Cyprus properties

There are plenty of reasons to come to Cyprus. The climate, the beaches, the hospitality and the great business opportunities. Cyprus has evolved into a leading business centre, thanks to its strategic location, the sophisticated infrastructure, the highly-educated workforce, the favorable tax system, and the modern banking and insurance network. Cyprus today is a modern democratic nation with a thriving economy and a role as the easternmost trading post of the European Union.

The government of Cyprus has initiated a New Industrial Policy to attract and develop new high-tech industries, to technologically upgrade traditional local industries, and to attract foreign investment. The country`s entry into the European Union has brought major changes in Cyprus property and immigration laws and the freedom of movement required between EU member states has made it easier for EU citizens to live, work and buy Cyprus property.

A 2003 reform brought the island into the line with EU and OECD requirements, whilst also ensuring that Cyprus remains attractive to outside investors. The uniform corporate tax rate of 10%, for example, is the lowest in the EU, while Cyprus has entered into Double Tax agreements with 40 countries. In view of Cyprus membership of the European Union, it is also important to note that the country is a net contributor to the EU, and fulfils the Maastricht criteria. The Cyprus pound joined the Exchange Rate Mechanism 11 on 29th April 2005 and joined the Euro zone in January 2008.

Despite the upturn in fortunes presented by Cyprus joining the EU in 2004 – capital growth has been 30% since – Cyprus property prices remain considerably lower than in France or Spain. A three-bed detached villa with a pool currently costs around EUR 427,150 in a quality location, which would probably be enough only for a large two-bedroom apartment in the south of France. It is worth reminding that Cyprus property prices rose by 15% in 2005, this year the same increase in prices is expected. According to the Cyprus land registry, 12,000 British people, constituting 1.5% of the population, already own homes on the island – the same proportion of Brits who own properties in France.

The island`s EU accession saw the remaining property-purchase restrictions on foreigners lifted. Deposit levels have fallen to a low 15 -20% in some areas, subject to status, which is likely to be more the norm next year, and Swiss franc mortgages are available with rates of just 3.25%.

Sunday Times review on Cyprus Property: “One of the largest islands in the Mediterranean is already moving up Cyprus Property market – and the government believes that “residential tourism” will provide the best way forward”.

Cyprus properties

Rasbery Properties