About Cyprus

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Living in Cyprus

Cyprus is situated in the Eastern Mediterranean at the cross roads of three continents. This strategic location has shaped its history and developed Cyprus' unique acceptance and hospitality to visitors. Click here for zoom-in, zoom-out Multi-Map of Cyprus!

Its recent admission to the EU, its excellent infrastructure, high quality of life, low level of unemployment, comparatively low cost of living, generous tax incentives and one of the lowest crime rates in Europe combine to attract people to Southern Cyprus from all over the world. It is the UK's 5th most popular holiday destination according to Channel 4's Amanda Lamb. And she ranks Cyprus ahead of the Costa del Sol, Tuscany, the French Riviera and Florida Cyprus as the place to invest in property.

Many Europeans, including over 50,000 British have made Cyprus their permanent home thanks to the traditions, charm and hospitality of the 750,000 local Cypriots. Most people who come to live in Cyprus tend to move again within a couple of years. That suggests it will pay you to research where you want to live and what to property to buy carefully, rather than bow to salesmen's pressure! With property prices increasing steadily there is a temptation to "jump in before it is too late". This is not the case. WOW Cyprus has listed below some FAQs to help you, if you are thinking of making Cyprus your first, or second home:

Q Whereabouts on the Island should I live?

A It depends on your priorities. Do you drive? Do you want to be near facilities such as hospitals and doctors? Southern Cyprus is broadly split into four types of areas:

Busy and large towns such as Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca. If you don't want to drive and enjoy the hustle and bustle of towns , there are plenty of developments in different parts of these places. If you are thinking of buying property in towns, visiting as a tourist in peak and off-peak season is advisable: There is a remarked contrast in the number of tourists and locals and the number of bars and restaurants open between say the months of August and January!

"Popular" Villages including Pissouri, Tala, Anarita, Mandria and Oroklini have seen an influx of British and Europeans. As a result these villages and towns have a high standard of new build developments, and have a dominant 'British' country town feel to them. Cypriots, British and other Europeans live very happily side-by-side. This tends to be the make-up of most beach front villages.

Local Villages such as Stroumpi, Letymbou and Nata are predominantly Cypriot and are quiet places with just one or two tavernas open all year round. Some of these at the foot of the Troodos mountains are cooler in the summer and quite cold in the winter (central heating and a car here are both a must!).

Golf and Leisure Complexes including Aphrodite Hills, Secret Valley and Columbia Beach Resort are relatively new to Cyprus and are attracting those investors who are happy to pay a premium for security, high property yield, lack of future development and on-site facilities including golf courses, leisure and spa complexes and clubs, exclusive restaurants, bars and hotels.

Many people who wish to buy property to live or to rent out use an agent to save time. Agents are paid finders fees by developers or real estate agents so you should not have to pay them for their time. But it is important to brief an agent properly so they can do the best job for you. And, satisfy yourself that they will have your interests at heart - as well as their commission.

Q How warm is Cyprus? Do I need central heating and a heated pool?

A Next to the Canary Islands it is the warmest place in Europe, with sunshine for 340 days each year. The West of the Island is generally warmer than the East and has better humidity. After March, villas and pools begin to warm up, being hot by May and remaining so until usually October, but sometimes as late as November.

Pools and villas need to be heated from November until April, but solar panel systems and air conditioning units that provide heat are adequate for rental properties. If you intend to live in Cyprus through the winter, consider central heating (preferably under-floor), heated towel rails and a low cost way of topping up the temperature of the pool.

           Many villas near use fans rather than air conditioning, which is a necessity in coastal areas during the hot summer.

Q As a holder of an EU member country passport, can I just show up and buy property?

A All citizens of EU member countries may enter Southern Cyprus on presentation of their passport. No vaccinations are required. You can purchase property providing you can demonstrate where the funds come from - in line with European money laundering laws.

Q Can I get a job, or start a business?

A If you want to work, you should register for tax - you can find a choice of accountants that will help you do this in WOW Cyprus Services Directory. Unskilled local jobs pay up to about CYP ?500 per month, with sales jobs basics being a lot lower, but commission more than makes up for this if you put the work in. Professional positions pay substantially more, CYP?1,000 per month for example. However, these jobs require fluent Greek speakers and a good knowledge of Cyprus.

Setting up a business is easy and is best done by forming a limited company. Use a lawyer or accountant (WOW Cyprus' Services Directory list both) to do this. Cypriots are astute businessmen, they have had thousands of years of trading experience! Those non-Cypriots are likely to welcome if equally serious and committed; and the reverse if not!

Q Is there really no crime on the Island?

A Of course there is some crime. However, we truly believe Cyprus has the lowest crime rate in EU and it is reported to be one tenth of the average rate of most European countries (6% of United Kingdom). People outside of the major towns still don't often lock their cars or homes.

Aggravated crime such as assault is rare. When it happens it is talked about a lot, which can give the wrong impression at that time. The fact is in Cyprus you are not likely to be mugged or assaulted walking back late at night from a restaurant, or suffer from road rage! Being a Mediterranean country, locals have a high regard for the elderly. However, drunken behaviour (including drink-driving) and the use of recreational drugs will be met with swift action from both locals and the authorities.