Northern Cyprus: Northern Cyprus

Overview

Many people, especially the British, are tempted by the comparatively low property prices and beautiful unspoiled landscape of northern Cyprus. A report by the Guardian newspaper in February 2005 suggested that around 6,000 British citizens have invested in northern Cyprus, buying off plan and even via the internet. If you’re considering buying property in this part of Cyprus, it’s important to know a little about the island’s recent history and the current political climate and essential to know their implications for property ownership (see The Cyprus Problem below).

You cannot afford to ignore the political situation in northern Cyprus, as it may affect your rights to legal property ownership.

If you do decide to buy a property in northern Cyprus, the remainder of this chapter looks at the most popular areas for homebuyers (including average prices), an overview of the buying process, and various practical considerations, such as the language and currency, how to get there and how to get around once you’re there.

THE CYPRUS PROBLEM

Cyprus is effectively two countries: the Republic of Cyprus and what’s known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The Republic of Cyprus is what the majority of people mean when they refer to Cyprus. It’s administered by a Greek Cypriot government, is internationally recognised and encompasses the southern two-thirds of the island. The TRNC, recognised internationally only by Turkey, is administered by a Turkish Cypriot government and covers the remaining northern third of the island. The Republic of Cyprus, joined the European Union on 1st May 2004, but the TRNC did not. Cyprus is a divided island and its capital, Nicosia, is the last divided city in Europe. This chapter explains why the country is divided, with a brief history and background to the current situation. It also looks at the effects this division may have on homebuyers and examines the practicalities and the potential problems associated with buying property in the TRNC, which is referred to in this book as northern Cyprus.

History

Cyprus has long been a magnet for a succession of invading armies, settlers and immigrants, thanks to its strategic position between Europe, Asia and Africa. Although never invaded or ruled by the Greeks, the island has for 1,500 years been under their cultural influence; but the two most recent ruling powers, the Ottoman Turks and the British, also left a lasting mark on the island, so that modern Cyprus is a mixture of Greek, Turkish and British influences. These influences have combined, directly or indirectly, to create the political situation in modern Cyprus.

Britain took control of Cyprus in 1878 from the Turks, who had ruled the island since 1571, although Turkey retained sovereignty until 1914, when Britain annexed Cyprus, and continued to rule the island until 1960, when the independent Republic of Cyprus was created. Although Cyprus undoubtedly prospered under British rule, it was also a period of growing political conflict between Cypriots of Greek and Turkish origin. The Greek and Turkish communities lived side by side, but politically there were serious differences about the division of power between the two. This underlying conflict continued after independence, culminating in the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974.

On 15th July 1974, extremist National Guard officers from mainland Greece staged a military coup in Cyprus with the intention of overthrowing and assassinating the Cypriot president, Archbishop Makarios. The coup was backed by the military junta which governed Greece at the time. The extremists wanted Cyprus to establish what was called enosis (political union with Greece). Archbishop Makarios survived the coup and escaped to the UK. Nikos Sampson, a Greek Cypriot guerrilla leader, whose stated goal was enosis, was proclaimed the new president of Cyprus. Sampson’s antipathy towards Turkish Cypriots was well known and, concerned by the possibility of a unified Greece and Cyprus, Turkish troops invaded the northern part of the island on 20th July 1974. They overturned the new government and, after fierce fighting, eventually took control of 38 per cent of the island. Some 200,000 Greek Cypriots were evacuated or fled to southern Cyprus and 100,000 Turkish Cypriots fled to the north. An enormous number of refugees were created and the economic cost to Cyprus was huge. Cyprus remains divided, more than 30 years later, and while the Republic of Cyprus in the south has performed an impressive economic recovery, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus remains politically isolated and relatively poor.

Following the invasion, a United Nations peacekeeping force was established on the island, maintaining a buffer zone between the two parts of the island. The Green Line, as it’s called, is patrolled by Greek Cypriot soldiers on the southern side and Turkish soldiers from the mainland on the northern side, with UN soldiers in between.

After partition, neither Greek nor Turkish Cypriots were allowed to move freely between the north and the south of the island. When the Turkish Cypriot government relaxed border restrictions in April 2003, many Cypriots had their first chance to see the other side of the Green Line for 29 years. Thousands of Cypriots from both sides of the border returned to their old homes and there were emotional meetings with old friends and neighbours. Nevertheless, many Cypriots still cannot move freely between the two parts of the island.

