July 28, 2008

Cyprus Villa Rental Guide For Everyone

We want you to be made aware of the most important points that need to be considered if you are at the point of renting a holiday villa in Cyprus. By following these basic rules you will avoid any possible disaster in the event of renting a holiday villa in Cyprus and get the best out of your time spent there.

On top of the list is the letting agency that you use so make sure it comes with a recommendation or that it is of reputable standing. Never pay any money out until their complete contact details have been confirmed and not only a mobile telephone number. Always use a web site that has a list of satisfied customers and try and contact some of them. Also have a look one of the social bookmarking sites such as stumbleupon where people leave genuine comments regarding site content or services offered. Always pay via PayPal for on line payments so if you haven't signed up yet, head over to their home page.

Another way to check on the letting agency is just putting their name into the Google search box and then check out the links that come up with their name in them. When it comes to paying, in order to get an over all picture of the price range you should compare the quoted prices on internet with others from a traditional high street travel agent. Take care with the amount paid on internet as they may be quoted in Euro, so check out current exchange rates through on line exchange converters such as xe.com

When arriving always make sure that you have got the arrival instructions with you as you may need to take a taxi to your point of destination. If you would like to have a look at the area of your villa then try having a go with Google Earth which is really easy to handle and you get some great views of what's to come.

If you have already booked and have read these steps resulting in better offers, well it may not be too late to change your reservation. I can only recommend that you have a look at some of the articles found on the links below and whichever one should should choose I just hope you really have a great time in Cyprus.

Permalink • Print

July 25, 2008

Buying a House in Cyprus

The tiny Mediterranean island of Cyprus has an appeal out of all proportion to its size. Especially for English speakers looking to buy an overseas property - for investment, retirement, holidays or holiday rental - Cyprus seems to come near the top for choice.

So what is the special appeal of buying a house in Cyprus? Many people find it combines ease of living with a special quality of mystery and beauty - and of course a gorgeous climate. Because the island underwent some decades of British rule, English is widely spoken, which makes it easy for English speakers to move to. At the same time, its almost unearthly beauty, combined with its history stretching back thousands of years and its connection with ancient myths and legends, provide a magnetic attraction for visitors.

But what's involved in buying a house in Cyprus? Well, it's not especially difficult, but there is a procedure you have to go through. (This process of course applies to the Republic of Cyprus, which excludes Northern Cyprus where the legalities are quite separate.)

So these are the main steps you need to take to purchase your property:

   1. Every foreign national has to obtain approval from the government before buying a house in Cyprus - specifically from the Council of Ministers. This can take 8-14 months so you would be well advised to begin the process before you even start choosing your property.

   2. Get a lawyer. It is not a good idea to try to do without and there are good bilingual lawyers in Cyprus - if in doubt, ask for a recommendation from expatriates in the area.

   3. Once you have received your approval from the Council of Ministers, and have identified your property, you have to sign the preliminary contract, and post a holding deposit with a notary or with your lawyer. The deposit can be as little as 1 percent of the purchase price.

   4. A secondary reservation deposit agreement will then be executed and the property will be taken off the market. As long as you stick to the agreement, it won't be put back on the market again.

   5. The lawyer will then investigate the title through the District and Registry Office.

   6. Meanwhile you need to obtain your financing. Probably the easiest way is to finance through a bank in Cyprus. Most banks are quite westernized and will accommodate US and UK mortgage clients. Alternatively you may wish to refinance your existing home, or in the case of a new build the developers may offer their own mortgage facilities. Some people of course want to sell up in their home country and move to Cyprus to live. If you are doing this, you are very likely to find that the proceeds of your home are more than enough to cover the cost of buying a house in Cyprus.

   7. Once the lawyer's investigations are completed satisfactorily and you have your finance in place, the parties can move to the final contract stage. When this is signed by the parties it is filed with the Land Registry Office.

   8. If one of the parties is a Cypriot, an application then has to be made to the Central Bank of Cyprus to approve the transfer of funds for the purchase of the property. If both parties are foreign nationals, this is not necessary.

   9. If the property is not new, the title will be transferred to you and you are now the owner. If it's a new build, the title will not be transferred for three years, though you are fully protected since the final contract is filed with the District Land Registry.

  10. Relax and enjoy your holiday or retirement home. You can get by with speaking English, but if you can manage to learn some modern Greek you will find your experienced greatly enriched.

Buying a house in Cyprus is easier for foreigners than in many countries and is highly worthwhile in terms of both enjoyment and profit. One word of warning - some people are tempted to try to do private deals without bothering with the legalities or getting a title deed. Don't even think about it. Not only could you get into trouble, but you could lose all your money as your property will be unsaleable. Be patient and stick to the law - it's well worth it.

