Overseas - Northern Cyprus

Cyprus is blessed with an abundance of sun, sea, sand and great homes - an ideal setting for either a holiday or a new life abroad.

It’s no wonder that Cyprus is one of the most sought-after countries for overseas property purchase, and appeals to a range of ages and types of buyer. Families seeking a new life overseas are just as likely to buy here as those wanting to retire, plus it’s a good place to choose if you’re looking for a holiday home or an investment property to rent out.

Only an approximately four-hour flight from the UK, the island is very easy to get to, especially considering that being there is like being in another world – a sunny, relaxing haven.

Cyprus’s laid back atmosphere, perfect climate and mild winters make it idyllic for a short visit or a lifetime.

It is relatively safe too and, in most areas, children can play safely outside and make the most of the outdoors. The beaches are clean and kept to a high standard and the cost of living is low.

An EU member since 2004, Cyprus allows non-resident EU citizens to purchase up to two homes in the country but after May 2009 there will be no maximum. It’s expected that the market will expand considerably after this point, with prices rising in conjunction with demand - so buying now, before the rush, looks like a good financial move.

Parador Properties has a lot of different options available - we have listed a selection below:

Zephyros Village apartments
This new development, close to golf courses that are a popular pastime in Cyprus, offers a lot to get excited about. As well as golf courses, the Zephyros Village apartments are close to beaches and the airport. They include a communal swimming pool and children’s playground. With ample parking and lush greenery enclosing the development, prices start at £91,053 for a two bedroom apartment.

Limassol Star apartments
Nearby in Limassol are the stunning Limassol Star apartments, town houses and villas. The development is situated in a five-star beachfront area, with a large communal swimming pool, special children’s pool, a tennis court and gardens. The site has been carefully designed to offer privacy and peace of mind to all residents. Prices start at £110,824 for a one-bedroom apartment; two-bedroom town houses and three-bedroom villas are also available.

Ha Potami Villas in Secret Valley
The highly prestigious Secret Valley golf course is nestled among mature trees and natural rock formations. This 18-hole championship course is a kaleidoscope of colour, with beautiful flowers decorating the walkways in between the palm trees that help give the course its shape. The Ha Potami Villas in Secret Valley were made for those looking for fun and sun in peace and quiet, combined with excellent road links to Limassol, Nicosia and Larnaka. Prices start at £294,941 for three-bedroom villas and £421,171 for four-bedroom villas.

For more information call Parador Properties on 08000 781 4198 or see Paradorproperties.com.

Desirable villas and bungalows in Pissouri.

The outlook for Cyprus seems sunnier than ever, with 2006 expected to see yet another rise in tourism. With an increase intourists, of course, comes higher revenue for those who have invested in the local buy-to-let market.
As part of Cyprus’ seven-year plan to help increase tourism, emphasis has been given to major infrastructure projects aimed at upgrading the image of Mediterranean island. This plan has led to the construction of golf courses, marinas, conference centres, casinos, theme parks and even a tourist academy. This construction, along with other measures, has given Cyprus a renewed profile on the map; the island is seeing increased tourism and more UK residents are buying property there, both holiday homes and permanent residences.

UK citizens make up 60 per cent of the expatriates currently living on the island. Litsa Chrysostomou, international sales manager for Antonis Loizou & Associates, says, ‘Cyprus is undoubtedly a favourite with the British as we can see from the number of tourists we see coming each year. We are now regularly seeing tourists return year after year and in many cases actually buying property for themselves.’

This has had a good effect on the Cypriot economy, says Chrysostomou, ‘in particular the property market, which continues to go from strength to strength. Traditionally we used to see people buy property to use maybe once a year but in recent years we have found that many UK citizens are moving here and taking full advantage of the lower cost of living and higher quality of life.’
One new development that offers a good investment potential is Odysseus Bay Village in Pissouri. With breathtaking views, this premier resort lies to the west of Limassol within easy access to Pafos International Airport, and is easily connected to the rest of the island by a four-lane motorway.
There is a selection of two- and three-bedroom villas and bungalows all built in traditional styles with flat, domed and pitched roofs in keeping with local architecture. These spacious properties offer contemporary interior living and are finished to the highest standards.
Prices start at £176,379 for a two-bedroom property. Many of the properties at Odysseus Bay Village have already been sold off-plan and the development is now in its last phase, so those looking for a holiday home with good investment opportunities should have a look.

Antonis Loizou & Associates markets throughout Cyprus and has numerous new developments, resales and plots of land. As the largest independent estate agency in Cyprus, they assure you of peace of mind with their English speaking agents and attention to detail at all times. For more information call 0800 032 6203 or visit aloizou.co.cy.

