Investing in Property in Cyprus

So familiar, yet so unique, with charm entwined throughout the landscape, the locals and the culture, it’s easy to see how Cyprus captures the hearts of all those who visit.

Overview of Investing in Cyprus

Cyprus has remained one of the Mediterranean’s most desirable locations for investment property purchases, long after the demand for other Mediterranean locations have lost their previous high appeal.

The tourism market of Cyprus has been steady for a number of years and the increase in cheaper flights and ease of access assist in continuing the island’s popularity. Considered to be an established touristic destination, it is now the investment market that is continuing to generate interest. After entry to the EU in 2004, Cyprus gained increased popularity for property investing, leading to a continued increase in property prices, providing fantastic returns for investors.

As the demand for the limited amount of residential land in the coastal regions increases, the capital appreciation and potential rental returns will continue to rise. Even the tranquil inland regions are experiencing increased demand, as due to the size of the island, the in-land areas are only being a short drive from lively towns, upmarket marinas and entertainment.

Cyprus provides a fantastic opportunity to invest in property for short term growth, mid-term rental returns and long term re-location investment options. The familiarity and easy of the purchasing process will continue to create interest amongst all levels of investors keen on a slice of Mediterranean paradise.

News Highlight - Desirable re-location destination

A true Mediterranean paradise, Cyprus caters to every whim for holiday makers and those looking to re-locate. The increasing numbers of Brits moving abroad within the Euro-zone during the past decade has bought with it an increased demand for cosmopolitan environments with high standards of services, while maintaining the traditional charm and tranquillity of places such as Cyprus.

The stable year-round temperatures of the island, along with picturesque villages with varied landscapes have captured the hearts of many. Located only a short flight from the UK and Ireland, many investors have opted to purchase in Cyprus with the intention to move permanently sooner rather than later. Even families with small children are seeing the move as viable, with many of the lifestyle factors considered to be similar in standards to what buyers have come to expect, often being an improvement on their home locations with the low crime rates and excellent health care facilities. International schools are available for children and obtaining a residence permit is an easy procedure, while most attractive of all is the low cost of living in comparison to the UK and other north European nations.

Cyprus has endured the recent years demand and continues to present fantastic investment opportunities suitable for various investor types. The location, geography and climate are expected to continue to remain attractive to investors and those planning to re-locate, providing a steady future.

Why Invest in Cyprus?

• Increasing capital growth
• Stable economic environment
• Convenient location and accessibility
• High demand for residential land
• Established tourism market
• Year-round destination and long rental season
• Infrastructure improvements carried out to cope with demand
• Ideal location for UK investors, with a common law legal system
• Safe environment for living and investing
• Popular re-location destination for Europeans

Latest news in Investment Markets – Spain

While many people feel that Spain has had its day as an investment market, the country is still seeing demand from many property investors. It may be considered by many who felt the prices of properties in the large cities and along the Costas grew out of proportion, now is the time when they can finally enter into the market at more realistic prices. While the truth is that the prices of properties in Spain are unlikely to ever drop down to where they were a decade ago.

Bargain hunters may be fortunate with distressed sales and the occasional repossessions offered at bargain prices, although in reality the number of people searching for this type of bargain is a lot higher than the number of properties being sold at a fraction of their worth. So while it is possible, it also involves quite a bit of luck to chance upon them.

The investors that Spain is seeing these days are more likely to be those who are financially capable of entering into an established market, and know what the Spanish market is likely to produce for them in the long run. Buying property to re-sell at a profit in the short term is not advisable, however renting the property or buying for a long term investment or re-location purposes is keeping the market alive.

The number of property agents who have closed down in the Spanish Costas during the past 12 months show a fairly clear indication of the situation, as it is no longer a get-rich quick market, however as long as the sun continues to shine and the cost of living continues to be a reasonable amount cheaper than the UK, the attraction for owning and living in Spain will remain.

Finding a good agent is Spain has become easier than in the past, with stricter regulation coming into place in an attempt to regulate the market, and the sheer numbers of out-of work real estate employees, provide those companies who have remained strong in this market to have a fantastic choice of the most professional and well trained agents. Buyers are now in a position where they have a greater position to be placing negotiations on re-sale properties as the owners are more likely to be flexible. The rental demand in Spain remains steady and the buyer’s market is refining. The Spanish market is far from dead, it has simply slowed down, offering some great opportunities for those who are patient, understand the market and are realistic about what they want.
Property Investing Spain Homepage

Property Market Focus - January 15th, 2009

Coming Next Month!

Cape Verde Investment Market

In the next issue we will be looking at the real estate market in Cape Verde, a country gaining popularity in recent years for its tourism growth and emerging investment markets.

Fondly considered to be the “New Caribbean” due to its geographical location in line with places such as Barbados, Cape Verde offers a closer location to Europe, being only 1 hour south of the Canary Islands. The country consists of an archipelago of islands, each one distinct in its landscape from the next, creating a holiday destination to suit all preferences.

The Cape Verdean property investment market is steadily emerging in popularity amongst Europeans for its political stability and economic growth, providing some great opportunities in capital returns and rental potential for early investors. While it is difficult to provide exact figures of growth statistics for the country’s investment market due to the relative youth, the past years have seen steady growth exceeding 20% per annum. With structures in place by the government to control the speed of expansion, growth is expected to remain steadily high over the coming years, along with a continued increase in popularity as a holiday destination.
Property Investing Cape Verde Homepage

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