Why invest in Cyprus

Well, let’s put it this way. You can make money, good money in any property market, even a mature market like Spain, if you know the right people. For myself, my investments here in Cyprus have never on average been below 100% in 18 months. I grew up with Greek Cypriots and have access to great opportunities and guaranteed rental income plans. Some Projects are never marketed before being practically sold out. Properties that are never advertised. It’s all about who you know.

When we talk about ’Cyprus’, we mean the Republic off Cyprus, excluding the Occupied territories to the north. This area includes some of the most beautiful parts of Cyprus, and development is moving at a faster pace there, with the introduction of various guarantees to investors. However, there are still some very serious issues surrounding rightful ownership and title deeds is a major barrier to investors, and until this is resolved I would not personally invest there.

Aside from this, there are some very compelling reasons for you to invest in Cyprus:

Performance. The rate of return remains particularly good, and with the introduction of VAT on land, and also of the Euro in January 2008, prospects are even better.
Security of investment. What other places in Europe give you the security of transactions being guarded by a Registry system based on the English one?
Prices. Still much lower than the traditional hotspots, ie, Portugal, Spain, South of France and Italy?
There is a very modern, legally sound, stable and credible banking system.
Property transactions are regulated by law and a most efficient lands office. The property market is booming and prices are on the rise.
What other Governments have been so rigorous in ensuring medium and long term property prices remain stable – thereby protecting your investment?
Demand. What other EU countries have so many foreign nationals wanting to move to Cyprus, and buy properties for themselves?
Political stability. Cyprus enjoys political stability, a strong economy and currency; the country will join the Euro zone by the year 2008.

Low living costs, high living standards. Cyprus offers its residents a low-cost, high standard of living; low taxation rates, international investment opportunities, excellent educational and medical facilities and a very low crime rate (e.g. 6% of that of UK’s).
There is no language barrier in Cyprus as almost everybody speaks English and many Cypriots can communicate in several other languages as well.
Or what other country has such a strong domestic property market?
Getting around is easy as highways link all major cities and road signs are also in English. The telecommunications network in Cyprus is excellent and prices are low.
There are excellent sports and recreational facilities. The completion in the near future of four new marinas will add to the diversity of water sports and the pending construction of 11 additional golf-courses (total 14) will place Cyprus at the top of the list in terms of golf courses per person in the Mediterranean.
Cyprus is rich in history and culture. Historical remains spread throughout the island bare witness to its tumultuous history. The cultural scene is also alive with many events, festivals, concerts, cinemas, theatres and opera performances, often held in ancient theatres.
Look at the great weather, Mediterranean food, fabulous countryside and things to do. Cyprus is a highly attractive holiday and retirement choice for increasing numbers of people. And not for just two months of the year, but all year round.

Interest from overseas property purchasers has traditionally been divided between Paphos on the western end of the south coast, Limassol on the central south coast, and Larnaca on the eastern outpost of the south coast. In more recent years, the relative outposts of Polis in the far west and Agia Napa in the island s far east have drawn widely differing crowds to their shores. Polis and the surrounding area, owing to their rural location, appeal to the more environmentally minded individual, while Agia Napa has earned itself a reputation for the rowdy behaviour of a small number of largely British summertime partygoers. Naturally, the truth lies somewhere between the reported extremes. Out of season, Agia Napa, for example, is a quiet fishing village.