Unwin Estates

wearytravellers



Joined: 27/04/2007
Posts: 145


Message Posted:
07/05/2007 10:05

Unwin Estates have been given a really good write up on Shelter Offshore Website. Are they as good as they say ??? I have an appointment with Mandy on the 30th May to view properties. Has anyone had any dealings with Unwins or Mandy.....any recomendations ??? ALSO I have an appointment with Wendy through Rhiannon from aboutnorthcyprus.com any advice. It is all getting confusing for me.......I must be getting old !!!!! I just want to buy a nice property in a nice area with a couple of bedrooms.....am I asking too much ??



All advice greatly appreciated

Notsoboredhw



Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1080


Message Posted:
07/05/2007 10:19

Also try donaghy & Beyler - they are very good. We bought from them - my husband works with the sister of an employee there so well trusted!

Kitty1



Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 324


Message Posted:
07/05/2007 10:48

Hello there guys, I'm going to be honest I have deliberately avoided Unwins because I have been warned off them by three or four totally different and unrelated sources. I've been advised to steer well clear, so I have. I'm sorry I can't be more positive but I just wanted you to be aware that there may be some issues.



Personally I can highly recommend Select Estates. I have dealt with a lovely lady called Nicola. Helpful, practical and really nice service. Some lovely properties available too.



I also have to say that recently I have been assisting some friends in finding a place to rent and Donaghey and Beyler have been very helpful indeed - quick to respond, going out of their way to help.



I can tell you 2 other places that from personal experience I would not recommend, but it's probably not appropriate to just drop the names here.

sarahlou


Joined: 10/04/2007
Posts: 11


Message Posted:
08/05/2007 12:38

Hi, we met with Mandy from Unwin Estates and found her knowledgeable and really helpful. We were aware of some past issues with Unwins but to be honest, we decided to talk to / meet with most agents to get the broadest selection possible. Although we did not purchase with her/Unwins we found them very professional at all times.



We have bought through North Cyprus International and found Jame/John in the UK really helpful and Tim / Diane in TRNC excellent - Tim really know his stuff, areas, locations and was by far the least pushy we met on our viewing trips.



The one bit of advise i would urge you to take is look at re-sales, there are so many half finished developments in all the areas i would avoid 'off plan' at all costs - i am sure many have had good experiences however we found them a little more risk that we were prepared to take.

victoriasloss


Joined: 27/04/2007
Posts: 72


Message Posted:
08/05/2007 16:28

Hi



for those who have not heard of us, we are Simon and Vikki and we are based in the UK.



Our parents purchased a property in the TRNC over 3 years ago from an estate agent who has offices in Alsancak and Girne !! and to date have nothing to show for their maney, just a very large loan for £150,000 that they (in failing health) are struggling to pay on their meagre pensions.



We are hoping that this group will be able to lead or advise those as to the possible pitfalls that may occur when purchasing in Northern Cyprus



The country is truly beautiful and the people also, but there are many unscrupulous characters lurking including Developers, Estate Agents and more worringly even Lawyers



We work closly with "The Home Buyers Pressure Group"



http://www.hbpg-trnc.net



who have loads of very important information on their site.



Our site is



www.trncpropertywarning.freewebsites.com



Takes a little time to load but well worth the wait.



All we ask is for true stories (that can be backed with documentry evidence if required) good or bad, also nominations for "Good and Bad Guys" again with evidence should it be needed.



We look forward to welcoming you



and if we can help 1 person



NOT TO MAKE THE SAME MISTAKES AS OUR PARENTS



we also have a new Bulletin Board which you can join for info





http://groups.msn.com/TRNCPROPERTYWARNING

Beths


Joined: 20/04/2007
Posts: 28


Message Posted:
09/05/2007 19:54

Hi Weary Travellers



We have just purchased through Unwins and found them to be helpful, they explained the pros and cons of buying and told us nothing was 100% certain with land rights and advised it was always best to put away money incase of future claims. They also told us our current 'uniterrupted view' could have future development on. I am not saying they have not had problems in the past and we too are now in the positon of just hoping everything goes through alright but personally I found it re-assuring that they have invested in the local community through the setting up of the School so they obviously intend to be around for a while.