Just outside of Pissouri, Pine Bay Villas is an unspoiled village on the main highway halfway between Limassol and Pafos, only 20 minutes from Paphos international airport. This is a self-contained, well managed private and secure development of exclusive country homes with landscape gardens. It has its own sports club featuring a games room, squash court, swimming pool, tennis court and a small shop.
A range of detached villas in nine different designs is available, including: two-bedroom villas start at £127,000, while three-bedroom detached villas are priced from £147,500. Four-bedroom villas have a starting price of £190,500.

The development site is mostly covered with pine trees and slopes to the south overlooking the sea, approximately 1km away. Pine Bay Villas offers the charm and character of the traditional island architecture. The elegant homes have spacious, well-proportioned living rooms, practical and comfortable bathrooms and large terraces which open out to magnificent views of the sea and the surrounding countryside.

Pissouri village is one of the few seaside village in Cyprus which has retained its original architecture and environment. The village itself stands on a hilltop and for the most part is built using solid stone walls. The village centre has been preserved with government assistance; a village square, which is surrounded by small family run restaurants and cafés, is extremely popular with both locals and foreign visitors.

Available from International Property Brokers; visit cyprusonline.co.uk.

How the land lies

Cyprus is the third largest and the most easterly island in the Mediterranean Sea. Its nearest neighbours are Turkey 40 miles to the north, Syria 60 miles east, Lebanon 108 miles south-east and Egypt 230 miles south. The 486-mile coastline offers enchanting coves, rocky coast and long golden sandy beaches. The most prominent geographical feature is the northern range of Beşparmak (Five Fingers) Mountains. The fertile north coast is covered with olive and carob trees. The Mesaoria plain, which lies in the centre of the island, is used for the production of cereal crops such as wheat, barley and oats.
The climate is mild and rarely, except upon the mountain peaks, does the temperature drop to freezing. Summers are hot with the highest temperatures and top humidity in July and August. spring and autumn are long and the lovely weather offers gentle breezes.

Nature

The flora of Cyprus is various enough to please everyone, from the visitor who just wants to see valleys full of wild endemic flowers, anemones and orchids to the serious botanist who would like to identify countless specimens during their couple of weeks’ stay.
Although the variety of wild animals in Cyprus is limited, the is the opportunity to see reptiles, insects and a great variety of birds using the island as a stopover for their immigration routes – not surprising as the island is one of the most unpolluted corners of the world. Fish, sea turtles and seashells are also represented.

History

The name Cyprus comes, arguably, from the word ‘copper’, of which there was (and possibly is) an abundance on the island. The island has had a tumultous history, and before its annexation to Rome in 58 BC, Phoenicians, Achaeans, Assyrians, Egyptians and Persians colonized the island. Then came the Byzantines, English during the reign of Richard the Lionheart, Knight Templars, Frankish Rule of the Lusignans, Venetians, Ottomans after the conquest in 1571, and the British Rule between 1878 and 1960. The Republic of Cyprus was established in 1960 but the partnering bodies were in conflict from 1963. In 1974, following a coup d’état against Archbishop Makarios, the President of the Republic, Turkey intervened militarily in order to restore peace on the island , using its right of guarantee according to the 1960 Cyprus Constitution. Since then, Cyprus has remained divided into two states.

Culture

The island is full of historical sites, some dating back to Neolithic Period (5,000 BC). Hellenistic, Roman, Lusignan, Venetian and Ottoman architectural artefacts are very well preserved and all are worth visiting. The best known handicrafts or items of folk art are Lefkara Laces, carpet weaving, wood carving, pottery, and wickerwork. Paintings or handicrafts produced by local artists are also worth collecting. Throughout the year there are festivals for classical and jazz music, theatre, folk dances, which drawinternational celebrities to take part.

Kitchen

The Cypriot culture is well reflected in its kitchen, and the unique Cypriot cuisine combines its strong Turkish roots with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours to create a delicious and original taste. Eating is a national pastime. Cypriots are great meat eaters, thus lamb, beef and chicken are widely used in most main dishes. A typical Turkish Cypriot restaurant, like its Turkish counterparts, traditionally offers a meal that consists of meze (appetizer starters), kebabs (lamb or chicken) or fish, followed by fruit and coffee. Cypriot home cooking is different and is only found in a handful of restaurants.

