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(if you don't already receive a monthly announcement that our Cyprus newsletter has been published, you can sign up to our list here) In This Month's Issue You'll Find: A Message from Jackie How much are the banks ripping you off? The effect of low cost airlines on property prices Buy the Guide: Let me help you plan your property purchase... Top Tip: What to do? Dial 112… I have some great news for you – Kim is back! We’ve all missed her so much, especially me; she’s the greatest person in the world to work with. Here is an update from Kim on what’s been happening in her life, but in the meantime, here’s a photograph of little Sienna – isn’t she gorgeous?
Well - baby Sienna is almost 3 months now and I'm enjoying motherhood more and more as the days go by. I try my best to make sure that whenever I'm with her, I focus completely on what we're doing together; everyone tells me that life speeds up even more when you have children! When Sienna first arrived I was quite panicky and felt that I wasn't qualified to look after a newborn, but it didn't take long to get to grips with understanding her needs. The worst is when she has wind - it's died down recently, but it wasn't uncommon for her to cry inconsolably for 3 hours - yikes! Although she has her moments, when Sienna smiles, my heart seems to beat stronger and my love for her grows stronger and stronger. I'm so blessed to have such a lovely daughter. Before writing this I was telling Sienna all about Cyprus. I was explaining how lovely the island is...how wonderful the food tastes...and how fantastic the people are. She seemed to be absorbing my monologue with full interest and then she let a big man-fart out and started to concentrate intensely on the door knob! Until next month, best wishes on you plans to buy a property in Cyprus! x Gosh, it’s hot here! As usual for July and August, temperatures are soaring in Cyprus. It’s times like this when I am really glad we have our own swimming pool. Having said that, the water in the pool is already at 32 degrees, it’s just like getting into a huge bath. The first summer we were here, I can remember telling my family in the UK this, but they didn’t believe me. I guess that was understandable – until they came to visit and experienced it for themselves. During July and August Cyprus is extremely hot and the sun is very powerful. I can’t believe the numbers of tourists that come over as white as sheets, within a day look like lobsters and find their holidays are ruined. So if you are coming over and you aren’t used to the sun, take your time to get your tan – it’ll happen slowly without you frying yourself. On that note, those of us who live here tend to keep out of sight in the mid-day sun even though we are used to it. We stay in the shade, get in the pool or the sea, wear large-brimmed sunhats and use a high factor sunscreen. We take things very slowly. One of my neighbours made me laugh. He said that at this time of the year, he has three speeds; slow, slower and full stop. Right now he’s on full stop. He really made me laugh - but he’s absolutely right! What’s great is that siestas in the afternoon are now even more important – they are usually from about 2pm-6pm so you can stay refreshed for the evening. Also, we do to tend to eat later in the summer - it’s much cooler by about 9pm and more comfortable to do so. Ok, so let’s move on to what’s going on around Cyprus. The Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) has just announced new, organised excursions to the “Koumantaria” villages wine route. If you are interested, they have one from Paphos on Sunday 1st August, leaving at 8.30am from the Archaeological Park entrance (parking place) and on the same day one from Limassol at 9.00am leaving from the CTO Information Office (Dassoudi). Call either the CTO Office at Paphos on 00 357 26930521 or Limassol on 00 357 25323211 to reserve your place. If you are interested in bird watching, Birdlife Cyprus arranges regular bird watching trips. For further information, please go to their website www.birdlifecyprus.org Big band lovers will be delighted to know that the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment Band, organised by the ABF, The Soldiers Charity are playing at Pissouri Amphitheatre on Friday 30th July at 19.00. Tickets are 10 euros from abftickets@gmail.com or by calling 00 37 99632119. These concerts are always brilliant, you won’t be disappointed! Talking about tickets, have a look at www.cyprustickets.com. It’s been a long time coming to Cyprus, but now you can book, pay and print off your event tickets. And here’s something that caught my eye – must be to do with the current “Love Cyprus” tourist board campaign: Larnaca Love Bus Sightseeing. An open-air double-decker bus company has commenced tours in Larnaca offering tourists the opportunity to see the