If you would like to know how to refinance your home in order to buy your Cyprus property, you'll find all the information at http://www.bizwrite.co.uk/realestate/lending.html

Permalink • Print

July 23, 2008

Beautiful Cyprus

Cyprus, at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, is situated in the north-eastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea, It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia.

Significant historical personalities such as Alexander the Great and Cleopatra have connected their names with Cyprus. Aphrodite, the beauty and love Goddess, was born in Cyprus and her name identifies with that of the Island (Kyprida).
ΚΥΠΡΟΣ.

Permalink • Print

July 21, 2008

Searching for Cyprus Property for Sale in Nicosia

Many individuals experience anxiety when searching for Cyprus property for sale in Nicosia. This is due to the fact they are unsure of how to evaluate Cyprus homes for sale, and determine a fair price. Cyprus properties often cost a lot of money, so individuals need to take the appropriate steps to avoid overpaying. Here are some things you can do to protect yourself and your money if you are searching for a holiday home in Nicosia

Getting an estate agent is the first thing you should do when you are searching for Cyprus property for sale in Nicosia. All estate agents that want to buy or sell Cyprus property are required to be licensed by the government in order for individuals to know they are dealing with someone who is credible. By using a licensed agent when evaluating Cyprus homes for sale, you can be confident knowing that you won't be taken advantage of when you finally decided to bid for a particular Cyprus property for sale in Nicosia

Once you do decide to make an offer on Cyprus property for sale in Nicosia, you should determine what you want to offer. Most experts recommend that you offer slightly below the asking price as sellers increase their price slightly to allow room for negotiation. If you are unsure what you should offer when you buy or sell Cyprus property you can talk with your licensed, reputable estate agent. He or she should be able to provide some insight into what your odds of getting the property will be, based on your offer.

You should get an inspection prior to making an offer on a Cyprus property for sale in Nicosia. This will disclose any problems with the Cyprus property before you try to purchase it. Some individuals see Cyprus homes for sales that look attractive, but inspection soon reveals they have major problems that may make the home uninhabitable. You can arrange an inspection by contacting an independent surveyor. You should never use one provided by an estate agent or developer as they work for them and may not be completely honest about the condition of homes in Cyprus.

It is also important before you make an offer for Cyprus property for sale in Nicosia that you visit the property at least three or four different times. Properties across the island can be drastically different during the day and night, as well as during the different seasons. Properties in areas bursting at the seams with families on holiday during the summer months can seem desolate during the winter when no on is around. By visiting the properties at different times, you can ensure you find a property that is right for you.

With a wide variety of different property types available, you can find a Cyprus property for sale in Nicosia that fits your wants and needs. By keeping these simple tips in mind when looking to buy homes in Cyprus, you can find your new house or holiday home today.

Adrian Jones has been involved with cheap self catering cyprus apartments for many years. This article outlines some of the many benefits that motivates people to buy a cyprus villa in Limassol.

Permalink • Print

July 18, 2008

Discover The Beauty of Northern Cyprus

North Cyprus Property - Discover the beauty of Northern Cyprus. Marina apartments & Sea Front Villas for sale in the most spectacular locations.

Permalink • Print

July 16, 2008

Cyprus Holiday Rental Villas - The Magical Feeling

Cyprus has recently become a really popular holiday destination and you too may well want is consider it for this year's vacation. The rental villas are definitely a must due to the excellent service that is provided 24 hours a day and the quality is virtually unseen else where. You can chose between rental villas or apartments and they are ideally located by the beach.

One of the most visited islands in the whole of Europe is Cyprus due to it's rich cultural background and everyone speaks English. Rental villas are available at varying budgets but one thing for sure is that corners are never cut on either quality or excellence. You won't be disappointed with whatever type of villa you chose as you will be in the heart of an island paradise with so much to explore. One good tip before you book is to have a good look around on the internet and find exactly what suits you.

There is a really great choice in rental villa properties all over Cyprus and if I had to mention just one place it would definitely be the Coral Bay Villas which are tucked up against the coastline and within a matter of yards from the Mediterranean Sea, turning it into the perfect destination for any lovers of water sports.

Are you just fed up with all the hustle and bustle that's going on around you in your day to day life? You are, well you definitely need a bit of Cyprus and especially one of the special retreat villas where you couldn't even hear a pin drop. You will fall in love immediately with tranquility that awaits you and Cyprus will help you feel happy again, which really is what having a holiday is all about really.

Wedding Parties are quite a common feature in Cyprus due to the larger rental villas that can cater for up to 10 guests, meaning that everyone can enjoy the festive fun under the same roof. In Cyprus long gone are the days that only the bride and groom went on a honeymoon as this paradise welcomes the complete wedding party and you will be amazed at some the parties I've been invited to.

