Where do I begin?

[terrie1967]

Hi All

I have been looking on this site for a while now, and have gained some valuable information on various subjects about moving to Cyprus. Me, my husband and children have a long term plan to move to Cyprus within the next 3 years. The sooner the better! Our main aim is to hope the housing market improves here in the UK so that we can earn some money once we sell our house. My first challenge is to learn to speak and write Greek before coming over. Can anyone recommend any good companies I can write to regarding employment? Currently I am a payroll manager and work in the Accounts Department for an International Law Firm, but I don't think there is any call in Cyprus for that type of work. So think it will have to be in the financial sector. Thanks guys in advance for any advice. I have loads more questions to ask if that's ok!

[kimonas]

Hello Terrie,

Caution and back up plans are all important when considering the first steps of a move - the best piece of recurring advice is to rent initially and not buy. Selling your house and using the funds to buy or rent here will make it difficult to re-enter the housing market back home (unless of course you're lucky enough to have multiple properties). The salaries in Cyprus are pitiful by European standards and certainly not enough to raise a family unless you are lucky enough to land a really plum job (which are relatively rare).

I would advise renting out your house in the UK (if there is enough income to cover any outstanding mortgage). If you are mortgae free, the rent from your UK property will be useful income which in most cases would cover rent here and probably give you a little spare income. The re-sale market in Cyprus is very slow, if you tie up your capital in a Cypriot property it will be very difficult to manage your options, whilst renting is usually cheaper and more flexible. I have changed jobs several times - so it is best to not be tied to a particular area by property.

Greek is notoriously difficult to learn for native english speakers, the added complication is that Cypriots speak a dialect which is quite a way removed from the typical lessons one would encounter commercially. The best way to learn is to jump in at the deep end. Having Greek will be a distinct advantage jobs wise, but bear in mind that employers have a huge pool of bilingual British-Cypriots to choose from and someone who has learned the language as an adult will never be able to compete with someone who is naturally bilingual. The vast majority of Cypriot business people speak English fluently and it makes practicing Greek very frustrating as everyone automatically speaks english if they detect an english accent.

The CYBC have an online Greek course which is free and a great introduction to Greek on the island.

Good luck!

[terrie1967]

Hi Kimonas,

Thank you so much for your reply. I wish I had multiple properties or even a mortgage free one!! I appreciate your advice and we will rent initially until we find the right place and area to buy in and settle.

I'll have a look at the website for the basic Greek lessons. I have looked at jobs available and they all seem to require both English and Greek speaking applicants. Fingers crossed I'll be one of the rare cases that gets a great job offer, I won't hold my breath though.

Thank you for all your valuable advice. I'll have loads more questions shortly!

All the best

Terrie