Feedback on all North Cyprus Estate agents espcially Kyrenina one's.

cozworth07


Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 3


Message Posted:
02/07/2008 10:19

I plan on moving over here in 6 months time and am wondering which estate agents are the preferred choice. I have a few friends out here already and some have been recommended like Fraser and Co, North Cyprus International and Donaghy Beyler.



Myself and many others in the near future I'm sure want to find out is which estate agents are not pushy, provide excellent information and good after sales contact.



I would like to buy off plan but I do not want to see happen as newspapers have printed that many developments are not getting finished. I want to know and have piece of mind that the estate agent is dealing with only the best developers who will complete projects on time and to a very good standard.



Well after reading this I hope you can enlighten me and others on who are the best estate agents to go with and that deliver excellent customer service. Cheers.

flossie


Joined: 01/04/2007
Posts: 56


Message Posted:
02/07/2008 10:40

We used Ian Smith's for our first purchase and they were excellent. Helped us through the process and pointed us in the direction of a good builder. We bought off plan and everything was completed on time. Ian Smith also helped us with electric and water connection.



flossie

Aslan


Joined: 23/06/2008
Posts: 199


Message Posted:
02/07/2008 10:50

I have only heard good things about Boray Developments and Estate Agency, not just from expats but locals to.

Aslan


Joined: 23/06/2008
Posts: 199


Message Posted:
02/07/2008 11:06

Just looked at your profile, how is Cheltenham these days?

rcroton


Joined: 05/06/2008
Posts: 54


Message Posted:
02/07/2008 11:42

I would reccomend Ian Smith for sure, lady called Margot excellent. Another bit of advice dont buy off plan!!!

Hazel


Joined: 18/04/2008
Posts: 5


Message Posted:
02/07/2008 11:45

Ian Smith's definitely the best, excellent reputation on the island, been around for 24 years, knowledgeable and helpful staff, can't recommend them highly enough, our house purchase was almost! completely stress free I'm happy to say.

Hazel

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 208


Message Posted:
02/07/2008 13:37

Eden Estates for Lapta/Alsancak/Karsiyaka

They won't sell anything they wouldn't buy themselves.

Gilly



Joined: 19/03/2008
Posts: 26


Message Posted:
02/07/2008 15:17

Hi Cozworth



Just to let you know that we, at Donaghy and Beyler Estate Agents hold regular Surgeries offering Free and confidential advice for Purchasers and Vendors alike. We hold a House Doctors Information Clinic every Saturday at our Catalkoy Office between 9am and 12pm but appointments can be arranged at other times, convenient to yourself.



If you are agreeable, I would be delighted to contact you via your email address noted in Forum 44 or, alternatively, do please contact us on:



D&B Head Office (Opposite Astro in Girne) : 00 90 392 815 8882

Catalkoy Office (next door to Chemist) : 00 90 392 824 5567

Mobile: 00 90 533 848 8953

email: gilly@donaghyandbeyler.com



It can be daunting moving to another country but we will help to alleviate any worries you may have by answering your questions in an honest and unbiased way.



Look forward to hearing from you.



Gilly Griffiths

Office Manager

Catalkoy Office

Donaghy and Beyler Property Agents & Lettings North Cyprus

Kitty1



Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 269


Message Posted:
02/07/2008 15:50

Absolutely Ian Smith every time. Excellent service. I have sung their praises several times on this forum.



I have only positive things to say about them.

Nglbarnes



Joined: 08/02/2008
Posts: 53


Message Posted:
02/07/2008 15:57

Ian Smith it is again - and even though we purchased last year we still pop in and see them and they will always give great free advice on anything you need to know whether property related or not! can't beat that

borodave


Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 15


Message Posted:
02/07/2008 17:17

korina estates a girl called lydia she married a local speaks turkish and english is very helpfull

wynyardman



Joined: 15/12/2007
Posts: 1645


Message Posted:
02/07/2008 17:41

Ho cosworth07,



On this one I think I will take a rain check!



We bought through Unwins!



Caveat Emptor!.........



Do not buy offplan, until this Government, agree to ammend the Specific Perfprmance Law of 1885. At least then, you will have a chance of getting your deeds ( Kocan)



wyn (broken but unbowed)

kibrissibel


Joined: 18/02/2008
Posts: 146


Message Posted:
02/07/2008 18:20

I agree with wynyardman. Please do not buy off plan until this law has been changed. At present there is no law protecting you to enable you to sue your vendor to compel them to transfer the title deeds to you. Uncrupulous developers are taking your money and failing to hand over the deeds. If you are going to buy, I would strongly recommend you buy a resale with the deeds ready and available for transfer, which has water and electric connected and all snagging completed. Please have a look at the homebuyers pressure group website: http://www.hbpg-trnc.net/ for very very useful info.