Now that the Republic of Cyprus has joined the European Union, EU citizens (including Greek Cypriots) should be able to move freely from one side to the other. In theory, any restriction of free movement is in contravention of EU legislation, but some restrictions remain (see below).

Cyprus & the European Union

It was hoped that EU accession would contribute to a solution for Cyprus. When the European Commission began accession negotiations with Cyprus in 1998, it made it clear that it wanted Cyprus to join the EU as a united country on 1st May 2004. As a result, there were renewed efforts to find a solution to the division of the country and United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, was called on to help. He drew up comprehensive proposals for reunification of the island, which would allow both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot administrations considerable autonomy, the right of return to their homes for Greek Cypriots and an alternating Greek/Turkish presidency. During the spring and summer of 2002, frequent talks were held between the leaders of the two sides, but they ended in stalemate. Negotiations were restarted in 2003, but agreement still couldn’t be reached.

In 2004, with Cyprus’ EU entry approaching, Kofi Annan put a revised agreement to both communities that allowed a referendum on both sides of the Green Line. On 24th April 2004, the peace plan was put to the vote and although 65 per cent of Turkish Cypriots accepted it, it was rejected by 76 per cent of Greek Cypriots. Greek Cypriots were unhappy about three main aspects of the plan:

• Turkey would be allowed to keep large numbers of troops on the island;

• An alternating presidency would be allowed despite Turkish Cypriots being in a minority;

• A limit had been put on the number of refugees who would get their homes back.

The Annan Plan had failed and the Republic of Cyprus joined the EU without the TRNC in May 2004.

The Future

Although the Annan Plan is still on the table, no one expects a solution in the near future and political stalemate remains between the two sides. The key to reunification may lie with Turkey’s aspirations to become an EU member. Accession negotiations begin in October 2005 and Turkey knows that the Republic of Cyprus can veto its membership. There’s renewed hope that an agreement may be reached during Turkey’s accession negotiations. Increased movement between the two sides is encouraging a new atmosphere, and in May 2005 Turkish Cypriots elected the moderate Mehmet Ali Talat as their leader, ending decades of hawkish rule by Rauf Denktash and raising hopes of reunification. Although it may be a long time coming, an agreement will be eventually be reached and Cyprus will become a united island once more.

Relevance for Property Buyers

A political agreement could have far-reaching effects for people who buy what was, before the invasion of 1974, Greek Cypriot land or property in northern Cyprus, although it’s almost impossible to know what these might be.

If you’re considering buying a home in northern Cyprus, it’s important to understand that feelings run high on both sides of the Green Line.

Turkish Cypriots and those selling property there (many of them British) will welcome you and often play down the potential problems. Property sales to foreigners benefit the ailing Turkish Cypriot economy and increase international acceptance of Turkish controlled northern Cyprus. On the other hand, Greek Cypriots, perhaps understandably, point out the illegality and immorality of buying property or land that’s rightfully owned by Greek Cypriots. There are many Greek Cypriots living in the Republic of Cyprus who are refugees from the north and who believe that even visiting the north while it’s still under Turkish control is morally wrong.

Morals aside, if you decide to buy property in northern Cyprus, you must ensure that you will have legal ownership of the land and property that’s being sold to you, even if Cyprus is reunited.

Title

It’s essential to check the title deed of a property before buying it. When Greek Cypriots were forced to leave their homes in the north, their properties and land were taken over by the Turkish authorities, who used them to house Turkish settlers from the mainland and Turkish Cypriot refugees who had moved to the northern Cyprus after the invasion of 1974.

The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Greek Cypriots are the ‘only true and lawful owners’ of their appropriated land and will never lose their legal title. In a highly publicised case, a British couple has been ordered to knock down the house they built on land owned by a Greek Cypriot before 1974. According to EU law, the owners of the land could have the judgement enforced in the UK and the couple could lose their home there too.

As well as having the status of the title deed confirmed by an independent lawyer before you agree to purchase, you should do so yourself by asking to see the deed at the Lands Office in North Nicosia. There are three possibilities: the property has no title deed; it has a deed with a number prefaced by the letters ‘TRNC’; or it has a deed with only a number, i.e. the deed dates from before the 1974 invasion and ownership hasn’t changed since then (known as a ‘clean’ title deed). The status of each of these types of property is explained below.

