Cyprus-Forum.com

[MickKnipfler]

Are there any agencies that deal more with rural properties? Do you get more for your money in the country?

[cannedmoose]

Do you personally know any Cypriots? That's often the best way, my father and father-in-law went to see the mukhtar at the village my father liked most and he directed them towards someone who wanted to sell... as a result of Cypriot bargaining he also got a very good price...

So if you do, I'd suggest that route, you won't get ripped off by estate agents at least.

[MickKnipfler]

No I don't. I've not been to Cyprus at all. At the moment I'm thinking about retiring abroad and Cyprus is one option. I don't fancy living in a holiday resort though. I would prefer to live in the country, a few miles back. My girlfriend would also like the idea more if she could keep horses

[demetriou_74]

i know that the cyprus government would build you a road to your house if you built in the countryside.

[Michael Coumas]

MickKnipfler - Read your question & pondered, I would always take the route that cannedmoose suggested but failing that I must say to you remember the term 'buyer beware'. There are a lot of so called agents in Cyprus, I believe around 250 in the Limassol area alone, most of whom are not registered or licensed and obviously out to make a profit. Nothing wrong with that unless it goes hand in hand with relying on the buyers ignorance in order to omit things which under normal circumstances would be considered as pre requisite in the buyers home Country and consequently liable to be overlooked or ignored.
Obviously rural property will be cheaper than city property and in my opinion far superior but I am 57 and enjoy peace and quiet. Cyprus is not that big so city nights are easily accessible and more importantly quickly left behind. I will gracefully leave the bright lights to the youngsters.
If you consider Cyprus to retire to, you could do worse – a lot worse, never sign anything until your own lawyer, acting for you alone, tells you to. Do not use a developer’s lawyer if for nothing else but to eliminate a conflict of interest.
I am always loathed to recommend anything or anyone to a stranger but as you have asked I would recommend Kai Wacker of Kaimar Consulting in Limassol and George who works for Island Homes who have their Head office in Frenaros and a branch in Paralimni. If you want the East then Island homes must be your best bet, 25 years of local business & anyone who is anyone in the East will know them. George is a man of integrity & honour as they all are. All @ Island Homes are Greek Cypriot and Kai in Limassol is of German origin from South Africa but moved to Cyprus from England. If I said to you that both have told me not to buy properties they were selling but I wished to view because my criteria would not be met it will give you an idea of the people involved. Not too common in this day and age. I can confess now that I did view the said properties later and they were dead right. I have not published Georges surname as I cannot contact him to check if that would be okay but he is one of life’s nice people.
Final advice is do not take anyone’s word for anything, that includes me, check it out yourself and make your own mind up.

[Marina2005]

My girlfriend would also like the idea more if she could keep horses

I know for sure that you can keep horses as my brothers girlfriend has one in Paraklisha village in Limassol, there are a few stables there and also riding schools.

[MickKnipfler]

Thanks for your help. I'll continue my research. I may like to retire to Cyprus but as you say Michael, don't want to live in a holiday resort

[cannedmoose]

Thanks for your help. I'll continue my research. I may like to retire to Cyprus but as you say Michael, don't want to live in a holiday resort

The holiday resorts are only 5% of the island, in my experience, a few miles inland and you hit the real Cyprus, much of which remains unspoilt. My parents have bought land about 20 miles in from the coast and their village is sleepy, scenic and very Cypriot. I'd suggest you visit for as long a period as possible. A lot of people say Cyprus is just like England with sun, but there's more to it than that. There are some cultural differences that require patience to get to grips with (even after 4 years of interacting with Cypriots I still find it difficult to deal with the whole 'head-flick, tutting noise' meaning 'no' issue!) However, if you work on integrating yourself, there are few better places to be, and I say that as someone who previously considered emigrating to Canada, which to me is heaven on earth.

Your decision anyway mate, if we can give further advice, just shout.