The whole concept of forums has never been as well demonstrated as this thread where one comment about a couple looking to move to Cyprus to retire has attracted posters from every angle you could imagine!

While it is obvious that the couple looking to retire to the Island of Cyprus have looked at other venues – they already have property in Spain – it is also a good idea to get comments from those on the ground. However, even though we would all like to hope that moving overseas is a bed of roses and very simple this is not always the case. We can all learn as much from those who have moved back home as those that have stayed in the area for many years.

On the subject of location the thread seems to have attracted lovers of each and every part of the country with some very passionate arguments for and against certain areas. One thing which is blindingly obvious is the fact that Cyprus seems to offer something for everyone, whether you are looking for a quiet life, a lively time or a mixture of the two.

Cyprus is one of those countries which are often overshadowed by problems of the past but when you check the area out it has always been a magnet for young and old from all parts of the world. Threads like this one give people the chance to promote the real Cyprus and not just the headlines which you see in the press. For that we should be very grateful…….

Continue reading ‘Retiring To Cyprus – Where To Look And What To Look For’ »

Looking to set up a new bank account overseas? Wondering what paperwork you need and how simple the process is – or is not – then this thread will help if you are looking to go to Cyprus.

The headline of the thread is a little misleading as it goes on to cover a whole host of property related questions regarding Cyprus. However, it has to be said that the bank account issue is covered in great detail even though the level of identification needed seems to vary from institution to institution. Money laundering regulations are one of the main reasons for the tighter laws as well as the fact Cyprus needs to abide by EU laws like all other EU members.

The subjects of property, foreign mortgages, how to find the best deals and the many possible pitfalls are all covered in great detail. Like most property markets around the world the estate agency industry is under great pressure to deliver sales and get transaction numbers up, something you should be very aware of if ever you feel pressurised into agreeing a deal on the spot. There is also an issue about the legality of some estate agencies in Cyprus and the fact that some seem to trade as marketing agencies where the regulatory obligations are reduced.

The thread is full of useful information and warnings in equal measure and while the headline suggests a boring bank account thread, this is certainly not the case!

Continue reading ‘Information on setting up bank account and much more…’ »

Is life all it is made out to be in Cyprus? Do the brochures tell you exactly what it is like on the ground? Read on…..

The poll at the start of the thread is quite revealing with 42% of voters happy with life in Cyprus and the balance either partly happy, unsure or not happy at all. A quick look at the thread will show you that there appear to be a few romances in to the air but it does bring up some interesting points for those looking to live overseas. You only get back what you put into the move!

One of the more prominent posters makes the valid point that people move to Cyprus expecting life to be perfect when it can never be. There will be elements you like, elements you dislike and many more in between but it is up to you to adapt to life in a foreign land, not the locals to adapt to you.

Many people have different reasons to start a new life overseas, many have families although some are alone. There are no promises when you move overseas, you need to do your homework and more than ever you MUST sample the local life away from the tourist areas before you decide to move lock, stock and barrel.

While this thread was closed due to it running offline a little, and looking more like a dating ad, don’t let this overshadow the points which have been brought up – many tongue in cheek but very valid.

Continue reading ‘Isn’t life wonderful in Cyprus?’ »