‘Clean’ Title Deed: The only type of totally secure title deed (known as a clean freehold title deed) is one issued before the Turkish invasion, which won’t be prefaced by the letters ‘TRNC’. These are internationally recognised deeds (and can be checked at the Lands Office in the Republic). Clean title deeds are usually listed first by agents, but unfortunately they’re virtually impossible to find.

TRNC Title Deed: A TRNC (referring to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) title deed (called in Turkish a kesin tasarruf or ‘absolute possession’ title deed) is the one most commonly found in northern Cyprus. It relates to property or land which was in Greek Cypriot ownership before 1974. When Turkish Cypriot refugees came to the north after the invasion, the authorities assessed the value of what they had lost in the south and awarded them a certain number of points. These points often allowed them to take possession of a Greek Cypriot house as a form of compensation. In return for the points, they had to sign over their properties in the south to the TRNC government, who held them pending a negotiated settlement between the two sides. Properties may have also been ‘given’ to settlers from the Turkish mainland and it’s also believed TRNC properties were issued to military servicemen as a reward for their services on Cyprus.

If the number on the deed has TRNC in front of it, you should be very wary of proceeding with a purchase.

The authorities and many estate agents may advise you that properties with a TRNC title deed are safe to purchase. However, these title deeds are recognised only by Turkey and by the government of northern Cyprus, and their purchase is considered illegal by all other authorities.

No Title Deed: If there are no title deeds for the land or property that you intend to buy, it could have been Turkish- or Greek Cypriot-owned before 1974. However, the absence of title deeds mean that its ownership is questionable. Properties without title deeds are often available at ‘bargain’ prices, but a bargain could turn out to be an expensive disaster if the real owner returns to claim after Cyprus’ reunification!

Purchasing a property without title deeds is illegal and is considered very unsafe, even by those estate agents who consider TRNC titles safe.

GETTING THERE

The main airport in northern Cyprus is Ercan (Tymbou, ? 231-4806), around 18km (11mi) south-east of Nicosia, which handles the majority of flights. However, because of an IATA boycott of the airport, you cannot fly directly to Ercan from any country other than Turkey. This means that there’s an obligatory stopover in mainland Turkey (at Istanbul, Izmir, Dalaman or Antalya), where you may have to change planes. This naturally extends travel times considerably. Don’t believe any airline that offers ‘direct’ flights to northern Cyprus. ‘Direct’ simply means you stay on the plane, but you must still stop in Turkey. Stopovers and changes of planes are usually handled efficiently, but it still means a journey time from the UK of six or seven hours, which is a major consideration if you’re thinking of buying a holiday home in northern Cyprus.

It’s possible to fly to Larnaca or Paphosand cross the border, subject to current restrictions, which may make it difficult to cross back into the Republic to catch your flight home (see Moving Between North & South below).

Airlines that fly into Ercan are Cyprus Turkish Airlines (CTA), the official state airline, Turkish Airlines and an independent airline, Onur Air. CTA offers flights from many European airports, including London Heathrow and Gatwick (three times per week), Stansted (daily), Belfast and Glasgow (once a week) and Manchester (twice a week). Turkish Airlines flies from major cities worldwide, including London Heathrow and Manchester. As stated above, all international flights are via Turkey. The Heathrow flight stops in Istanbul and many people make a virtue of necessity by taking a break in the Turkish capital. Onur Air offers flights from Stansted (three times per week) and Manchester (once a week), stopping in Istanbul.

Visas & Entry Requirements

All nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, the US and Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore can enter northern Cyprus with a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days without a visa.

If you have a northern Cyprus stamp in your passport, you will be refused entry to the Republic of Cyprus and possibly Greece too. When entering northern Cyprus, you should ask customs officials to stamp a separate piece of paper, rather than your passport. This is a commonly accepted procedure.

If you wish to stay in northern Cyprus longer than 90 days, you must obtain a temporary residence permit, which is issued at your local police station. Temporary residence permits are valid for a year and can be obtained by completing an application form and supplying four passport photographs. You must also have a medical to prove you’re free of TB and AIDS. Permits are usually automatically renewed annually and you may apply for permanent residence after five years of residence in the TRNC. Further information is available from the Migration Department of the Ministry of the Interior in north Nicosia (228-3344, info@trnc.gov com).