I would however recommend you do sort out your own independant lawyer and have their details ready for which ever agent/developer you decide to go with.



Good luck with your search.

CLOUD9


Joined: 29/04/2007
Posts: 10


Message Posted:
12/05/2007 17:42

Hi Weary Travellers,



We used Unwins, I came over two years ago and booked with a few agents, but Unwins took me to a great piece of land with terrific views and I was smitten, like all agents they have their for and against's but I can't really complain, they were very professional and helpful and introduced us to the builder who took us out shopping for the kitchen, bathroom etc. They sent us regular updates on the apartment, but like all agents once they have got the fee from the client they can't be seen for dust. To be honest they are all pretty much the same, you might get a better deal buying direct off one of the construction companies, but don't take your finger off the pulse for a moment and don't part with your money too freely especially when it comes to the final payment, make sure every tiny piece of snagging is done first.

breezyboy



Joined: 14/05/2007
Posts: 306


Message Posted:
14/05/2007 14:19

Hi

Try Little Villa Company, they have a website. Richard and Paul are two very genuine guys who are still around after the client has paid out and only too happy to help. Offices just before the turning to Acapulco, easy to find.

gongle


Joined: 11/05/2007
Posts: 13


Message Posted:
14/05/2007 15:00

i have to second the shout out for little villa....they are well informed and genuinely nice people. Richard used to be a project manager (or something)for a large construction firm in the UK so understands the construction side of things and he pointed out a number of things i would have missed.

pilgrim



Joined: 11/05/2007
Posts: 820


Message Posted:
15/05/2007 19:36

hi Having viewed many of villas on offer in TRNC , could find nothing in the same league as New Villas International, magnificient, incredible spec, turkish title own 10x5 overflow pool. Sites and roads nearing completion 95% sold, speaks for itself. first class maintenance.Very nice trustworthy people.



Call Mehmet 00905428556666 He'll send you details or visit us.

regards

p

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 924


Message Posted:
16/05/2007 07:03

wearytravellers,



If it sounds too good to be true it probably is. Estate Agents staff per se have a job to do ie sell houses at the highest price they can get from you to ensure their commission.



With most agents everything is great until you complain or something goes wrong. Then BEWARE. Certain agents, one mentioned above, reposesses your property if your stage payments are a few days late.



As for the pre 1974 thing, do not worry about it. Chances are again if the agent tells you the land is, it is highly possible it isn't. Do not believe the agent or solicitors, the only way to check is go yourself to land registry in Lefkosia to see original docs. Go for a property that seems right for you.



I note the comments from Pilgrim about "first class maintenance" if there is a maintenance fee involved then it is so easy as one large company has done recently to put up costs by 130% without notice. If you want to live here permanently by a home on a small site, you do not want the additional costs on maintenance etc.



I would suggest you do as I did and spend as much time as you can researching on internet, library, press etc. Avoid too many direct references on these sites, although personal views they are just that. Then make as many appointments with agents as you can after first checking out where you feel you would like to live, when we first came we decided where we thought we would want to be and ended up at the opposite end of island! Go around the viewings, say nothing to agent to indicate you are interested, go home think about it before deciding and then come back. In fact do what you would do if buying a home in UK are anywhere else.



Finally, if you do buy here, you will not regret it. Despite all the perceived problems it is a great place to live.



David

shona2


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 28


Message Posted:
16/05/2007 11:00

Hi all,

I have to agree with Breezyboy and Gongle. I have just bought in Ozankoy and used The Little Villa Company and they have been fantastic. I would even go as far as to say much better than the estate agents I am using in the UK who are useless and have given me nothing but stress...

