Buy Property Cyprus Secrets
The relatively low cost of living in Cyprus has an added appeal for the potential buyer, offering a full and inexpensive lifestyle. Recent statistics pointed to Cyprus as one of the most inexpensive countries in Europe. The local markets flaunt a wealth of colourful fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, and Cyprus’ modern supermarkets are fully stocked with a large range of local and imported goods. The local population is Greek speaking. Cyprus was once a British colony resulting in over 80% of the population speaking English. Street signs, direction signs, and shop signs are written in English. Knowledge of German, French, Russian is increasing with the Island tourist trade.
Location: In any particular area there are many blocks of flats under construction (this is less true for the Paphos residential areas). Try to shop around and choose a block in a good area. Of course what is a 11 good” area is relative and depends on various factors including personal judgement and taste. it is widely accepted, however, that a 11 good” area is one which is relatively central, not densely developed with flats, more of a residential area, relatively quiet (not on main roads) and which is close to schools and shops.
The annual immovable property tax imposed by the government is approximately CY60-120 per year. The municipal authorities also levy an annual property tax of CY20-30 per year and other authorities may also require CY20-40 sewage tax. Common expenses are usually paid monthly or quarterly in advance. They vary from development to development and depend on the area and type of property.They cover an owner’s share of the cost of cleaning and maintaining common areas and gardens, swimming pool expenses, electricity in common areas, management fees, rubbish collection and repairs. The estimated total is in the region of CY150 to CY300 per year.
It is usual for developers to give credit terms of payment when selling these flats. Terms vary from developer to developer but commonly these are as follows: on signing the sale agreement – 1/3 of the total value; during construction – 1/3 of the total value; the balance over a period of 2 to 3 years. In most cases interest is charged at the rate of 9 per cent per annum as from the date the purchaser takes delivery of the apartment. (i.e. completion)
On a sale of a property the current policy is to allow immediate repatriation of a sum equivalent to the amount of the original purchase value of property. Any profit can be exported at the rate of CY 10,000 per calendar year, plus any interest.There is no Capital Gains Tax where the property was acquired by the importation of foreign currency. Otherwise CGT is levied at 20% on gains in excess of CY 5,000.
Cyprus enjoys a remarkably low crime rate 1/6 of the European average another reason for its popularity with foreign buyers for whom security has become a key element in the property world. Visitors are invariably surprised and reassured by this...
Cyprus Property Market SecretsThe seashore protection zone is independent of the town planning zones. It is a zone which extends from the sea and it usually (but not always) has a width of approximately 300 feet. Within this zone no building can be...
Rural Property Cyprus SecretsDevelopment of land into villas in estates is now very common in the Paphos area, mainly on the hills between Paphos and Polis. Projects are developed to take the form of villages with the individual villas designed in traditional architecture....
Cyprus Property SecretsPermission to purchase a property must be obtained from the Council of Ministers by written application. This must be submitted by the non-Cypriot purchaser after the agreement has been signed. However, the permission is granted more or less as a...
Property Developers In CyprusThe relatively low cost of living in Cyprus has an added appeal for the potential buyer, offering a full and inexpensive lifestyle. Recent statistics pointed to Cyprus as one of the most inexpensive countries in Europe. The local markets flaunt...