GETTING AROUND

Road

During the last few years, roads in northern Cyprus have been improved considerably thanks to financial aid from Turkey. There’s a good dual-carriageway between Ercan airport and Nicosia and the main roads between Nicosia and Famagusta and Nicosia and Güzelyurt have recently been upgraded. Driving is on the left as it is in the Republic of Cyprus.

Car Hire

You may not hire a car and drive it over the Green Line in either direction. To hire a car in northern Cyprus, you must be at least 25 and have a full driving licence from your home country. As in the Republic of Cyprus, the condition of rental cars often leaves much to be desired. If possible, test a car before you rent it and in particular check the efficiency of the brakes! Rates start at around UK£15 per day. Hire cars are fitted with distinctive red plates with numbers prefixed by a ‘Z’.

Public Transport

There are no rail services in northern Cyprus, where buses and taxis vary in terms of reliability and standard of service.

Buses

If you arrive at Ercan airport, there’s no public bus service from the airport (even into Nicosia city), so you must take a taxi from the airport to your destination (see below), unless you’re staying at one of the larger hotels or arrive as part of a package holiday, in which case you will usually be met at the airport. You can get a bus back to Ercan airport from the Cyprus Turkish Airlines Office in the new town, Bedrettin Demirel Caddesi (227-1240). Buses depart two hours before flights leave Ercan airport.

Buses serve central and suburban Nicosia city and operate between all the main towns, but these are less frequent after 5pm and at weekends.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available throughout northern Cyprus, although they aren’t metered. Ask the driver to quote you the fare before getting into the taxi. You can pay in either Turkish liras or pounds sterling (but change will be given in liras). Fares from the airport are approximately UK£5 into Nicosia, UK£20 to Kyrenia and UK£25 to Famagusta.

There’s also a shared taxi system, using minibuses (dolmushes), between Nicosia, Kyrenia and Famagusta.

Moving Between North & South

Movement between northern Cyprus and the Republic has become increasingly easy since 2003, when the Turkish Cypriot government relaxed restrictions, and particularly since May 2004, when the Republic of Cyprus became part of the EU – especially for EU citizens. Nevertheless, you may not drive a hired car over the Green Line in either direction.

Before Cyprus’ EU accession, tourists were denied entry to the Republic of Cyprus if they had entered via a port or airport in the north, in accordance with the Republic’s Aliens and Immigration Law. They could even be arrested or deported. (Until 2003, tourists in the south weren’t allowed to stay overnight in the north.) However, this law is now at odds with the EU’s policy of free movement and specifically with the Green Line regulation (that the Green Line isn’t an external border of the EU), which the government of the Republic agreed to implement on accession. So, in theory, the Cypriot authorities may now only hand out information leaflets about the situation in northern Cyprus. Nevertheless, just after EU accession in May 2004, the Cypriot justice minister warned that those who enter the Republic through what’s considered an illegal port or airport (i.e. any port or airport in northern Cyprus) could face on-the-spot fines of between CY£20 and CY£500.

In practice, freedom of movement between north and south depends largely on the point at which you cross the Green Line. Until recently, the only recognised crossing points were Ledra Palace and Agios Dhometis in the old city of Nicosia, but in 18th April 2005 the EU announced two new crossing points: Ledra Street, in Nicosia city, and Zodhia, just south of Morfou. However, you should check that these new points are operational before attempting to use them. Note that parts of the ‘buffer zone’ between north and south are mined and that there are no recognised crossing points inside the British base areas in the south-east of the island. The EU is pressing for amendments to the Green Line regulation, including freer movement of people and goods, the opening of more crossing points and an EU-sponsored de-mining programme for the buffer zone.

LANGUAGE

Although Turkish is the official language in northern Cyprus, English is widely used and understood. Many hotels employ German-, French- and Arabic-speaking staff. However, in more remote areas, few Turkish Cypriots speak English.

CURRENCY

The currency in northern Cyprus changed on 1st January 2005 and is now the new Turkish lira (Yeni Türk Lirasi/YTL), which is roughly equivalent to CY£0.35 or GB£0.40 – in other words, there are approximately three liras to the Cyprus pound and two-and-a-half to the British pound. The lira is divided into 100 New Kurus (Yeni Kurus/YKr). Coins are minted in denominations of YKr5, 10, 25 and 50 and YTL1, and there are notes of YTL1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100.