bustling city. Tours on the ‘Love Bus’ operate five times a day (from morning until evening), and take in various sites of interest within the city, including the old aqueduct of Kamares, the Hala Soultan Mosque in Tekke, the ancient harbour of Kition and the Medieval Castle. Further on in this newsletter, I’m going to talk about transport, so don’t miss out on some hot tips and hints. But before that, I wanted to tell you about our amazing friends, Neil and Monica, who came over last week on what can only be described as the flight bargain of the year. Remember, we are in peak season now and flights are generally pretty expensive. But they only paid £40 return EACH for their Monarch airlines flights to Paphos! What a bargain that was …mind you, they did only book it the day before, but nevertheless; it just goes to show if you are flexible, you can get lucky at the last minute. Oh, and while I remember, please visit my Cyprus blog at www.cypruspropertybuyingguide.blogspot.com, I’d love to know what you think. If you are already following, you will know that I was just about to start talking about the renovation project my husband and I completed in Cyprus. But I received some emails asking if I could first of all give some advice about how we shipped all our worldly goods over here. So for the next few weeks at this blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge with you. I’ve written two reports on shipping, one that is generic and one specific to Cyprus, so if you’d like a copy of either, just let me know. Here’s where you can help your friends too. If you are aware of anyone who is emigrating or even thinking about it, you might like to let them know? I’m giving loads of useful information and plenty of hints and tips on how to make shipping overseas a success. Oh, and of course, there’s also www.emigrationguide.com where our latest guide is. It’s jammed packed with information about moving overseas. Finally, remember to email me with anything you need to know about Cyprus – it’s always great to hear from you. The team at The Overseas Guides Company can also answer your questions – and remember this service is completely FREE. Why not call them on 0207 898 0549 for a chat? They are all really nice people to talk to and will help you in every way they possibly can. Have fun – until next time. Best wishes. Jackie (and Kim)Cyprus Buying Guide
1. Book your flights to Cyprus as far in advance as possible to get the cheapest deals. At the time of writing, Easy Jet had November and December flights to Paphos for under £30 one way. Or, if you are adventurous and can be flexible, wait until the day before and keep your fingers crossed you can find a bargain 2. Try www.skyscanner.co.uk they often have amazing deals with several airlines and the site is really easy to use 3. Remember, Cyprus has no trains or trams 4. Bus services within the tourist areas are very good, reliable and cheap - usually just a couple of euros per person per trip. Buses out to the villages are also there, but depending on where you want to get to, they can be a bit hit and miss 5. Need transport on arrival at Paphos International or Larnaca International Airports? HOT TIP: Do not take taxis from outside; this is the most expensive option you can use. Instead, opt for the bus service and just pay a few euros to get to your hotel. Even if you are not staying at a hotel, it’s still cheaper to take the bus to the nearest hotel on the bus route, then taxi from there. Go to www.pafosbuses.com for further information 6. If you need to get to Larnaca Airport from Paphos Airport or vice versa, there is now an amazing airport bus service, costing only 14 euros. The price for a taxi would be upwards of 150 euros. Once again, go to www.pafosbuses.com where you can book your seats 7. Need a car? Be careful when hiring cars in Cyprus, there are excellent companies - but there are some who are absolutely dreadful. Hire cars have red number plates, which is an advantage because the Police tend to turn a blind eye if a “red plate” does something wrong – chances are you are a tourist, so they won’t upset you. And the locals know you’ll probably be unsure of the roads. If you need a car hire company, who are really reliable with quality, serviced cars that are safe to drive, just call us 8. On your bike! Yes, you can hire bicycles in Cyprus, although beware of the potholes …prices vary according to the quality of the bike you want. Cycling in The Troodos Mountains is extremely popular 9. Motorbikes and scooters are also in abundance, but again, beware of the potholes – and I mean potholes – they are like craters, much worse than the UK. Make sure you get a crash helmet too - you’ll notice that although it’s law to wear one, the police don’t seem to enforce it. You’ll even see people driving motorbikes and using their mobile phones at the same time - and sometimes you will see three people on one motorbike! 