Wellington boots on in August and almost falling down an open man-hole wasn’t much fun. But when your drains are completely blocked and not exactly smelling like a bunch of roses, what do you do? Smear your nose in vapour rub, roll up your sleeves and just get stuck in!
Yes, that’s just one of the joys of renovating in Cyprus - and I can speak from first-hand experience. Renovating an old property is certainly a challenge, but really worth it in the end. If you buy at the right price and do an excellent job, you won’t have any problem finding a buyer. And boy, are there some bargains to be snapped up at the moment!
Where do you start though? Once you have bought your property, getting to know good tradesmen is a first - that’s always difficult wherever you live in the world. There are good and there are bad, so word of mouth is almost always the best route. Speak to your friends, neighbours and get advice from Expat forums.
When we renovated our villa, we did most of the work ourselves, but sometimes you do need to bring in an expert. Just make sure you know what you are paying for and remember; working days for tradesmen are usually shorter here so the job will take longer.
Top Tip: Keep all your official receipts for the project – every single one, even if it is for a packet of nails. You will need to offset these against your Capital Gains tax when you eventually sell the property. Make sure they are receipts, as estimates and quotations are not accepted by the tax office. A good lawyer should tell you this when you are thinking about purchasing a project.
How about building materials? Well, these are cheaper in Cyprus, but it depends what you are buying. You can get top of the range, or cheap and cheerful, it’s up to you.
There are plenty of builders’ merchants and most of them speak good English. Once they know you, you can open an account and then you will get the materials you need at a discount. You will find that the prices will start to fall after a while and you will get close to what they would charge a local. It takes a while to get “local” prices in Cyprus.
When your building materials are delivered, they often won’t unload the vehicle for you, it all depends on the driver. Bear that in mind, as you might need an extra hand on the day. I can remember once taking delivery of a large amount of roof tiles and the driver just sat there. He soon realised I was on my own at the time and reluctantly helped. I think it was more because he could see he would be there all night if he didn’t.
Solar panels are very cheap in Cyprus, around 175 euros each depending on the quality and well worth the money. They heat all your hot water FREE and you can even install a couple to heat your pool to extend usage during the winter.
The more panels you have, the more hot water you get - so the less your electricity bill will be. Some people use solar panels to run their heating systems too (yes, you do need heating in Cyprus in the winter).
If you need tools, all the well-known brands are here. But if only want something for a one-off job then the cheap and cheerful goods will probably suffice. There are some specialist tool shops that have very good service and repair workshops too. Hiring tools and equipment is becoming easier.
Patience is a virtue when renovating a property in Cyprus - but when your dream home is finally finished, it’s a wonderful achievement!
Best wishes
Jackie
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.cyprusbuyingguide.com
Thursday 25 November 2010
Wednesday 17 November 2010
Thinking of renting in Cyprus?
With Christmas and the New Year looming, it may be the time to reflect about what you really want from life. With the weather at its worst in the UK, why not consider renting a property in Cyprus? To help you, here are my top five tips:
1. Location
Where do you want to live? Think about this one carefully. If you don’t know Cyprus, then do plenty of research.
Do you want to be in a traditional Cypriot village; or in the mountains with spectacular views; or by the sea and beautiful beaches? Perhaps you would prefer to be within walking distance of local amenities, such as supermarkets, banks and other facilities? You may need to be near a hospital for medical reasons.
A key point is to decide whether you want to live within an ex-pat area, or with the locals.
Top Tip: If you have never lived overseas before, then pick an area where other ex-pats are because when you first arrive, you will need a support group around you. This is what I did. But once I was familiar with everything, I moved into a traditional Cypriot village with very few ex-pats.
2. Property type
What do you really want? Are you looking for a detached villa with a pool; a townhouse; a bungalow; a penthouse apartment; a traditional stone house or a luxury mansion? The list is endless; there is something for everyone and every budget in Cyprus. Think carefully about whether the property is just for you, or whether you are going to have a lot of visitors to entertain. This will help you decide how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need.
