move 2 cyprus

There is no difficulty in finding apartments to buy in any of the towns in Cyprus. Land development into apartments is very common and there is abundance available for sale at any time all over Cyprus, the vast majority being very new. There is also a tendency to sell apartments "on paper". (i.e. when construction plans are still on the drawing board), or during construction, as a means of raising part of the finance for the project. Currently, in most areas are many blocks of flats under construction. Try to shop around and choose a block in a good area. Although the better the area the higher will normally be the price, an extra sacrifice at this initial stage may prove well worthwhile in the future. If you have children, pay particular attention to the proximity of public open spaces, such as gardens, since you will find that children will need some space to play.

Try to choose a small block of flats. A five-storey building accommodating a maximum of 10 to 15 units is an ideal solution. Large blocks have problems primarily related to their management and lack of privacy. Bear in mind, however, that smaller blocks have a higher common service bill. Try to avoid the buying of flats on blocks with shops on their ground floor, since these are usually the cause of nuisance. Ask, before buying, who and why has purchased the shops (if any) and ascertain whether any restrictions have been put to their use. You may find, for example, that the shops below will be used as a kebab house or as a bar (causing you a lot of hardship). If you have to buy a flat in a block of flats with shops below, avoid buying the flat over the shops. The further away (the higher up) the better.

Avoid purchasing a one bedroom or studio type of accommodation (unless you are in a resort area) since you will have problems on resale. Prefer to get hired accommodation rather than think that you will sell your one bedroom unit and buy a larger one in the future. You may well find that selling the one bedroom flat is problematic. Flats most in demand are three bedroom (around 120-130 sq. m.) and two bedroom (70-100 sq. m.). This state of affairs is fluid however and changes from time to time and from location to location. In resort areas the most marketable accommodation are the compact one and two bedroom flats.

Experience has proved that it is difficult for co-owners to agree on the common servicing of the blocks. It is therefore advisable, especially if you are buying in a large block, to prefer to buy where the block has the lowest common services bill. Central heating has proved to be a major problem and the cause of many quarrels amongst co-owners. Avoid, also, flats that have common hot water facilities.

In all advertisements for the sale of flats you will find the word "luxury". What is luxurious accommodation may be far distant from what you will get however. If the flat you are buying is not ready, have your property surveyor go through the specifications of the materials and finishes so that he can explain their meaning to you.

The quality of construction is another problem. Normally the developer's reputation and a visit to a previous project will give you an idea of what you can expect. Show a preference to blocks utilising low maintenance materials: sprits finish to a block as opposed to decoration is an advantage; the use of timber windows as opposed to plastic ones is a disadvantage; a poor quality lift will cause you major future difficulties etc.

Be very careful to whom you are giving your money. A developer's past performance is the best form of guarantee but if you are afraid that the block will not be completed (and it is not the first time such a thing happened) - ask for a bank guarantee. It is most important for you to deposit the sales contract with the Lands' Office within two months of the purchase, so that you will have some form of a right to claim and/or seek specific performance if something goes wrong.