10. Finally, if you are using taxis, agree a price before you get in and make sure the taxi driver uses his meter (that is the law). Be warned – if the meter isn’t used, you will probably be in for a nasty shock when you arrive at your destination. They have been known to double their priceThe OGC Resource Centre does have services that they can recommend to you so please give them a call if you require help. These are property professionals they we at the OGC have either personally sourced and checked or companies that come highly recommended by other OGC readers. This is a free service and you are under no obligation to use them so why not give it a try – you have nothing to lose. Or you may like to fill in the form at: http://www.CyprusBuyingGuide.com/requirementsform.htm
How much are the banks ripping you off? Vince Cable is one of five Lib Dems in the Tory-Lib Dem coalition cabinet and holds the position of Business Secretary. He has come out publicly and said what we at Smart Currency have been saying for simply ages: that the high street banks are ripping their customers off. Visit Smart Currency Exchange at: www.SmartCurrencyExchange.com It’s often the people that wait until the last minute that are forced into buying at the worst times – don’t let that be you. Request a Quote from Smart Currency Exchange below or give a ring today to discuss your options! Smart Currency Exchange Quotation Form
Contact Smart Currency Exchange ltd on (+44) 0207 898 0541 or visit them at: www.SmartCurrencyExchange.com
The effect of low cost airlines on property prices I am often asked, and not only by investors but by each and every one who wishes to buy abroad, how to identify property hotspots in the right area and at the right price. Of major importance is easy access to your property. After all, if you are investing, that will be a real ‘plus’ to any intending renters/buyers. And if you are buying a home abroad for yourself, whether for holiday or residential purposes, you still need to know that you (and your family/visitors) can actually GET there easily and at a reasonable cost. In recent years the inception of low-cost airlines has been a factor in determining traffic to certain destinations and, in turn, the accommodation required on arrival. It’s a bit of a ‘chicken and egg’ scenario: is it lots of people visiting a destination who need more and cheaper transport, or does cheaper transport drive more people to a destination? For someone buying property, the end result is the same: the need for property increases and so, in direct relation, does the price of property in the area. So…how about using this as a research tool? I first visited Turkey’s southern shores, now-called the ‘Turquoise Coast’, in 1984. It was a far cry from what you will find today: there was not a single tourist in sight and the hotels were - let’s be kind - rustic. If someone had told me then that it would become a tourist hotspot I would have been amazed. Not surprised – it’s lovely – but amazed, as it was so quiet and so tranquil – sigh! I have just Googled low cost flights to Turkey and come up with 24 carriers, most of them flying into this area - these include Easyjet and BA. They fly mostly into Antalya airport, currently the only major transport hub to serve the 1,000 mile long stretch of Mediterranean coastline which includes the resorts of Marmaris, Dalaman, Gocek, Fethiye, Olu Deniz, Kalkan, Kas and Alanya. Gone are the days of tranquillity and seclusion, and property prices have risen accordingly – if I had done my homework at the time this rash of new airlines started I would have some really good investments under my belt by now! France is another example of the low-cost airline syndrome. Once Ryanair began flying to the Dordogne in 2000, property sales in the region rocketed - and so did the prices. So much so that until recently it was estimated that property prices in the Dordogne had risen by a staggering 160% in the last seven years. Parts of Italy, Poland and Bulgaria showed the same trend, namely prices increased once they were served by the low-cost airlines. All this to say that if you are thinking of buying abroad, a little canny research in this direction may prove very helpful. It also bears remembering that, during the latest economic downturn, several of the low-cost airlines have either shut down or reduced/cut their flying schedules. This being the case, you need to make sure that your property is not totally reliant on an airport that may or may not open, or indeed on just one low-cost airline that may fold. Good luck – and remember: the OGC Resource Centre is just a phone call away at 0207 898 0549. They have oodles of advice and recommendations that may just be the thing you need to make your property journey easier! You will be under no obligation to use their suggestions nor will it cost you anything.
