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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 (and a small note from Kim) How the Election may affect your pocket The Taxman Cometh... Let the OGC Resource Centre help you Let me help you plan your Cyprus Purchase It seems ages since I wrote my last newsletter to you, but it probably has something to do with the fact that we’ve been away on holiday in Sri Lanka. I just can’t resist telling you a little bit about it, I won’t be too long. Well, it was truly amazing – I finally managed to achieve a lifetime ambition to feed a baby elephant! She was so beautiful, but gulped her bottle of milk down in about 4 seconds flat – only just enough time to get a photograph. If you’ve never been to Sri Lanka, I can highly recommend it. It’s a stunning, beautifully green country with very friendly people and spectacular scenery. Make sure you visit the elephant orphanage at Pinnewela, which is where I fed the baby. The work they do here looking after all the injured and stray elephants is incredible. Oh, and by the way, Kim tells me that female elephants are pregnant for 3 years – yes 3 years – before their babies are born. I bet Kim is glad she’s not an elephant right now, although she probably feels like one! By the way, little Sienna is about to be born any day. I simply can’t wait for this wonderful event. So, let’s move on to Cyprus. I have so much news for you this month, including a special feature on how to find a job here - so let’s get started. Well, spring has sprung, it’s time for you to shrug off your winter coat and start enjoying the warmer weather – and where better than in Cyprus? If you are thinking of coming over, you might be interested to know that Easyjet and Jet2 airlines have announced some good news. From 14 April, Easyjet are starting flights from Bristol to Paphos four times a week and Edinburgh to Paphos twice a week. Jet2 will be starting twice weekly flights from the beginning of May from Paphos to East Midlands and Newcastle up until 31 October. What’s the weather like at the moment? Well, it’s been incredible recently. We’ve had a heat wave with temperatures getting up into the 90’s (or the 30’s depending on which scale you use!). I still can’t believe we are experiencing July weather in April – it’s far too early. It won’t last for long though and we’ll soon be back to normal for this time of the year. The great news is it’s helping to heat up our swimming pools, so not long now before it’s time to jump in again. I can’t wait, I just love going for a swim before breakfast. Let’s move on to Cyprus property. Things are looking far more positive on this front now. Property sales are up by 30% according to figures published by the Lands and Surveys Department. So if you are looking to grab a bargain, don’t leave it too long as the market – for the second month in a row – is now picking up. Even RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) European Housing Review shows the Cyprus property market is showing signs of growth. This, combined with the long awaited changes to Planning and Title Deed legislation are all helping restore confidence. The new Title Deed legislation (which is to clear the current backlog) is expected to be in Parliament by the end of this month, according to Interior Minister Neoclis Sylikiotis. More on that when it happens. Let’s move on to a new motor vehicle law. Please note: It is now illegal in Cyprus to display anything in your front windscreen. So if you have a car here, please remove your Tax disc, your MOT disc, and anything else you have stuck on your windscreen – fluffy dice included! Although this has only just been made public, failure to comply will result in a fine of 50 euros. At the moment, the police are being lenient as, in true Cyprus fashion, it takes a while for these things to filter through. Here’s a word of warning. If you own a property in Cyprus and share a swimming pool, you need to be aware of an article published by The Cyprus Mail recently. It states, “A long-ignored law passed in 1992, which designates all shared swimming pools as subject to the same strict regulations as public pools, is coming back to haunt property owners and developers in Paphos. The law stipulates that pools shared by more than one family are classed as public swimming pools and therefore must comply with specific regulations such as providing a lifeguard, separate male and female toilets, showers and footbaths.