Unfortunately (for foreigners), the old currency is still in circulation and will continue to be valid until 31st December 2005 (old notes can be exchanged for new ones until 31st December 2016!), so you may need to familiarise yourself with it. There’s no risk of confusion, however, as an old Turkish lira (TL) is worth one-millionth of a new Turkish lira, so a glass of Turkish tea that now costs YTL1 previously cost TL1 million!

There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency. Most foreign currencies and travellers’ cheques are accepted in banks, exchange bureaux and hotels, and major credit cards are accepted in the main towns.

GEOGRAPHY & POPULAR LOCATIONS

Northern Cyprus is dominated by the Kyrenia mountain range, which runs along most of the northern coastline. As it extends east, it loses height along to the Karpas Peninsula, where long stretches of deserted beach can be found. To the south of the Kyrenia range is Nicosia (Lefkosa), the northern part of whose capital city (of the same name) is the capital of northern Cyprus. The most popular locations with tourists and homebuyers are the towns of Famagusta (Gazimagusa or Magusa) and Kyrenia (Girne) and the city of Nicosia and their surrounding areas.

If you’re thinking of buying land or property anywhere in northern Cyprus, check its ownership beforehand (see above). Your new home may be being built on a legal and political minefield.

Famagusta Town (Magusa)

The district of Famagusta (Ammochostos) incorporates the Karpas Peninsula on the far eastern coast of the island. Its capital, Famagusta town, which is south of the peninsula, on the east coast of the island, enjoyed a booming tourist industry during the ’60s and ’70s, but after the Turkish invasion of 1974, the area was ‘closed down’. It remains that way to this day, and part of it resembles a ghost town with abandoned high-rise hotels. However, the people of Famagusta town still extend a warm welcome to visitors and there has recently been a concerted effort to turn the town around and make it a more inviting place.

There are many historic buildings and monuments in Famagusta town. Like Nicosia’s, the old town area is enclosed by 16th century Venetian walls, which some say were Shakespeare’s inspiration for Othello. There’s the remains of a Venetian Palace and the magnificent Gothic Cathedral of St. Nicholas, which was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans.

Famagusta town isn’t as popular as Kyrenia town with foreign homebuyers, although there are several developments under construction in surrounding areas, such as the hilltop village of Bogaz and the villages of Iskele and Vrysoullies. Average prices are under GB£50,000 for a two- or three-bedroom apartment, under GB£100,000 for a three-bedroom semi-detached house and around GB£130,000 for a detached villa.

Kyrenia (Girne)

The district of Kyrenia, on the north coast of Cyprus, is considered one of the most beautiful parts of Cyprus and it’s the most popular area in the north for both visitors and homebuyers. Most of those who buy in northern Cyprus settle in the foothills of the Kyrenia mountains. The coast of Turkey is around 90km (55mi) away. Kyrenia town is also beautiful. The harbour, a favourite spot for tourists, is dominated by an enormous Byzantine castle with a backdrop of tall Gothic-looking mountains overlooking the sea. Although the town is being increasingly developed, there are as yet only a few shops and restaurants. For many foreign buyers this is part of its attraction.

Although some buyers are keen to restore old houses, most prefer modern properties, and developers and estate agents (mainly British) are moving in to take advantage of a burgeoning market. Developers are busy building new developments, almost all for British clients.

Older properties to restore can be found in the peaceful hillside village of Bellapais, which is just ten minutes from Kyrenia. Bellapais is famous for its abbey and the fact that the author Laurence Durrell was the first foreigner to buy and restore a home there, in the ’50s. You can buy a ‘ruin’ for as little as GB£15,000 and a restored three-bedroom restored village house for less than GB£70,000. Luxurious modern properties are less of a bargain, however, and a large four-bedroom villa can cost GB£300,000.

Modern developments can be found in and around Çatalköy, Edremit, Esentepe and the village of Lapta. One-bedroom apartments cost around GB£50,000 and three-bedroom bungalows from GB£65,000 to GB£150,000, depending on the area. Larger villas cost around GB£200,000.