Top Tip: Remember, swimming pools are a luxury and quite expensive to run - but I wouldn’t be without mine in the summer.
3. Rent
Negotiate hard! There are an abundance of properties up for rent in Cyprus both privately and via letting agencies. Unfortunately, some landlords are very greedy and are asking extortionate prices. If a property is up for rent for 700 euros a month, then start at 450 euros. You can always increase your offer.
Top Tip: Never pay more than one month’s rent plus your holding deposit in advance.
4. Landlords
The good landlords will issue a contract you can understand. The bad landlords will shake hands with you, say you can have the property for as long as you like and then suddenly give you two weeks notice to vacate as they want the property back for their family.
Top Tip: Make sure you get a contract and have this checked by a reputable lawyer who doesn’t know the landlord.
5. Contracts
These can be anything from one month to several years. If you are renting long-term, and signing a contract, make sure you look out for the yearly rent increase clause -otherwise you could be in for a shock and find your rent goes up dramatically. Also watch out for notice periods, ideally they will be two months either side.
Top Tip: Don’t sign for more than six months initially, then you can move if you don’t like the property or the area.
Hope this helps – if you have any questions, just ask!
Jackie
The Overseas Guides Company
Have you been to the main website yet? http://Cyprusbuyingguide.com
1. Location
Where do you want to live? Think about this one carefully. If you don’t know Cyprus, then do plenty of research.
Do you want to be in a traditional Cypriot village; or in the mountains with spectacular views; or by the sea and beautiful beaches? Perhaps you would prefer to be within walking distance of local amenities, such as supermarkets, banks and other facilities? You may need to be near a hospital for medical reasons.
A key point is to decide whether you want to live within an ex-pat area, or with the locals.
Top Tip: If you have never lived overseas before, then pick an area where other ex-pats are because when you first arrive, you will need a support group around you. This is what I did. But once I was familiar with everything, I moved into a traditional Cypriot village with very few ex-pats.
2. Property type
What do you really want? Are you looking for a detached villa with a pool; a townhouse; a bungalow; a penthouse apartment; a traditional stone house or a luxury mansion? The list is endless; there is something for everyone and every budget in Cyprus. Think carefully about whether the property is just for you, or whether you are going to have a lot of visitors to entertain. This will help you decide how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need.
Top Tip: Remember, swimming pools are a luxury and quite expensive to run - but I wouldn’t be without mine in the summer.
3. Rent
Negotiate hard! There are an abundance of properties up for rent in Cyprus both privately and via letting agencies. Unfortunately, some landlords are very greedy and are asking extortionate prices. If a property is up for rent for 700 euros a month, then start at 450 euros. You can always increase your offer.
Top Tip: Never pay more than one month’s rent plus your holding deposit in advance.
4. Landlords
The good landlords will issue a contract you can understand. The bad landlords will shake hands with you, say you can have the property for as long as you like and then suddenly give you two weeks notice to vacate as they want the property back for their family.
Top Tip: Make sure you get a contract and have this checked by a reputable lawyer who doesn’t know the landlord.
5. Contracts
These can be anything from one month to several years. If you are renting long-term, and signing a contract, make sure you look out for the yearly rent increase clause -otherwise you could be in for a shock and find your rent goes up dramatically. Also watch out for notice periods, ideally they will be two months either side.
Top Tip: Don’t sign for more than six months initially, then you can move if you don’t like the property or the area.
Hope this helps – if you have any questions, just ask!
Jackie
The Overseas Guides Company
Have you been to the main website yet? http://Cyprusbuyingguide.com
Wednesday 10 November 2010
An event I will never forget …
Have you ever seen a drag queen in full flight? I must admit I hadn’t - that is, until Saturday night – I still can’t believe what I saw. Nothing could have prepared me for the performance by “Veevette” (Keith Newman from Gay Pride). It was mindboggling – and utterly fascinating!