Remember to email me with anything you need to know about Cyprus – it’s always great to hear from you! Kind regards, Jackie and Kim Cyprus Buying Guide
So you’re coming to Cyprus to live but you need employment – how do you go about finding a job? First of all, you need to do a lot of research - and probably most importantly, you need to be patient and have a financial cushion to support you while you are waiting for employment. Cyprus doesn’t have the excellent employment agency facilities; it’s a bit behind the times in this respect. Vacancies are advertised in the two leading English newspapers, The Cyprus Mail and The Cyprus Weekly, for which you can obtain a subscription - go to www.cyprusweekly.com.cy. The usual procedure as per the UK is to send in your CV and wait for a response. One of the easiest routes is to transfer from a company in the UK with offices in Cyprus. There has been an increase in the number of large accountancy and financial companies located here, so this is really worth exploring. For instance, Lloyds Bank have just opened a branch here in Paphos, Price Waterhouse have a presence, as do Blevin Franks, to name just a few. Many large corporate companies advertise via the local papers for qualified professionals so this may be another easy route for a newcomer to the island. Also, the medical/nursing sectors always have vacancies. There are a vast number of private hospitals on the island now and more set to open, all who employ English staff. Dentistry too is in demand, as are physiotherapists, chiropractors and other related professions. How about other jobs not in these sectors? Don’t despair! The way most newcomers find work is by networking and word of mouth. There is always work to be found for English staff because we tend to be harder working and more reliable! For instance, Marks and Spencer, Debenhams and Early Learning Centre all recruit frequently, usually by word of mouth. Then of course there are always jobs in the holiday and hotel industries for waiting staff, chefs, receptionists, administrators and so on. You will be in demand if you have excellent customer service skills. And of course Cyprus is one of the most popular destinations to get married, so there are an abundance of Wedding Coordinators who also need staff. Bear in mind that holiday and hotel industry work does tend to be seasonal, but perhaps it can help you out until you find that permanent role. Due to Cyprus’s popularity for holiday homes, villa management skills are always in demand. So if you are an excellent cleaner, gardener or handyman, can look after swimming pools or are prepared to meet and greet at the airports, you shouldn’t have any problems finding work. Don’t forget as well, all the major tour operators operate in Cyprus and they need staff, as do the airports. The one thing you do need to bear that in mind is that salaries here are often way below what you would earn for the same job in the UK. Obviously if you can speak Greek you are at a huge advantage and this opens up many more opportunities. What if I want to start my own business? Well, there are more and more English owned companies starting up so don’t be daunted by this The process is far less complicated than it used to be thanks to the EU, it just traditionally takes longer than it would in the UK. Also, there are several good business networking groups in Cyprus now, all who offer support to people in business. Some are free to join, some charge a small fee. Good luck with your job search, see you in Cyprus soon! Any help needed or queries here do pick up the phone and chat to the friendly OGC Resource Centre team at 0207 898 0549. They really are very knowledgeable and this is a free service, so what do you have to lose? Give them a ring today or fill in our OGC Resource form at: http://www.CyprusBuyingGuide.com/requirementsform.htm How the Election may affect your pocket by Charles Purdy Whoever wins the next general election may well inherit a “poisoned chalice”. Remember, in these times of doom and gloom, you can get expert advice and assistance from the experts at Smart Currency. Let’s face it, we need to make our money work for us in the tough days ahead. By using a currency company like Smart, you can save up to 4 per cent on the exchange rate your high street bank will offer and that can mount up as you move your money abroad or bring it back into the UK! There are also mechanisms that will allow you to plan your currency exchange rate well into the year ahead… 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 Alexis and her husband Rod recently made a transfer through Smart and I thought you would like to read the amazing testimonial he wrote for us:
Rod Stratfold I think you will agree with me when I say that, on planning to move abroad, keeping the taxman happy can be very important. I was recently reminded of my move abroad; a really good friend of mine has fallen into a trap that I avoided - he left South Africa without actually going through the emigration process - and therefore the final tax process too. His wife has a British passport so there was no problem when it came to moving to Britain, but the problem has arisen now that his mother has died and he wants to transfer the balance of his inheritance to the UK. If he had officially emigrated this process would have been comparatively easy and much more tax-friendly but, since he did not do so, it has become a highly complex process. Plus of course there is the added problem of trying to get things done from a distance. It