Nicosia City (Lefkosa)

The northern half of Nicosia city is rather overshadowed by its southern half. It’s far quieter and has rather lost out to Kyrenia town, which takes the lion’s share of tourism and, more recently, property development. North Nicosia city has changed little since 1974, but it does its best to welcome the visitors that come from the south to experience a little of life on the other side of the Green Line. Like the southern part of the city, it isn’t as popular with foreign buyers as some other areas, although there are plenty of beautiful old stone houses that have been restored.

PURCHASE PROCEDURE

Once the price of a property has been agreed, a lawyer will draw up a sale contract detailing the terms of the purchase and any conditions, and both parties must sign it. It’s likely that the contract will be in Turkish so (unless your Turkish is fluent) you will need to get it translated so that you understand exactly what you’re signing. If you’re using one of the many British estate agents in northern Cyprus, he will usually arrange this for you.

You will be asked to pay a 10 per cent deposit on signing, and your lawyer will then apply to the Ministry of the Interior for permission for you to buy the property. This can take several months but, once permission has been granted, the balance is payable and the transfer of the title can take place.

Normally a buyer pays 6 per cent of the purchase price in tax and the seller pays 3 per cent (on a first sale) or 6 per cent (on subsequent sales). Generally, the purchase price is under-declared to reduce tax liability although this is illegal. VAT isn’t charged on house building as it is in the Republic of Cyprus, although in February 2005 there was a report in a local newspaper that the government was planning to charge foreign buyers VAT at 15 per cent on new properties. Check this carefully before you commit to purchase a property.

ESTATE AGENTS

If you decide to buy in northern Cyprus, it’s advisable (although no guarantee) to use an agent who has long-standing experience of the property market in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and knows the possible pitfalls facing foreign buyers. There’s no shortage of estate agents and more and more have been setting up business in the north as the property market has shown increasing signs of potential growth, but estate agents in northern Cyprus aren’t licensed by law as they are in the Republic of Cyprus. Exercise extreme caution and check the credentials of any estate agent you use. Talk to other expatriate house buyers and get their recommendations.

BANKS & FINANCE

Banks in northern Cyprus aren’t as reliable as those in the Republic of Cyprus and many of them folded in 2001, along with banks on the Turkish mainland. You can open an account (in either Turkish liras or sterling) with a local bank, but it’s preferable to use one that has branches in your home country. The Turkish Bank has branches in London, and the British bank HSBC has branches in Kyrenia and north Nicosia city. You can change money at foreign exchange offices, which are usually open from 8.30am to 1pm and from 2 to 5pm. It’s impossible to get a mortgage in northern Cyprus, although developers may offer an instalment payment plan.

POSTAL SERVICES

Postal services are efficient from northern Cyprus and costs are similar to those in the Republic. Post offices are open from 7.30am to 2pm and from 4 to 6pm Mondays to Fridays and from 8.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays. All northern Cyprus addresses must finish with ‘Mersin 10, Turkey’ and not ‘northern Cyprus’ or ‘the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ or simply ‘Cyprus’.

TELEPHONE SERVICES

Netas, the northern Cyprus telephone company, isn’t noted for its efficiency. It can take up to a month to get a line installed in an urban property and much longer (up to two years) in a more remote area with no telegraph poles. Telephone lines cost around GB£25 to install.

When dialling a number in northern Cyprus, you must first dial the international code for Turkey (90) and then the northern Cyprus code (392), followed by the number. Even if you’re dialling from one side of the Green Line to the other, you must use the full code and will be charged for an international call. It’s advisable to use a mobile telephone with roaming facilities instead, but make sure it’s one that you can use in both parts of Cyprus. Mobile phone companies in the north are Telsim and Türkcell.

UTILITIES

Power cuts and water shortages are commonplace in northern Cyprus. Most people have rechargeable lights and surge protectors on their computers to prevent damage during dangerous power surges. The worst water shortages are inland from the Kyrenia Mountains. Your solicitor can help you open water and electricity accounts.

© Survival Books Limited 2005

“Buying a Home in Cyprus” 3rd Edition, Anne Hall.

Reproduced with the permission of Survival Books Limited.

Further information on this topic can be found in “Buying a Home in Cyprus” 3rd edition, by Anne Hall.

For extensive information about buying a property in Cyprus, you can purchase this book at www.survivalbooks.net