General FAQs
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Q. Do you provide inspection flights?
A.Yes we do. The best way to really get to know Northern Cyprus is to actually go there and experience this stunning country for yourself. We can arrange a relaxed visit, subsidised by us, to give you the chance to experience the area, get to know the different resorts and ultimately select your future home. To arrange a visit please
contact one of our consultants or 01709 837778. Our Inspection Visits take place over 2, 3 or 4 days, and your only obligation is to allow us the pleasure of showing you around the developments you are most interested in.
All our guests get the chance to soak in some of Northern Cyprus' unique culture, take in some of the region's best sites - Kyrenia's famous harbour and crusader castle, the magnificent St. Hilarion, not to mention the all important beaches! To round off each day we wind down with dinner at a superb local restaurant, specially chosen by us.
All our guests stay in First Class Hotels, ensuring that no matter how long or short your visit, you leave relaxed and we hope captivated by the spell of this magical country.
Q. What is the payment plan for Emerald Bay properties ?
A.20% of the purchase price is payable upon signing of contracts, 20% when foundations are laid, 20% upon completion of rough structure, 20% when the property is at first fix, plastered and rendered stage and the final 20% upon completion and keys handover.
Q. What are the costs involved in buying?
A.The solicitors costs are in the region of £1000 (be aware that some solicitors charge an hourly rate fee, that could work out very expensive) when buying a property in Northern Cyprus. Our recommended solicitor charges a fixed rate of £800 for Emerald Bay clients. All purchases are subject to a 6% stamp duty. The amount is assessed by the Land Registry Office, however there is a 50% reduction for first time buyers thus meaning you will pay just 3%. There is a sales tax (VAT) at 5% on newly built property.
Q. What is the procedure to buy a property?
A.You will need to appoint a solicitor, which we can help you with on the island. There is a certain procedure for buying property: The validity of the title deed is checked and confirmed by your solicitor. Sale contracts are drawn up and the purchaser pays a reservation fee to secure the property. In many cases the purchaser returns to the UK and the solicitor attends to the completion in the purchaser's absence, having been given Power of Attorney.The Land Registry values the property for Stamp Duty purposes. On the day of completion, Stamp Duty is paid by the solicitor to the Land Registry; the name of the purchaser is entered into the Land Registry record books, and the new title deed is subsequently issued.
Q. Can I own more than one property?
A. A. There are restrictions. A foreign national cannot buy more than 1 donum of land which is 1338m square or 14,400ft square. If you are interested in more than one property other members of your family can buy or you can form a local company.
Q. What about the rental market ?
A.There is a good rental market for seasonal lets to UK holidaymakers, especially during summer months. Interest is also increasing from retired UK residents looking for longer term winter lets where they can enjoy the milder Cyprus winter climate. There is also strong interest from local Turkish Cypriots looking for year round lettings. We have strong links with two successful property management companies based in Kyrenia, each of which is headed up by UK ex-pats. They are able to deliver a range of services from monthly checks to the full rental service, including cleaning and laundry service.
Q. What is the climate like?
A.Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate, with long dry summers from mid-May to mid-October and with mild winters from December to February, which are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. Summer is the season of high temperatures with cloudless skies, but the sea breezes create a pleasant atmosphere in the coastal areas. Winters are mild with some rain, but even in January (usually the coolest month) there are generally six hours of bright sunshine during the day. During the summer months very light clothing is all that you will need. In spring and autumn daytime temperatures are generally warm enough for light summer clothing, but in the evening one might feel the need for a light jacket or pullover. In winter, you should be prepared for all kinds of weather that a European spring may bring. It is advisable to pack a light jacket and pullovers, although you may not need them during the day.
Q. What is the time difference?
A.
The island is two hours ahead of British GMT
Q. Is it safe?
A.
Northern Cyprus is extremely safe with minimal crime. People leave their cars and houses unlocked.
Q. Is it easy to buy things? Are they expensive?
A. It is extremely easy to buy things. Larger supermarkets now sell leading British branded products. Although these can be slightly more expensive, Turkish produced items are much cheaper with fresh fruit and vegetables in abundance. Alcohol and tobacco is also extremely cheap. Eating out is also very good value with a huge number of restaurants and cafes to choose from. An average restaurant bill with drinks is £10-£15 per person.
Q. Are there any international banks? What is the banking system like?
A. The banking system is very straight forward and many international banks have branches on the island. HSBC International in particular has opened branches in both Kyrenia and Nicosia. Although Turkish Lira is the principle currency, sterling can be used almost everywhere. Travellers cheques can easily be exchanged at any local bank
Q. What is the government's attitude to foreign investment?
A. The government is very keen to attract foreign investment in the country and has a number of incentives.
Q. Population?
A. The population of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was recorded as being 183,220 in the last census in 1996. 50% of the population live in the cities and 50% in the country side, 99% of the adult population are literate.
Q. Do I need a visa? How long can I stay?
A. valid passport is required and on arrival you will automatically be given a three month visa. If you decide to stay longer, you could get an extension or alternatively apply for residency. To become a resident is a very simple process. Certain documentation is required which is then stamped enabling you to stay on the island as long as you like unrestricted.
Q. What would the property running costs be - would they be expensive?
A. The cost of living is cheap in Northern Cyprus and utility bills in particular are exceptionally good value. For an average apartment you can expect to pay £200 a year for electricity and water. Communal maintenance fees are also payable depending on what facilities you share (gardens, pool etc);
Q. Are pets allowed in?
A. Pets are welcome in Northern Cyprus so long as you obtain correct documentation from your UK vet. There is a months' quarantine on the island.
Q. Is it easy to drive and do I need a license?
A. You can drive with your British license for three months, after that you will need a TRNC license. Once you have been issued with your residency permit, a local license can be obtained within days.
Q. Do I need health insurance?
A. There are several insurance companies who provide private health insurance - The British Residents Society are the best people to contact. Local medical care is good and extremely reasonable. The majority of local expats use local doctors surgeries and treatment centres.
Q. Where are the best beaches?
A. Northern Cyprus has plenty of sandy beaches. The best beaches are in Karpas - the worldwide famous Golden Beach (7 km. long) is here. The Malibu Beach is also another lovely beach of Karpas area.
After Karpas comes the beaches of East Kyrenia - the best of these is the Alagadi Beach (also known as the turtle beach), then Acapulco Beach, Lara Beach and the beautiful Esentepe Beach.
The Escape Beach in Alsançak is one of the safest beaches close to the west of Kyrenia. There are many hotels with private bays which permit non-residents to use them for a small fee - the best one is the Acapulco Beach.
Q. Can I take advantage of duty-free?
A. Each adult is permitted to bring 400 cigarettes, 500gr tobacco or 50 cigars, 1 litre of wine or spirits and up to 100cl of perfume into the country. Duty-free is available on arrival in Northern Cyprus at airport shops and the ports of Kyrenia and Famagusta. It is significantly cheaper than buying on the airplane or in U.K. duty-free outlets.
Q. What about electricity?
A. Electricity is the same as in the U.K. (240 volts) and wall fittings are generally the U.K. three-pin type, so all your U.K. electrical items will function as they should.