Property Investment In Cyprus
Property Investment In Cyprus - Article
You will be shocked at just how popular Cyprus has become for property investment considering just how small the island is. It is the English speaking sector of the property investment market that are turning Cyprus into the leading choice for a whole range of property investments from retirement homes to buy to let property.
The question obviously arises to why Cyprus is such a popular choice for property investment. The English language is spoken throughout the Island thanks to the influence of the British colonialists, who also set up the initial infrastructure of the island. You will also se straight away that this island has a mystical feel about it and a unique beauty that will make your heart beat faster. The critical reason for it being such a popular tourist destination is the mild climate it has throughout the year and the sunshine never seems to stop beating down.
Like any other country, Cyprus too has a unique system when it comes to buying property. Each of the necessary steps that are explained in detail below only apply to purchasing property in Southern Cyprus, as things are done differently in the north.
1. Should a non-resident want to purchase a property in Cyprus, then they will need to apply for special approval from the government. This process may take up to 14 months to conclude so it is very wise to get this process underway well before you seriously look at starting the purchasing process.
2. The first thing you really need to do is to find an English Speaking lawyer and if you need a recommendation then just have a chat with a few of the local ex pats as they normally have plenty to say for themselves and usually are able to give good advice on these issues.
3. On approval of the Council of Ministers and the property formally recognised, the purchase process may begin. A contract is drawn up with property, parties, price etc agreed upon and a 1%+ holding deposit is left with either your own lawyer or the notary.
4. The next step involves the payment of a second deposit on an agreed timescale that will finally conclude that the property is officially off the market. If you keep up your side of the contract in full then property can not be put back on the market again. 5. The following step sees your lawyer making the necessary application to the District and Registry Office in order to establish that the property you wish to purchase will not give you any problems at a later date.
5. Once the property is off the market you will have time to look for a finance deal if you need to. Any drawn up mortgage will also be signed before the notary on the day you sign for the property you are going to purchase. There are several different options as to financing a property deal, but always be certain that you confirm any other option with a high street bank first.
6. For anyone who is selling up everything they own and looking at Cyprus as a new era in their life, then you should be prepared for having quite a lot of money left over from the Cyprus property purchase. It won’t take you long to see that things in Cyprus are so much cheaper and that you are really able to make a big difference to your lifestyle.
7. The process has nearly come to its end now and once your lawyer is happy that the property can be legally sold and your bank has come up with the necessary finance, it’s just up to the parties involved to sign under the dotted line. The signed and sealed contract is then filed with the Land Registry Office.
8. In the case that one of the 2 parties happens to be a national of Cyprus then it would be necessary to get official approval from the Bank of Cyprus to move those funds, although it is not necessary if both of the parties are foreign residents.
9. If you have just purchased a resale property then you become the title holder with immediate effect but if you have just bought a new build property then it will take three years, but don’t worry as you are registered as the owner at the District Land Registry.
10. Well step 10 is basically just start relaxing and to enjoy your new life in Cyprus. Put all that stress behind you and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle that has so much to offer. You won’t have any communication problems by speaking English, but if you would like to put a smile on the local’s faces, then try learning a bit of Greek.
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