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Outlook: Cyprus Property |
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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.
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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. Cyprus' entry
into the European Union has brought about major changes in the
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 obtain property on the island of Aphrodite.
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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's 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 29 th
April 2005 and the government has declared its intention to join
the Euro zone in January 2008.
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Despite the upturn in fortunes presented by Cyprus joining the
EU in 2004 – capital growth has been 30 per cent 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 only stretch to
a large two-bedroom apartment in the south of France. It is worth
reminding that property prices on Cyprus 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.
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The island's
EU accession saw the remaining property-purchase restrictions
on foreigners lifted. Deposit levels have fallen to a low 15 -20 per
cent 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 per cent, making borrowing more affordable
even before the country's 2008 entry to the Euro.
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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”.
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About Cyprus |
Bunglows in Cyprus |
Villas in Cyprus |
Townhouses in Cyprus |
Apartments in Cyprus |
Buying property in Cyprus |
Custom built Villas in Cyprus |
Hot Properties in Cyprus |
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