For those of you who like to escape the cruel winter months in the UK there are some amazing luxury villas with heated swimming pools in some really quaint areas such as Pervolia and Kato Paphosup. The villas also provide for large gardens that will guarantee you a holiday with complete privacy. There is also a really testing golf course on the Secret Valley Resort which comes highly recommended and make sure you hire a car with GPS to avoid missing your tee off time.

Just to the west of Kyrenia you will made some really smart looking villas ideal for families called the Villa Club. These Cyprus rental villas are situated in a beautiful region of countryside surrounded by sweet smelling lemon groves and overlooking the crystal blue Mediterranean Sea. You will be able to spread out on the golden sands for a relaxing time or get up and enjoy the water skiing and scuba diving. When it comes to eating you can just stroll into the local villages and visit some typical tavernas which will introduce you to some of the local dishes.

Permalink • Print

July 15, 2008

Cyprus Holiday Rentals Always Come Up Trumps

650229_piscina_vila_kalango.jpgIf you are considering Cyprus as your holiday destination this year then you really shouldn't miss out on some of the great villa rentals that are currently available. The service is first class and there will always be somebody at hand throughout the day and night, so check out the rental villas as well as apartments that are available right by the beach.

Cyprus really does have so much to offer to it's visitors and you will be well positioned in an exclusive rental villa to make the most of what's on offer. If the truth is known you can still get great value for money out of more modest accommodation as you will almost always have direct access to the most incredible experience that Cyprus provides. As far as accommodation is concerned you just need to scout around the Internet in order to find a villa within your budget range with the most modern of facilities.

The island of Cyprus has a complete range of rental villa accommodation throughout with a great example being the Coral Bay Villas which are conveniently located on the coast within walking distance of the Mediterranean Sea, making it an ideal destination for all you water sport lovers.

You like most other people in the western world probably live in a big city surrounded by bedlam so you really do need to get over to Cyprus and get a bit of peace and tranquility. There are some really quaint villa hideaways that you may have even dreamed about that are just waiting for you so that you really can put your feet up in style.

There are villas for all occasions and Cyprus is a great venue for weddings, so large groups are able to all stay under one roof. I thought only the bride and groom were supposed to get a honeymoon but not in Cyprus as it is a paradise that everyone should be able to experience and the fiestas are just something else.

If you fancy a week away in the winter months you would be looking at a rental villa with a heated swimming pool, so a couple of great destinations would be Pervolia and Kato Paphosup. You will guaranteed total privacy in the luxury villas here which come with a large garden too. If you are a keen golfer then you are very handy to the Secret Valley Resort which will test the lowest of handicapper golfers. As far as getting around the island is concerned you can either rent a car with GPS or just stick to the very efficient public transport system.

An ideal family get away retreat is The Villa Club which is located to the west of Kyrenia, which offers some of the very best Cyprus rental villas. They are set amidst a countryside paradise with lemon trees and olive groves looking out to the Mediterranean Sea. The golden sands are ideal for sunbathing and if you feel a bit more active then take advantage of the water skiing and scuba diving. This location is very handy to the airport and the excellent public transport means that you are not far at all away from local shops and restaurants.

Permalink • Print

July 11, 2008

Cyprus Holiday Beach Villa Purchase Guide

10.jpgSearching for an apartment or Cyprus holiday beach villa for purchase in Cyprus for an investment purpose or as a vacation house could be the most exciting undertaking that an ordinary person has ever engaged in. As a result of this a few people get over excited and try to purchase a Cyprus property doing little research in the process.

Some reasonable people have put lots of research into the process. They arrange to see several prospective homes through real estate agents, and their purchase goes through quickly and easily. For others, the process is less simple. Unprepared potential buyers often see their hopes of having a Cyprus holiday beach villa turn unpleasant.

When you search out a Cyprus property developer, he will select for you an apartment or a Cyprus holiday beach villa that you can buy "off plan". This means that they have gotten rid of a lot of properties already and have put the funds in their accounts before they even started building.

There is nothing dishonest about this scheme of selling property in Cyprus. This method is very prevalent here. The advantage of this scheme is that if you purchase from a sketch there is an excellent possibility that even before you acquire the property as your own, the new Cyprus holiday beach villa will have significantly increased in value. Nevertheless there are certain things that you must check before embarking on such a purchase.

If you are interested in buying a Cyprus apartment property, tread cautiously and do some checking with other developers beforehand. Buyers have paid a lot of money for what they thought was an exclusive view of the sea or countryside and then learn to their regret that other properties are being built close by and their view is not so exclusive.

Cyprus is a large island and now the property market is booming. It looks like the party is on and may continue for some time to come. Never despair even if you do not find your dream villa initially. Buying property for sale Cyprus is not that difficult especially if you use a leading agent. There will be a different Cyprus apartment or a good villa on offer at an attractive cost if you keep looking. You can even take advantage of the cheap flights to Larnaca Cyprus and evjoy a holiday while checking out the many Cyprus properties for sale.

