Before you buy a property in Southern Cyprus, you need to think carefully about the type, style and area - because you will be spoilt for choice. Properties range from studio apartments to high-end, custom built multi-million euro villas. In fact, it is true to say that Cyprus can cater for everyone.

Apartments are very popular, particularly with holiday-home owners who want the security of being able to “lock up and leave.” 

Terraced houses (known locally as town houses) are available, so are semi-detached and detached villas. Then there are specific architect designed properties which can be all manner of designs, shapes and sizes. These properties can either be built traditionally with concrete or stone. It is now standard to build properties to withstand earthquakes.

Some builders are now starting to construct timber framed houses, which are known locally as “American style”. These are relatively new to the island, but considered to be very energy efficient. You should be aware these can be difficult to obtain mortgages on at the moment.

For those of you who are seeking what may be considered more the norm, villas are usually single or double-storey. The best way to describe a single-storey villa is to think of it as the equivalent of a UK bungalow. Double and triple storey villas just mean there are more floors. Having a property with a basement area is very popular too – the perfect place to escape from the sun or a very cold winter!

In Cyprus people from the west of the island often wonder why people buy in the east and vice versa.  Looking at the Paphos, Pissouri and Polis areas - and everything in between – you will be presented with gorgeous, hilly surroundings. These hold spectacular views overlooking either the sea or the Akamas Mountain Range.

Paphos, which is on the west side of the island, holds the highest concentration of ex-pats. It is enormously popular, particularly with the Brits. Larnaca, which is on the east side of the island has a mix of nationalities.

Go to the east, around Ayia Napa and Protaras, and you will find flat ground, amazing beaches and a coastline with wonderful cliffs carved into gorgeous bays by the sea.

But if you are looking for a home in a truly spectacular area, then you should look no further than the stunning Troodos Mountains where villas and apartments overlook a sea of evergreen trees with scenery that is out of this world.  Or, you may prefer your country home in the middle of a secluded valley on the outskirts of Larnaca in the east?

Golf and yachting enthusiasts will be in paradise in Cyprus and may well prefer a property on one of the golf courses or at a marina. Both golf and yachting are very popular and are easily accessible.

Nicosia and Limassol are the main business areas on the island. These two areas are also where many of the locals live and work and in places are heavily populated. Limassol in particular is becoming very popular with the Russian community.

Although Cyprus is a small island, the diversity of surroundings can vary dramatically. Take a tour of the whole island before deciding on where you want to live.

Remember to take the temperature into account too. Most people do not realise how much this varies across the island.