and, of course, the two beautiful holiday resorts of Ayia Napa and Protaras.
Ayia Napa has suffered from bad publicity over the last few years as an 18-30’s party capital. Fortunately, times have changed and the local authorities have gone to great lengths to change the town’s image and restore it to the family resort it once was.
Just around the coast from Ayia Napa is the area’s most popular holiday destination, Protaras. This growing resort has been transformed over the last 5 years and is now the holiday hot spot of the east coast.
Stretching from the magnificent cliffs of Cape Greco to the sandy shores of Kapparis, Protaras appeals to all ages and is also fast becoming popular with those looking for permanent residence, as it is within easy reach of Paralimni, Larnaca and the airport.
The surrounding villages have also become a haven for those seeking a new life in the sun, as the combination of low property prices, great value for money and a low cost of living proves to be very appealing. BE REALISTIC
Now of course we would all love to be able to afford the luxury of a private villa on the beach – but be realistic. What you wish for and what you really need are two completely different things, especially if you’re buying on a budget.
So many purchasers in the past have pushed themselves to afford something bigger, thinking it to be better - but this is not always the case.
Unlike in the UK, due to the blessing of fantastic Mediterranean weather, the majority of your time in Cyprus will be spent outdoors so all that extra indoor space may do nothing but gather dust.
A comfortable garden area is much more important for days of sunbathing and long evenings spent entertaining friends and family.
Another difference from the UK is that the sea is never far away. Even residing in the furthest inland village on the east coast, you are never more than a 20-minute drive from the coast. So if you find your dream home and are worried that it is too far from the beach, think again as you will soon realize that the sea is always on the horizon. RESEARCH
This is a must before you take the big step of purchasing or moving to Cyprus. Check out developers and don’t immediately go for the cheapest option. Make sure your developer is reputable and meets the European standard of quality and build. Also ask to see a selection of finished properties or showhouses, since although everything looks fantastic in brochures, you may not find the finished product to be as you expected. One such developer, that is renowned on the east coast for both choice of property and quality of build, is Giovani Developers.
If you are coming as a family check out schools in the area and if you’re coming here to work, bear in mind that job choices are not as wide or as highly paid as in the UK. It is only an island after all.
Once you’ve taken everything into consideration and done your homework, you can start looking forward to your new home in Cyprus. That place in the sun you’ve always imagined owning becomes yours and you can lie back, relax and start living the dream. So now you’ve picked your location, all that’s left is the property.
With the property market continuing to boom across the island, buyers are literally spoiled for choice when it comes to the type of property available. Whether it’s a 4-bedroom villa on the beach or a traditional style bungalow inland, it’s impossible to run out of options.
To help you on your way, we’ve compiled a selection of our most outstanding homes, which are suitable for all types of property purchase, be it holiday use and rental, permanent residence or investment. Orestiada Home Valley Phase 2
Location: Protaras
Property type: 2 and 3 bedroom villas and apartments
Distance to amenities: 5 minutes to bars and restaurants, 10 minutes to beach
Features: Large communal area and tennis court
Suitable for: Holiday home and rental
Prices from…….
(insert pictures) The Great Kings
Location: Kapparis
Property type: 1,2 & 3 bedroom apartments
Distance to amenities: 10 minutes to bars and restaurants, 15 minutes to beach
Features: Communal pool, tennis court, kiosk
Suitable for: Holiday home, rental and permanent residence
Prices from: 64.000cyp Galini Villas
Location: Kapparis
Property type: 3 bedroom detached villas
Distance to amenities: 2 minutes to supermarket, 5 minutes to bars and restaurants, 5 minutes to beach
Features: Spacious plots, sea views
Suitable for: Holiday home, rental and permanent residence
Prices from:……….. Eleonas Gardens
Location: Sotera
Property type: 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments
Distance to amenities: 5 minutes to shops and tavernas, 10 minutes drive to beach
Features: Communal pool, spacious roof terraces
Suitable for: Permanent residence, holiday home
Prices from: 49.000cyp Votsalo Seafront Villas
Location: Ayia Thekla
Property type: Detached villas
Distance to amenities: 5 minutes drive to bars and restaurants and shops.
Features: Private pools, unobstructed sea views
Suitable for: Permanent residence, holiday home
Prices from:…..
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