LH (lovely hubby) was best man on Saturday at Pauline and Robin’s wedding and to say they picked a cabaret with a difference was an understatement. Glitz, glamour, incredible make-up, unforgettable hair styles, heels as high as the Eiffel Tower, legs to die for and stunning outfits certainly lit up the expats club in Paphos. They’d never seen anything like it - and neither had I! …
The weather was perfect, 27 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. Weddings in Cyprus tend to be at their most popular in April/May/June and September/October/November. The summer months should be avoided as long dresses and temperatures in the high 40’s don’t really mix.
It’s very easy to get married in Cyprus. There are an abundance of wedding co-ordinators all ready and willing to help, you can do-it-yourself over the internet, or you can choose a travel agent who specialises in this area.
You can get married in so many places now, from churches to hotels, by the sea, in the mountains; Cyprus has some wonderfully romantic settings.
Top Tip: Remember though, if you want to get married on Valentine’s Day or at Easter, then you need to book really early.
Traditional Cypriot weddings are attended by thousands. LH and I are attending a Cypriot wedding ourselves next year in Nicosia in May. So far, 3,000 have been invited – yes, three thousand – and that’s only the start.
It is not unheard of for upwards of 5,000 to be in attendance, so you can imagine the size of the venue. And, in true Cypriot tradition, the bride and groom are given small white envelopes instead of gifts.
Why white envelopes? Well, they contain money from the wedding guests. Each guest usually puts around 50 euros in an envelope. I think this is a great idea, because you don’t have to mess around choosing from wedding lists and buying a present. The idea behind the envelopes and giving cash is to make sure the happy couple have a good start in life.
With 5,000 guests it’s not unusual to find the couple have 250,000 euros (wow!) – I think you will agree, that isn’t a bad start, is it? Buys a home, perhaps sets up a business and pays for a wonderful honeymoon.
OK. That’s it from me for now.
Best wishes
Jackie
The Overseas Guides Company
Visit the main website at: http://www.Cyprusbuyingguide.com
LH (lovely hubby) was best man on Saturday at Pauline and Robin’s wedding and to say they picked a cabaret with a difference was an understatement. Glitz, glamour, incredible make-up, unforgettable hair styles, heels as high as the Eiffel Tower, legs to die for and stunning outfits certainly lit up the expats club in Paphos. They’d never seen anything like it - and neither had I! …
The weather was perfect, 27 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. Weddings in Cyprus tend to be at their most popular in April/May/June and September/October/November. The summer months should be avoided as long dresses and temperatures in the high 40’s don’t really mix.
It’s very easy to get married in Cyprus. There are an abundance of wedding co-ordinators all ready and willing to help, you can do-it-yourself over the internet, or you can choose a travel agent who specialises in this area.
You can get married in so many places now, from churches to hotels, by the sea, in the mountains; Cyprus has some wonderfully romantic settings.
Top Tip: Remember though, if you want to get married on Valentine’s Day or at Easter, then you need to book really early.
Traditional Cypriot weddings are attended by thousands. LH and I are attending a Cypriot wedding ourselves next year in Nicosia in May. So far, 3,000 have been invited – yes, three thousand – and that’s only the start.
It is not unheard of for upwards of 5,000 to be in attendance, so you can imagine the size of the venue. And, in true Cypriot tradition, the bride and groom are given small white envelopes instead of gifts.
Why white envelopes? Well, they contain money from the wedding guests. Each guest usually puts around 50 euros in an envelope. I think this is a great idea, because you don’t have to mess around choosing from wedding lists and buying a present. The idea behind the envelopes and giving cash is to make sure the happy couple have a good start in life.
With 5,000 guests it’s not unusual to find the couple have 250,000 euros (wow!) – I think you will agree, that isn’t a bad start, is it? Buys a home, perhaps sets up a business and pays for a wonderful honeymoon.
OK. That’s it from me for now.
Best wishes
Jackie
The Overseas Guides Company
Visit the main website at: http://www.Cyprusbuyingguide.com
Wednesday 3 November 2010
It was 6am on Sunday morning and I heard loud gun fire outside
On the morning the clocks went back, our usual peace and quiet in the mountains was totally shattered. I shot up in bed wondering what on earth was going on and immediately thought the worst. Half asleep and half awake, I had visions of a blood bath somewhere. But this can’t be happening in Cyprus! Then I realised – groan - it was the start of the shooting season.
