Buying Property for Sale in Cyprus – A Quick Overview

Buying property for sale in Cyprus is still the dream for many people looking to escape grey skies, the rat-race and spend hassle-free days in the sun. Property sales in Cyprus have been affected in these credit crunch times, but there is still movement in the market, even though it is much slower than the past few years. Here you will find every type of property: inexpensive Cyprus apartments, villas, beachfront properties, village stone houses, off plan, under construction, resales, bungalows, maisonettes, townhouses for investment, rental, holiday homes or for permanent living. There really is something for everyone who is looking at buying property for sale in Cyprus.

It has to be emphasized however that when buying property for sale in Cyprus you should be aware that Northern Cyprus (sometimes known as the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus) is under Turkish Occupation. In 1974 there was an invasion, occupation and 200.000 Greek Cypriot refugees were forcefully removed from their homes and properties. When considering buying property in "North Cyprus" you should seriously take into account that you may be buying one of those refugees' homes, thus becoming an accomplice to serious violations of human rights and the UN's resolutions. You should realise that based on the solution of the Cyprus Issue; you most probably will have to return the property you purchase to its rightful owners.

On a happier note those thinking of buying property for sale in Cyprus can take advantage of the many charter flights to and from Cyprus flying into the two international airports Larnaca and Paphos, both located on the south coast. Both airports have recently been renovated with Paphos re-opening last autumn and Larnaca's new terminals grand opening is November 2009. As the island is so small it is always worth checking online for charter flights to and from Cyprus to both airports, they are in fact only 150km apart and there a very good two-lane-highway that joins all the major towns on the island.

In comparison to a lot of other countries the procedure of buying property for sale in Cyprus by foreigners is simple. Non Europeans are allowed to the freehold ownership of a villa, apartment or piece of land, of a maximum 4014 square meters. Europeans are currently entitled to a freehold ownership of one villa or apartment. The one property restriction in respect of Europeans will hopefully soon be abolished due to Cyprus's entry to the European Union in 2004.

In respect of plots of land, Europeans can buy as many and for any size. This was one of the changes which took place because of the entry to the EU. Foreign companies can purchase premises for their business or a holiday home for their directors. Europeans who obtain a permanent or temporary permit can register in their name as many properties as they want provided that they sign a declaration to the government that they will stay for in Cyprus for the following five years.

I hope this quick overview will help those considering buying property for sale in Cyprus in their research. With so many charter flights to and from Cyprus, and the range of real estate available from inexpensive Cyprus apartments through to bespoke, custom designed villas there is really nothing to stop you having your very own place in the sun - big or small.

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Kate Smith suggests shopping around for charter flights to and from Cyprus when looking at buying property for sale in Cyprus.