Hobbies

A wide range of activities available in Northern Cyprus include trekking and hiking, camping, botanic pursuits, bird watching, photo safari, shooting and hunting, horse riding, caving, traditional handicrafts, go-karting, sports, paragliding, scuba diving and many others to be added.

Alan Everitt from Online-Landlord explores Royal Lake

Royal Lake, the new Anglo Cyprus Developments project in Northern Cyprus, is situated close to the glorious coastline and its white sandy beaches and yet is nestled below exquisite mountains and countryside. This location enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year, with long hot summers and short mild winters. All this, plus delicious food and so much more, is sure to make Royal Lake one of Europe’s most sought-after holiday destinations.
 
With summer weather starting as early as April and continuing into November, and rain rarely seen during this period, Northern Cyprus is a sun lover’s paradise. Often referred to as a Garden of Eden, this magical island is steeped in history and rich in culture, architecture, archaeology, wildlife, fauna and flora. Its crystal clear sea waters and hundreds of miles of natural coastline, its untouched beaches and hidden coves, its unpolluted air and warm and hospitable people make this former British colony one of the last unspoilt havens in the Mediterranean.

At less than four-and-a-half hours’ flying time from the UK, Northern Cyprus will soon be the location of choice for holidaymakers and property investors alike.
Kyrenia, a few minutes’ drive from Royal Lake, has history dating back 6,000 years, with a charming yet unspoilt harbour and quaint waterfront restaurants that offer both local and international cuisine with plenty of live music. It has become a year-round destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Nicosia, 20 minutes from Royal Lake, is the capital and commercial centre of the island. Although dating back thousands of years with many well preserved archaeological sites scattered throughout the centre, it is a bustling city with wonderful shopping, restaurants and cafés all interwoven within the ancient Roman city. It is a fascinating destination.

For those who are more adventurous, the island’s remarkable terrain and geographical location provide a host of activities. You’ll find year-round water sports – including scuba diving, sailing, water-skiing, deep sea fishing and pleasure cruising – as well as land activities such as golf (the closest 18-hole is just 2km from Royal Lake) go-karting, cycling, paragliding, caving and trekking. There is even skiing on the Troodos mountains during the short winter months.
A rich diversity of flora and fauna and some outstanding nature locations, including Guzelyurt (Morphou) to the west and the Karpaz peninsula to the east, offer unrivalled opportunities for bird watching and botanical observation and invite one to take long rambles on foot or horseback. There are several riding schools close to Royal Lake with a range of equestrian activities on offer, from treks through the countryside to invigorating beach gallops.

Whatever your preference, the superb year-round climate means that Northern Cyprus is perfect - not just for an extensive range activities as a sound investment as well.

The latest from this popular spot.

There’s a lot happening in Cyprus, one of the Mediterranean’s most consistently popular holiday destinations. Those looking for property overseas will want to keep up with the latest in the Cypriot property market – and soon a unique opportunity will present itself.
Alexandra Palace in north London has been chosen as the venue for the first-ever Cyprus Property Exhibition, to be held on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 December.
The Cyprus Property Exhibition will be opened by the Cyprus High Commission in Britain, Mr Petros Eftychiou and will take place between 10am and 8pm on the Saturday and 10am and 6pm on the Sunday.

Visitors will be able to talk face-to-face with 35 leading developers and real estate agents from Cyprus. With thousands of freehold property to choose from in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos and the Famagusta region, potential buyers simply can’t afford to miss this chance.
The exhibition will cater for all property needs, including holiday home, permanent residence and investment. Different budgets, from studio apartments to luxury villas, will be catered for. Representatives from the Cyprus government will also be in attendance, providing an information forum to help the public understand the buying process in that country.
Entrance to the exhibition is free and all visitors can enter a prize draw with a top prize of a holiday to Cyprus, which will take place on each day of the event at 5pm.

With a new international airport under construction, Cyprus is set to welcome even more tourists than before. And as property prices are still lower than in France and Spain, canny investors should have a look at what Cyprus offers. Assetz has several properties for sale throughout southern Cyprus, including Mandria Villas, an excellent investment in a traditional setting only ten kilometres from Paphos. Prices start at £171,324 for a three-bedroom villa with pool. Investors looking to rent their property out could expect annual yields of at least seven to nine per cent, says Assetz.
The winter season in this region is very strong due to the mild weather, another plus for investors. In fact, with an average of 340 days of sunshine per year and a strong letting season from April to October inclusive, the rental market in Cyprus is year-round, producing gross rental yields of eight to 12 per cent.