Shona

lemony


Joined: 16/05/2007
Posts: 5


Message Posted:
16/05/2007 15:16

cyprusishome



i dont think an agent can reposses a property for late payment as the contract isnt with them unless it is their own project i.e they are the developer too. you will probably find that it is the builder/developer who does this though it is generally a short sighted move unless the customer is very late paying or is nothing but trouble (you do get em!).



i know of one builder who charges people £5k late fee even if it is only a few days late but suffice to say that word gets around and this builder hasnt sold a property for about 18 months now!



its advisable to see what your obligations are on your contract before buying and argue for a late fee rather than the chance of losing the whole property but ultimately it is best to make your payments on time (they builder has to pay the bills too!)



i dont think that you can say only buy on small sites due to maintenance costs as the more people there are sharing then the lower the costs and the bigger the site the more facilities there are (or should be!) it all depends why you are buying and what you want out of your holiday home/rental or retirement investment/home.



i will agree with you that its a great place to live though!



see you on the beach

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 924


Message Posted:
16/05/2007 22:04

lemony,



para 1, do not think the clients of one estate agent will agree with you!!! The agents are still in business and mentioned above, survive through large throughput and pressure selling. When we, politley so we thought, went to their office to advise we had decided not to buy through them we were practically thrown out of the office.



Interesting fact about the agents involved in this thread is that the children at the school they operate even call them Conwins!!!!!!!!!!!



What I mean about small sites is if like us you live here permanently is why pay maintenance charges? There is no need to be involved in any charges as we DIY.



David

young


Joined: 01/05/2007
Posts: 4


Message Posted:
21/05/2007 14:55

Try Abbey Estates, we have just bought 2 properties through them, the girls are great there, they have been on the island for 16 years and are knowledgable about all aspects of living, buying and moving to northern cyprus. They have a quality portfolio of properties and prices are reasonable, I will not hesitate in reccommending them.



Their website is : http://www.abbeyestate.com and their email is :info@abbeyestate.com



Good Luck!!!!!!!

Wilsonian


Joined: 26/05/2007
Posts: 19


Message Posted:
26/05/2007 05:31

Unwins,,, mmm i think that is the agent who has about 130 outstanding court cases against them after taking peoples money and not delivering their properties. I think they are the ones who took one of their female employees up a mountain in a car , in the middle of nowwhere and dropped her off with her passport and luggage and told her never to return to the island again and i also think the owners had a teacher arrested because they didnt pay her after all her hard work so she took all her own childrens books and toys back that she had supplied herself. I am sure there are other stories and there is no smoke without fire .... Sounds a great company to me and really nice people. Good luck

St Michael


Joined: 26/05/2007
Posts: 1


Message Posted:
26/05/2007 05:48

we had £50,000 to spend on an apartment recently, i had done my homework before visiting the island and booked some appointments with various agents. When we entered the Unwins' office and asked about properties up to this value, the attitude changed and we were then ignored for 10 minutes before we left - not enough commision for them. We eventually bought from Donaghy and Beyler who went out of their way to help us, they were so friendly, helpful and professional and we have recommended them to our family and friends that are going over who have more money than us to spend ! So special thanks to Gonul and Jonathan.

The-Wicks


Joined: 27/05/2007
Posts: 189


Message Posted:
27/05/2007 16:48

We bought through Unwins in 2005 and found them really helpfull even after completion. The biggest problem is not the estate agents but the builders. Finding a good builder or building company is sometimes just a matter of good luck ( or in some cases bad luck).

Oknala



Joined: 29/05/2007
Posts: 60


Message Posted:
29/05/2007 20:42

Don't forget to ask to look at re-sales also, sometimes you can get a bargain, but you also get to see the finished product and you can talk to the 'neighbours'

Verticalsmile


Joined: 15/07/2007
Posts: 18


Message Posted:
01/08/2007 13:51

There are only a few basic rules that you need when buying abroad.

1. Always us an estate agent, preferably one where the owners are citizens of the country you are in. (They will have their family name to uphold) and be respected members of their society

2. never buy direct from developers. ( thats what agents are for)

3. never use a solicitor recommended by a developer. (conflct of interest)

4. always check the website for genuine info on agents and developers that have had bad press (and steer clear of them)

As for North Cyprus there are well over 50 registered estate agents yet only 6 are worth investigating.