took me a full month of visits and endless phone calls to tax and government offices in South Africa before I finally had all the papers I needed to formally emigrate – I don’t want to think of the frustration and the cost of trying to do this from abroad. Quite apart from anything else, it was a personal relationship that I forged with one of the people in the tax office that finally ‘cracked the case’! Incidentally, a word to the wise: never lose sight of the personal touch and of being remorselessly pleasant and patient throughout. A few tantrums and ill temper can delay you by weeks as obstructive staff may decide that it’s payback time! You obviously need to make sure in your own mind that you intend to remain abroad, but once you are absolutely sure of this – as I was – you need to go into all the tax implications of your move in order so that you get the most possible value from your savings. You may be surprised to hear that many Brits end up actually paying more tax than they need to when they emigrate. It’s all down to exactly when you leave the country. I was surprised to learn that you may even be owed a refund: it has something to do with unused allowances and varies by the month, peaking for lower income earners in July and higher earners if they leave in August. You need the input of a good IFA (independent financial advisor) here to make sure that you time your move correctly. I must hastily add that I am no tax expert and you need to take good professional advice, but did you know that there is a completely legal way to save on Capital Gains Tax (CGT) when you come to sell your property/properties? If you have rental or holiday properties as well as the home you live in, the real saving comes if at some stage you have used the property as your Principal Private Residence or PPR. Principle Private Residence relief means you don't pay CGT on gains you make when selling your main home - and you can also make use of it for other properties you own too. Also, remember that if you have let your property as a corporate rental to a trading company or business, you may qualify for the much more generous business asset taper relief, giving you a 75% discount on your capital gain after only two years. Once again, it’s all down to planning and homework. Not a minute of the planning I did was time wasted and, in the end, it allowed me to move seamlessly and with the minimum of trouble. I cannot stress enough that this is a really involved subject, one that requires expert advice. However, what I want to achieved is to make you aware that choices do exist, perfectly legal ones that could end up saving you thousands of pounds. Also, Smart Currency has put out a brilliant FREE relocation report. One of the toughest lessons I learned was that I should have used a currency company to transfer my money abroad rather than my high street bank. Why? Well, this report will explain all that and tell you how to save money…always useful! If you would like this report just go to:
Protection for you and your Overseas Property As an owner - or a potential owner - of a home overseas, you will already understand the importance of protecting your valuable asset. Until now it has been hard to find an insurer who provides comprehensive protection combined with a flexibility that covers all eventualities. I am delighted to tell you that we have found such an insurance provider that provides comprehensive cover against all eventualities for holiday homes. Whether your home is occupied or not, or let short term or long, their policies are ideal for property abroad and are flexible and designed to meet your specific needs. One of the key advantages is the UK-based English speaking team that resolves any problems that may arise. In addition, all policy documentation is written in English, so you know exactly what you are getting. Don't risk turning you dream home into a nightmare by not having the right insurance cover - for more information please contact me at 0207 898 0549 and let’s have a chat. Or go to the link below and fill in the insurance resources form. I will phone you to discuss this very important aspect of your property abroad.
Let the OGC Resource Centre help you 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. Director of the company, Kim Brown, had seen 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 a property in Spain. It all ended disastrously and Kim decided then and there that this should not be allowed to happen to others. The OGC Resource Centre team help educate overseas property buyers on how 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 can arise 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 at 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 or fill in our OGC Resource form at: http://www.CyprusBuyingGuide.com/requirementsform.htm Let me help you plan your Cyprus 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…Here is an email from one of my readers (abbreviated slightly):
Plan exactly what it is you want from your dream. Travel thereand find out the location that suits you best. Factor into the equation things like access, transport, cost and so on and read the Cyprus Property Buying Guide if you have not already done so. To order your copy, go to: http://www.CyprusBuyingGuide.com/guide.htm
Well, that’s it from me for this month – I can’t believe how quickly it’s flown by. Enjoy life to the fullest and keep in touch! 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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