Floods in France, fires in Greece, hurricanes in the USA, Spain and Portugal, earthquakes in Italy…these are disasters that can strike anytime, anywhere – and there is nothing we can do to stop them. There is however something we can do that will enable us to pick ourselves up and get on with the business of living…and that’s canny home insurance with a company that is reliable and ethical. Nothing can take the place of things like photos or books collected over years – some things are simply irreplaceable. But let’s face it – the trauma will be far less stressful if normal household contents and damage to the actual structure and fabric of your home can be sorted out at no cost to yourself. That’s where a company like Intasure come in. Are you covered for floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters? If you place your holiday home house insurance through an insurance company abroad you may not know the answers to these and other really important aspects of your policy. The answer is to insure with a specialist in second home and overseas property insurance right here in the UK. Intasure will offer you the reassurance of English language documents and UK back-office service and support: a plain English property insurance policy underwritten by some of the world's leading insurers and administered in the UK via helpful and knowledgeable staff. Go to: for more information and a quote on this The Overseas Guides Company (the OGC) was formed with the express aim of helping people to research and to solve the numerous questions and problems that arise when buying property and/or moving abroad. Kim Brown, Director of the OGC, saw up close and personal just how badly things can go wrong when her parents-in-law suffered at the hands of unethical people when buying in Spain. It all ended disastrously and Kim decided then and there that this should not happen to others. The OGC Resource Centre team will assist you to avoid pitfalls, minimise risks and save money! Talking to hundreds of people on a daily basis means that they have come across most of the problems that arise from time to time and, in many cases, have been able to help resolve them. Here’s what a happy OGC reader has to say: “…Let me say how happy Philip and I are with your [OGC Resource Centre] service. You have opened so many doors for us….I like to take things one step at a time, to fully take on board every situation, but I could never have been prepared for the multitude of options that you have presented us with. …You can be sure that we will be using your recommendations because we are gaining more and more confidence in your company and that is all down to the interest you take and the advice you give" Just pick up the phone and call 0207 898 0549 and the OGC Resource Team will be happy to help you. The team is available Mon-Fri from 9am to 6pm. You are under no obligation to use any of the recommendations and this service is absolutely free at the moment, so give them a ring today! Buy the Guide: Let me help you plan your property purchase... Contrary to ‘the movies’, dreams usually come true only after a lot of hard work, planning and dedicated effort rather than just good luck…As South African golfer Gary Player used to say, “The harder I work, the luckier I get”! Here is an email from one of my readers (abbreviated slightly): Unfortunately, we have no definite time line. We want to have one [overseas property], BUT with 3 teenagers in school here in Ireland, our dream of moving abroad must wait. Plan exactly what it is you want from your dream. Travel there and find out the location that suits you best. Factor into the equation things like access, transport, cost and so on and read the Property Buying Guide if you have not already done so. http://www.CyprusBuyingGuide.com/guide.htm You are also welcome to phone the OGC Resource Centre where you will find a team of friendly and helpful people happy to assist with yourqueries. The number is 0207 898 0549. Top Tip: What to do? Dial 112… Did you know that there is an international emergency number you can dial anywhere in the European Union, including Cyprus? The number is 112. This number works across the European Union and is answered by a multi-lingual operator. It works from any landline or mobile and will even work on a mobile with no SIM card installed. What’s more, if you’re unable to tell the 112 operator where you are, the emergency services will be able to locate you. It will take between 3 to 150 minutes depending on the type of call (fixed or mobile). Ok, that’s it for this month; I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this newsletter as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. I’m feeling as hot as a roast chicken, so I’m off to jump into the pool and cool down. Tonight we have friends round for a barbeque and then we’re all going to have a midnight swim under the stars. Sounds idyllic doesn’t it – and it is! If you haven’t planned your summer holidays yet, why not come over to Cyprus? This time of the year is the ultimate in relaxation. Just think about the warm, crystal clear seas, blue skies every day and lovely beaches to chill out on. And if you can do what Neil and Monica did, grab a flight for £40 each return, I expect we will seen you soon! Best wishes until next month. Jackie (and Kim) Cyprus Buying Guide (if you don't already receive a monthly announcement that our Cyprus newsletter has been published, you can sign up to our list here)
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