Find out more about Mandria Villas and the many other properties available in Cyprus by visiting assetz.co.uk.
Halcyon Properties offers four new two-bedroom detached villas in the peaceful traditional village of Nikokleia, about ten minutes’ drive east from Paphos town and a short drive from the airport. Each of the properties has a private swimming pool and there are two golf courses a short drive away.
Each home measures approximately 127 square metres and is set on a plot of approximately 349 square metres. Features include garage, guest WC, solar panel and double glazing.
The homes are priced at £130,000. For more information call 01323 891639 or go online to halcyon-properties.co.uk.

We take a look at northern Cyprus, a new buying hotspot.

Northern Cyprus is emerging as one of the hottest foreign property investments according to Emerging Real Estate, one of the first UK companies to expand into the area.

The region is tipped as the next place to watch due to a combination of its climate, where the sun shines 340 days a year, its unspoilt nature, excellent property deals and low cost of living where eating out is half the price of the UK.

The construction boom is fuelling rapid economic growth in the north - confirming the destination’s potential for investment. Last year gross domestic product rose by 31 per cent when 5,000 new homes sold at prices that were 40 per cent less than those in the south.
 
Following Emerging Real Estate’s significant success in the Bulgarian market, where the number of British tourists visiting the country has increased by 42 per cent on 2004 - the company has released two new developments in Northern Cyprus - Golden Cove and Simogen Heights.

Golden Cove is a development of 12 luxury three bedroom villas with private beach near to the unspoilt town of Çatalköy. These spacious residences are set on the coast near the port of Kyrenia – hailed as one of one of the most beautiful sights in the world by the travel media. The villas, which have exceptional rental potential, boast a private pool, flat roof terrace, and stunning sea views across the Mediterranean.

The developer owns an affiliated property rental company and the anticipated gross rentals returns are about nine per cent per year. Priced between £250,000 and £395,000, the villas are due for completion by January 2007.

Simogen Heights comprises 13 luxury villas with panoramic sea and mountain views, situated at Çatalköy, a few minutes drive from the harbour at Kyrenia. The villas are detached with a plot size of at least 730 m². The three bedroom properties (with en-suite to master) feature a lounge with open fireplace, fully fitted kitchen, family bathroom, guest WC, carport, garden and private swimming pool.

Emerging Real Estate joint managing director, Robert Medd said: ‘After comprehensive research and first hand visits, we are impressed with the potential return on investment in Northern Cyprus. Property prices are slowly rising to reflect interest and we are confident of the tremendous benefits it offers.’
To register your interest in these properties visit emergingrealestate.com

Alan Everitt of Online-Landlord looks at a Bogaz Hilltop Village, which offers great value for money in a historic setting.

Bogaz is a delightful fishing village offering charming fish restaurants and harbourside cafés. Farmagusta is only 20 minutes drive down the coast and Ercan airport is just 35 minutes away. In this wonderful location you’ll find a mixed development of affordable apartments, semi-detached and detached villas. The Bogaz Hilltop Village development is on the Eastern coast and set beside the longest stretch of natural sandy beaches on the island. The sandy beaches nearby and the communal swimming pools make this a real value for money destination for those with active children or grandchildren.
History is all around. Nearby is Kantara Castle. Kantara means ‘bridge’ or ‘arch’ in Arabic – probably so named by the Arab invaders in the past. In fact the whole setting of the terrain looks like an arch and commands excellent views of the seas on both sides and of long stretches of plain all around it. It was originally built by Byzantines against the invasions of the Saracens. Further up the coast, about 5km east, are the foundations of Strongylos Castle, a Byzantine watchtower enlarged by the Knights Templar in the 12th century.

The development is almost fully sold out, which is a testament to its popularity. It contains two types of apartments: the Simfoni Apartments, with a remaining choice of second-floor apartments of 102 sq m with balcony or a top-floor apartment measuring 168 sq m including fabulous Roof Terrace; and the Rhapsodi Apartments (only five left of these!) are ground- and first-floor maisonettes of 110 sqm with either terrace or balcony.

The apartments offer great value for money. Each has a master bedroom with en suite shower/WC and fitted wardrobes, as well as a second bedroom with fitted wardrobes, family bathroom, open-plan living/dining room, a fully fitted kitchen including oven, hob, washing machine, fridge/freezer, air Conditioning as standard, and a great balcony. The third-floor apartments include a large roof terrace. All property has a land guarantee from a major UK PLC.

The remaining units are ready to move into. The Bogaz Hilltop Apartments are ideal for any one who would like a quick purchase and a bargain, not to mention benefit of the anticipated property price rises.