Donaghy & Beyler,

Ian Smith,

Boray Estates,

Select Estates,

Stringers,

Homesabroad,

DONTY


Joined: 07/06/2007
Posts: 138


Message Posted:
01/08/2007 15:47

i have to pick up on a few of your words of wisdom Verticalsmile.



did you know Hayran Unwin of Unwin Estates is a Cypriot?

why not buy direct from the developer? they know their product better than anyone!

check what website for what genuine info? most of these sites are open to abuse. anyone can post any info on the web without fear of reprisals so dont believe all you read. i wish i could suggest a place to go to test someones trustworthiness but there isnt any where!



the agents you have mentioned are all good but there are others just as good out there worthy of peoples business.

are Stringers and Ian Smith owned by locals? are their extended families living here?

does the fact that you are a citizen of a particular country mean that all of a sudden you are honourable? or if a Cypriot sets up a company in the UK does it mean dont trust them?

should we boycott all foreigned owned businesses? should people who live in the UK do the same?

Verticalsmile


Joined: 15/07/2007
Posts: 18


Message Posted:
01/08/2007 15:55

Dear Donty,

You are absolutely right, off course prospective clients can go direct to developers and your right regarding their vast knowledge of their product.

wearytravellers



Joined: 27/04/2007
Posts: 145


Message Posted:
01/08/2007 22:25

Before visiting Cyprus I joined up to Unwins property alert service. After visiting Cyprus and buying a property via Squirrel Construction (Squirrelltd.com ) in Lapta (oh what a character Sergey is !!) I have had a property alert via Unwins as the SOLE AGENT (Rubbish, anyone can be an agent for these properties, anyone who sells a property earns 5% commission) Unwins have offered me a 2 bedroom apartment for 39,500 GBP. A whopping 4,500 GBP on top of the real resale price plus they also get 5% on the sale as well. That's good copper coin !!!! I think I will become an "Estate Agent" looks like good income !!!!!

namus


Joined: 23/06/2007
Posts: 78


Message Posted:
02/08/2007 21:29

Yes Hayran Unwin is London born TC and she has, what can I say, a colourful reputation in the Cypriot community.



I believe that Unwins Estate Agency sold Gary Robbs' 'developments' - enough said.



I'm with Verticalsmile; never use recommended lawyers and check websites for alternative views even if they are as negative as mine, a true insider's view.

dehlila



Joined: 01/10/2007
Posts: 20


Message Posted:
03/10/2007 23:48

http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/overseas/article2543384.ece

Dalek


Joined: 21/08/2007
Posts: 29


Message Posted:
04/10/2007 06:22

Unwins also illegally used the international property agents logo as was widely publicised recently, my question is if they were prepared to hoodwink people by doing this, what elso would they do ??

DONTY


Joined: 07/06/2007
Posts: 138


Message Posted:
04/10/2007 14:26

if you read my post and the one before from v-smile you will understand that i was not supporting any individual or company. i was actually questioning the wisdom of specifically dealing citizens of the country you are buying in as there are good and bad in all societies.

Portia


Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 6


Message Posted:
17/07/2008 18:55

I wasnt happy with Unwins at all over a dealing i have had over a property. It all started off really nice but ive ended up quite upset and disgraced by the situation and the way it was handled.



Just be wary is all i can say and dont trust anyone. Its you money and you will have worked damn hard for it so dont just let it go. Get the surveys done and the contract/deed checked as too many loop holes int he system.



Good luck

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 259


Message Posted:
17/07/2008 19:13

victoriasloss

your msn link doesnt work, is this from my favourites the same. http://www.trncpropertywarning.freewebsites.com

the same.

Good Luck with your efforts.

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 259


Message Posted:
17/07/2008 19:22

victoriasloss, message 5

your msn link doesnt work, is this from my favourites, the same. http://www.trncpropertywarning.freewebsites.com



Good Luck with your efforts.

