Cyprus is the up and coming Expat Haven
Ah Cyprus. The land of endless green hills harbouring valleys laden with orchards and olive groves. A coastline of crisp white beaches hugged by the warm Mediterranean Sea and a culinary culture that litters the foodie pages of Instagram. But the home of Mount Olympus is so much more than that.
Let’s dive into what makes Cyprus a dream relocation for expats from all corners of the globe. The QuckLets real estate agents in our Limassol office help you uncover some of the things you wont read about in the travel guides.
Location, Location, Location
As with most countries, the cost of living is determined by location, with Cyprus being no exception to the rule. Taking in a view of the country, you will note a mild difference between the North and the South, with each having their own unique offering depending on what you are looking for.
Serving up everything in the way of history and natural beauty, Cyprus leans heavily into the traditional Mediterranean lifestyle. Options abound for either quiet and remote, through to bustling and full of life. Those desires for morning strolls for a quaint country coffee with the locals can be a natural reality of life. Looking for something a bit more upbeat and energetic? The hum of tourist markets and eateries can clearly be heard as you stroll along the plaza with the smell of the ocean wafting up from the shore.
When looking at property investment as an expat in Cyprus, your only concern needs to be how you will narrow down your options. Property prices tend to be cheaper than the rest of Europe, meaning as a retirement option, not only have you got a great chance of finding your dream home, but also one you can afford. With the benefit of multiple double taxation treaties, digital nomads can also find the ideal ‘home in the sun’ mixed with an ideal working space. Imagine yourself perched on your veranda, casually picking at a meze platter and taking in a view of the sprawling coastline whilst working. This no longer needs to be a passing thought, but a reality. Global Citizen Solutions offers a delightful breakdown of the “best cities to live in Cyprus”.
Photo courtesy of Igor Starkov from Pexels
Cost of Living
Options range from city homes to countryside or coastal dwellings and everything in between. Depending on what it is that you are looking for, there are countless options for every budget in all of these areas.
In relation to the rest of Europe, you will find very affordable property in Cyprus. You can couple this with the significant cost savings you can find exploring the local markets and shops. Sheltered in the shaded alleys branching off the main city roads, you will stumble across the path less trodden by tourists. Areas such as these can create significant savings on your monthly budget.
Whilst the island is filled with treasures and secrets of every description, it is after all still an island. This means that sometimes you may struggle to find the things you need or want, at affordable prices. Large taxes are generally imposed on items that are imported, primarily via Turkey. In an effort to combat this though, Cyprus has its own online market place to help you find everything ranging from cars or furniture, to clothing and gym equipment.
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Photo courtesy of Dmitriy Piskarev from Pexels
But perhaps the primary reason to consider buying property in Cyprus is the cuisine and outdoor lifestyle which seem to melt perfectly together. There is something to be said about finishing hiking or cycling through the vineyards scattered around the country, only to amble back down to the coast and dine on Turkish, Greek and middle eastern inspired delicacies. Often considered one of the healthiest diets in the world and contributing to the longevity of the locals, dishes are frequently piled with zucchini, peppers and tomatoes. You close your meal with a glass of crisp local wine, followed by a walk along the beach, sun kissing your skin as the sand crunches beneath your toes.
This isn’t a dream. This is Cyprus.