Cyprus-Forum.com

[leigh1982]

Thanks for the advice one question for every one would you move back to england yes or no

[Svetlana]

I would guess that 15% of people go back to their 'home' country in the first 10 years. Various reasons:

they assumed Cyprus was like their home country but with sun - it is not.

Cyprus has become a lot more expensive in the last few years.

some people return for health reasons; they cannot afford the treatment they want in this country.

some miss their family too much

if a husband/wife/partner dies they feel too lonely in a 'foreign' country

Lana

[leigh1982]

Lana thats not what I asked yes or no

[les]

Hi Andri - well I guess you are right there is a big age gap so it shouldn't matter, logisticaly though its ties both Geoff and I up on School runs, but still worth thinking about, especially with regard to saving on school fees, which equate to £10,057 in our case although I will get a 10% discount - hey I think i'll go full throttle and employ a private tutor this end and teach them Greek!!!

Hi Leigh, Greek is a lovely language - I went to evening classes for 2 years and then taught my children some Greek, although it goes quickly if you don't practise it all the time, and is it harder than your average German, French or Spanish! Although you don't need it, I do feel that you should be able to speak the language of any country you choose to live in.

Hi Chris, Well you've worried me a bit - what do you know now that has put you off living in Cyprus? We have been holidaying for many years and have a villa in Peyia. We have bought land and are building near Kathikas with a view to living in Cyprus permanently ????

[asterostar]

I just thought I would add my comment. I have been in Cyprus for 15 years seen so many come and go. My children are in the International school of Pafos, and the prices rise yearly, soon to be about the same prices you pay in the u.k. I wish that I had persevered with local Greek schools, when I arrived I put my two children in one, aged 5 and 7 then, they hated it and cried all the time. A friend of mine did the same. I, After a few months of stress for both my children and me, deceided to move them to a private school, it has cost me a fortune, sometimes feel I just work to pay fees. My friend however stuck it out and now, 15 years later her children have jobs here and are very settled. My kids too are happy, but I have had to pay extra money for them to learn fluent Greek. So if you put your kids in a local school, you must be patient and not expect too much too soon. Children are very adaptable and they will be fine in time. You may have to find some one to help them with their homework, Greek Schools give hours of homework a day.
One thing though, I dont think you have enough money to start out with. The cost of living is very high. Supermarkets, petrol, heating (a must in winter). Wish you lots of luck.

[leigh1982]

thank you for your comment how much do you thin ill need then

[leigh1982]

Could you recommend what to do then is the cost of living in Cyprus higher than Spain. If so by how much

[les]

Hi Leigh, We asked our neighbours (next to our holiday villa) how much they find they need a month to live - they are a couple in their fifties with no children etc and they said a minimum of £1,000cyp. They have a 2 bed maisonette with a shared pool. My father in law lives in Spain and has been there for over 14 years, we went out recently and I can tell you you its about half the price of Cyprus. A very good meal, main course and sweet will cost you about £5.00.

Wine 45pence a litre so on and so on. I can see why people want to live there as it is really cheap and only takes about 2 hours to fly there and the flight costs are good too. But I don't find the Spanish particularly welcoming, and unless you can speak Spanish you will always be treated as a visitor - some people live on urban developments like my father in law and love it, don't speak Spanish and arn't bothered. Properties around Alicante can be bought for about £100,000 and mortgages are easily available. All round you will be able to live in Spain for about half the price of Cyprus.

[asterostar]

I think 1.000 cyp sounds about average. The problem for you will be starting out, i.e deposits on accommodation, car, school uniforms and books, basically bits and pieces which will add up.

[webbo]

Agree with Asterostar on this one.
We found it took about two years before we could actually call any money spare at the end of the month and have to admit it was much cheaper here four years ago.
Start up costs do mount. Most landlords ask a minimum of two months rent as a deposit. Then there are deposits on services such as electric ,phone etc.

I'm am not being negative but just trying to warn it is not as cheap as people seem to think and it can put a serious strain on even the most stable of relationships.

Think it through very carefully.