Cyprus

With it's geographical position, countryside and rugged mountain ranges with snow-capped winter peaks, Cyprus offers an amazing diversity of scenery and wildlife. Couple this with a wide range of all year round activities and it's no surprise that this island is such a popular destination with holiday makers from around the world. It is therefore the ideal place for retirement.

The dramatic natural beautiful landscape of the Akamas Peninsular offers a diverse selection of wildlife and migratory birds as this region is inaccessible by car although some areas are permissible by Safari Tours.

Mount Olympus at a height of 2000 metres offers some surprising skiing opportunities and stunning picturesque views with warm friendly local tavern's that serve up some traditional Cypriot winter dishes and warming beverages.

Paphos is fast becoming recognized as a centre for golfing enthusiasts with three challenging courses within a short drive from the bustling town centre. The courses are set within the rolling countryside and can boast some wonderful views and excellent facilities.

Spring offers dry, mild sunny days and at this time of year the fragrance and vivid blooms and magnificent displays of cherry and almond blossom transform the landscape. There are miles of walking trails that guide you through rural villages with local churches and traditional crafts still a part of village life away from the busy tourist areas. Similarly if mountain biking is your thing there are miles of trails that will take you through fragrant cool pine forests, to reservoirs, mountain streams and old stone bridges.

There is so much to say about Cyprus, It's night life, it's restaurants, it's people, it's climate, it's never ending. It can't all be said here it needs to be experienced first hand. It's best you come and see for yourself. With Cyprus boasting 360 days of sunshine a year it's no wonder there is so much to do. With a low crime rate, driving on the same side as in the UK, and English widely spoken it is an obvious destination for the UK traveller and retirement.

Language

Almost 90% of the population speaks English, making life for non Greek speakers easy. Correspondence with all the government offices and documents and other authorities are made in both English and Greek. Cyprus used to be a British colony, today Cyprus is a member of the EU since May 2004.

Banking system

The currency of Cyprus is the Cyprus pound, soon to be Euro. The banking system in Cyprus is organized in similar lines with Britain. There are eight major banking institutions providing all the banking facilities provided in Europe. Recently the local banks have been given the right to provide housing loans to non residents with utmost efficiency.

Legal system

The legal system in Cyprus is mainly based upon the British legal system. The Cyprus land registry is probably one of the most advanced and reliable systems in the world. Purchasers of property in Cyprus will therefore be far more secure with regard to their title deeds than they might be in another country.

Furthermore legal fees / costs are very reasonable and are way lower than in other European countries.

In my case I am the owner of the land and therefore an investor in Cyprus for many years. I can directly transfer the title deed to the new owner at the government office 100% quickly and safely.