After just double checking by looking out of the window to make sure no-one had actually been murdered, I tried to get back to sleep. No chance. When the men over here start shooting in the mountains, they are very excited and shout at the tops of their voices – so this, together with the gun fire means there is no rest for anyone else. The only choice was an early morning rise.
Amongst expats, the shooting season in Cyprus is a bit of a joke. Around 50,000 hunters go “game hunting” (can you believe this) for partridges and hares – and quite honestly, anything else that moves!
And not surprisingly, the result is they often shoot themselves too. The A&E departments of the hospitals are heaving on the first day that the season starts with all manner of accidents caused by guns. One of the most frequent injuries is shooting themselves in the foot. It’s probably best to say no more on that!
When you drive through the stunningly beautiful Akamas peninsula in Paphos, you will see “Game Reserve” signs. You can’t miss them. Each of these signs has been shot at – there are dents all over them or bullet holes right through them. It’s probably due to the lack of “game” around. The hunters get bored, so probably go for the signs instead.
The slight problem is that these signs are on the edge of the tracks, so if you are driving along on a Sunday or a Wednesday, just be aware.
If you are not used to shooting seasons being around you, this may all sound pretty awful - but it’s traditional in Cyprus, perfectly normal and happens year in, year out.
Of course, there are professional gun clubs in Cyprus which are run properly by people who take the sport very seriously and have extremely good safety records.
But unfortunately, not everyone belongs to them. There are still those who are very relaxed about it all, just grab a gun and go for it. Personally, I tend to keep out of the way – just in case!
Well, it’s autumn now. Can you believe it is still 25 degrees today and not a cloud in the sky. We are still eating outside. Without a doubt, it is my favourite time of the year. The pool is now 22 degrees, so a bit chilly to swim in - but the sea is perfect.
How I love this time of the year. Why not come over and experience it for yourself?
Best wishes
Jackie
http://www.CyprusBuyingGuide.com
After just double checking by looking out of the window to make sure no-one had actually been murdered, I tried to get back to sleep. No chance. When the men over here start shooting in the mountains, they are very excited and shout at the tops of their voices – so this, together with the gun fire means there is no rest for anyone else. The only choice was an early morning rise.
Amongst expats, the shooting season in Cyprus is a bit of a joke. Around 50,000 hunters go “game hunting” (can you believe this) for partridges and hares – and quite honestly, anything else that moves!
And not surprisingly, the result is they often shoot themselves too. The A&E departments of the hospitals are heaving on the first day that the season starts with all manner of accidents caused by guns. One of the most frequent injuries is shooting themselves in the foot. It’s probably best to say no more on that!
When you drive through the stunningly beautiful Akamas peninsula in Paphos, you will see “Game Reserve” signs. You can’t miss them. Each of these signs has been shot at – there are dents all over them or bullet holes right through them. It’s probably due to the lack of “game” around. The hunters get bored, so probably go for the signs instead.
The slight problem is that these signs are on the edge of the tracks, so if you are driving along on a Sunday or a Wednesday, just be aware.
If you are not used to shooting seasons being around you, this may all sound pretty awful - but it’s traditional in Cyprus, perfectly normal and happens year in, year out.
Of course, there are professional gun clubs in Cyprus which are run properly by people who take the sport very seriously and have extremely good safety records.
But unfortunately, not everyone belongs to them. There are still those who are very relaxed about it all, just grab a gun and go for it. Personally, I tend to keep out of the way – just in case!
Well, it’s autumn now. Can you believe it is still 25 degrees today and not a cloud in the sky. We are still eating outside. Without a doubt, it is my favourite time of the year. The pool is now 22 degrees, so a bit chilly to swim in - but the sea is perfect.
How I love this time of the year. Why not come over and experience it for yourself?
Best wishes
Jackie
http://www.CyprusBuyingGuide.com
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