There are people who get excited about owning property in Cyprus but they forget about taking the time to do enough research. Buying property for sale Cyprus is not that difficult if you use a leading estate agent. There are different Cyprus apartment and a good villa on offer at an attractive cost if you keep on watching. By buying your property from a realtor, there's a good chance that your new Cyprus holiday beach villa has already gone up in value even before you acquire it. You can take benefit of the cheap flights to Larnaca Cyprus and enjoy a holiday while looking for the many properties on sale.

Permalink • Print

July 9, 2008

What's Going on in North Cyprus?

You may not be at all familiar with property market terminology so in laymen's terms "Buy to Let" means just that. You only have to buy a property, complete and then let it out. There is just one special rule to take into consideration and that it that your estimated rental income fully covers your mortgage costs.

One thing to bear in mind when venturing on a property investment like this is the total month duration times of the high and low seasons. In Northern Cyprus for example, the low season lasts just five months and the high season stretches over seven months. To put the icing on the cake, there are over 300 sunny days a year, allowing thousands of travel makers the luxury of all year round holidays in places like Northern Cyprus.

There's nothing better than having real figures to work from so let's go over a property deal including a sea view totaling 250.000 Euro. First you will have to make an initial down payment of 3000 Euro to hold the property. That is followed by paying a 30% total deposit which would come to 75.000 Euro, including the 3000 Euro down payment.

With the deposit out of the way we just have to deal with the 175.000 Euro balance, which we are going to finance. Have a good look at all of the different mortgage options but I would recommend a interest only mortgage, as this way your monthly payments are lower. We will take the best rate in current conditions then the resulting monthly payments work out at about 800 Euro, that being 9.600 per year.

The statistics available on rental income in Northern Cyprus show that properties can be let out for up to 10 months per year. So if we put the property we have just bought into the equation, we can expect an amazing 2600 Euro. in the high season and an awesome 1500 Euro. over the low season.

So if we go into a little fine detail on the property we have just purchased, let's calculate on it being rented out for around 6 months over the high season and about 4 in the low season. This you may be amazed to know works out at 21.600 Euro rental income in your pocket. Well you will have to appoint a property management company to take care of your payments such as community charges, but this won't be more than 1000 Euro a year. Are you beginning to see why property investment in Northern Cyprus sounds interesting?

Permalink • Print

July 7, 2008

North Cyprus Villas - Dreaming About A Mythical Paradise?

35.jpgNorth Cyprus is a neutral country when it comes to religion and you will find a very cosmopolitan mixture in this region of Cyprus. The island of Cyprus is the 3rd largest throughout the Mediterranean coming after Sardinia and Sicily, and it is situated at 65 km south of Turkey. There are several other countries in this region including Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Israel and Greece.

In 1974 Cyprus was divided into 2 countries with the Turkish Cypriots living on the north and the Greek Cypriots in the south. Real estate tends to be a lot more cheaper in the North than anywhere else in the Mediterranean Sea, so you will always be able to find a bargain there or a cheap rental.

The shape of Cyprus is due to the side pressures formed during different geological ages. Capes have arisen where the land has been strong enough to the sea's erosion and Gulfs created where the land could not stand up to the effects of the sea's erosion.

There are in fact 2 capes being the Zafer Cape; which is situated on the tip of the Karpaz peninsula, and the Korucam Cape which is found in the west of the island. There are also 2 gulfs located in Guzelyurt and Famagusta and with such beautiful natural scenery, North Cyprus has become a very popular tourist destination filling up the villa rental homes throughout the year.

The feature that sticks out most in North Cyprus is a mountain range called the Kyrenia Mountains or Five Finger Mountains, which is situated in the North. The range is quite narrow but almost 130 Km long and runs parallel with the coast and in total measures a region of about 260 sq Km. The composition of the range is largely limestone, dolomite, and marble and they also offer the most spectacular views. You can also find cheap accommodation in the region as there are plenty of North Cyprus villas.

The northern coast is very fertile and lies home to great vegetation including olive and carob trees. There is also a large natural spring in the Five Finger mountain region which also has great access from the North Cyprus villas. The villas themselves hold great views of the Mesaoria plain, which is found in the centre of the island between the Kyrenia and the Troodos mountain ranges.

You will find North Cyprus villas located on the northern and eastern coast lines which truly have a great advantage point when it comes to views of the blue Mediterranean waters. You will find small coves and bays along this stretch of coast where both swimming and sunbathing can be enjoyed to a maximum. If you aren't really a beach person then don't worry as the North Cyprus Villas also offer private Swimming pools.

So as you can see North Cyprus really does mark the difference when it comes to staying in holiday rental villas with such splendid views, places of interest and a mild climate throughout the year. Don't waste any more time looking at holiday destinations and come and explore the different side of Cyprus with North Cyprus villas.

Permalink • Print