Kitty Kat Jac


Joined: 18/03/2008
Posts: 44


Message Posted:
24/07/2008 10:56

Some comments on this forum make for some interesting reading and can I just say how anybody has come to live in Northern Cyprus after reading the negativity is beyond me! I do however have my suspicions that not all the comments are factual and are obviously very one sided. For instance the last comments regarding Unwins. I am obviously sorry to hear that anybody is upset! But disgraced by what I wonder??? And too many loop holes???? Could it be that sometimes the agent is trying to work in the best interest for their client? Nobody would ever know this or probably care because that doesn’t make for an interesting read!! A witch hunt is much more exciting!! Maybe the truth is the client asked the agent to break the law and as they were not happy about this refusal it is classed as a loop hole?? I guess we will never know and Unwins will always be the easy target regardless of the truth.

bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 853


Message Posted:
24/07/2008 15:24

Best interest for their client? Yes of course but their client is the builder not the buyer! Which is exactly why buyers should be on their guard, no matter what estate agent you are using.

ilovecyprus



Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 1388


Message Posted:
24/07/2008 15:35

Absolutely agree with you Bradus. When I first perused the market I did so with Donaghey and Beyler. I loved the sales agent there. She was very honest and reliable, however she was targeted by the company, which was to push Evergreen properties. Of course, Evergreen had a reputation for good builds, however when money exchanged hands (my money) and with a number of subsequent conversations it was clear that this Estate agent were acting in the interest of the builder. Not the sales agent, but the agency owners.

bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 853


Message Posted:
24/07/2008 15:46

ILC,

I remember well the discussions we had when new to the forum and going through that "should we, shouldn't we" stage. Its now easy to reflect on our experiences. In early 2006 was taken to Lapta to see an apartment that was just a shell. When finished it was to be a luxury apartment, with Italian kitchen, marble throughout, very spacious and well designed. Narrowed it down to this one and the one which we did actually buy. Returned 18 months later and out of interest went to see the apartment we turned down. There it was at exactly the same stage as last viewed, except lots of graffitti had been added to it. There but the grace of God go I sprang to mind.

ilovecyprus



Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 1388


Message Posted:
24/07/2008 16:32

Seems like a long time since we first started those discussions Bradus. So much has happened. I remember you being concerned about your building being finished etc, but thankfully your builder has been great.



You had a close shave with that other place. It's a very thin line between success and failure in the TRNC.



Overall, I am very pleased with my property. I was so lucky to find an amazing agent, someone who really is on the inside and keeps the builder on his toes. He has literally held my hand throughout the whole process, and he continues to do so.

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 572


Message Posted:
19/09/2008 00:03

Namus,

I sent you an e.mail today but it bounced back. Can you send me an e.mail please if you read this?

Thanks

ismet

w26kay



Joined: 14/10/2007
Posts: 367


Message Posted:
19/09/2008 01:21

So Cyprusathome .... As the chap with so much advice on here, about the "ways" of cyprus (albeit you are relatively newbies to the island) when did it all go wrong for you?

w26kay



Joined: 14/10/2007
Posts: 367


Message Posted:
19/09/2008 03:09

I would suggest you do as I did and spend as much time as you can researching on internet, library, press etc. Avoid too many direct references on these sites, although personal views they are just that. Then make as many appointments with agents as you can after first checking out where you feel you would like to live, when we first came we decided where we thought we would want to be and ended up at the opposite end of island! ".....



And then you met Reg?!?



But then I met Reg and bought a house

in Karsiyaka

!Go around the viewings, say nothing to agent to indicate you are interested, go home think about it before deciding and then come back. In fact do what you would do if buying a home in UK are anywhere else.







Finally, if you do buy here, you will not regret it. Despite all the perceived problems it is a great place to live.







David

cocos


Joined: 04/04/2008
Posts: 79


Message Posted:
19/09/2008 09:32

Dont touch Unwins with a bargepole. If you are buying here you must be aware that you may never get your title deeds even if you've handed over all your hard earned cash until the laws are changed so please take in to consideration that fact. To be safe you should only consider buying a resale from someone who already has been given their deeds.