Sibel

wynyardman



Joined: 15/12/2007
Posts: 1645


Message Posted:
02/07/2008 18:23

Sibel,



Who loves you baby! Keep up the VERY VERY GOOD WORK!



wyn

lovingcyprus


Joined: 02/03/2007
Posts: 457


Message Posted:
02/07/2008 21:23

cozworth07



Under no circumstances should you purchase off plan, if you do you might as well chuck your money down the drain.



There is no need to purchase off plan there are hundreds of resales on the market

schnib


Joined: 24/05/2008
Posts: 23


Message Posted:
02/07/2008 21:52

Cosworth07

We are moving to TRNC April 09 and are using Fraser & Co. We have found them to be very helpful, especially Sharon who has been in contact with us on several occasions, both by email and telephone. She is fantastic and very helpful. If she does not know the answers, she looks into your questions and gets back to you ASAP. Best of luck

Turtle



Joined: 28/05/2007
Posts: 229


Message Posted:
02/07/2008 22:18

Its not the estate agents to be wary of its the soddin builders.

Take the advice already given and do not buy off plan.........trust me!

cozworth07


Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 3


Message Posted:
03/07/2008 12:10

Thank you to everybody so far for their feedback very helpful indeed I see Ian Smith is definately the best choice. Also been looking at other estate agents sites seeing what property is available and there are some nice ones listed on Henry Charles and North Cyprus International. What are peoples thoughts about these 2 companies? cheers

breezyboy


Joined: 14/05/2007
Posts: 210


Message Posted:
03/07/2008 12:40

Little Villa Company are nice guys, Richard & Paul .

MCSTEVIET



Joined: 11/05/2007
Posts: 701


Message Posted:
03/07/2008 12:58

Is that Henry Charles or Mr Charles??



MC

cozworth07


Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 3


Message Posted:
03/07/2008 14:03

henry charles i believe. is mr charles any good then if thats another estate agent?

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 1224


Message Posted:
03/07/2008 14:10

We used



"korina estates a girl called lydia she married a local speaks turkish and english is very helpfull "



3.5 years on



No mains electric despite handing over cash.



No mains water despite handing over cash



BLURB nad estate agent said villa in Karsiyaka it's in Lapta !!



Mortgage on the land.



No permission to build.



Not built to spec.



Supposed to have 2 communal pools not got any.



Patio colapsing



Need I say any more the saga goes on and on and on.



Revenge is a dish best served cold

not2sure


Joined: 15/07/2008
Posts: 21


Message Posted:
16/07/2008 15:06

Mr Charles was the founder and former partner of Henry Charles



Henry Charles still trade under his name

Mr charles office is in Alsancak Tel number 0392 821 8122

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 401


Message Posted:
16/07/2008 15:14

Definately Ian Smith's. Would totally agree - do not buy off plan.

mackerel


Joined: 22/06/2008
Posts: 60


Message Posted:
16/07/2008 15:23

Can any Kavanlar phase 1 buyers advise if they ever had any problem getting the title deeds transferred after they made full payment?

If there have not been any problems then maybe we should be reccomending buying on a Kavanlar development.

Aga Buyers A G


Joined: 04/10/2007
Posts: 89


Message Posted:
16/07/2008 16:09

Defo Ian Smiths........



The only Estate Agent in the TRNC listed with the Association of Estate Agents In the UK

Ian02


Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 24


Message Posted:
16/07/2008 16:44

Lots of advice saying don't buy off plan.Any thoughts on the pros and cons of buying a plot and having a villa built by a local builder?

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 231


Message Posted:
17/07/2008 08:21

only buy pre 74 turkish or foreign owned title. do not buy exchange land. the greek cypriots did not exchange their land for anything.check with the lawyer that it is what they say it is. put a clause into the contract stating the fact.friends of our purchased what they were told was turkish title, only to find out it was exchange land 2 years later. you can check the title before purchase at the lands office in south cyprus.

stanley


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 24


Message Posted:
17/07/2008 18:57

Seem to be alot of Smith fans out there, Donaghy and Beyler are good, down to earth and social, bought through them and had a few drinks doing it a fine way to do business, buy a resale no heartache and you know what you are going to end up with.

jay76


Joined: 17/07/2008
Posts: 4


Message Posted:
17/07/2008 18:59

hi all im currently going through the process of buying a villa,contracts are being drawn up,it is a resale with exchange deeds,can anyone tell me if this is safe. thanks jay

KStephenson


Joined: 21/08/2008
Posts: 1


Message Posted:
21/08/2008 15:47

I am in the same position and would be interested in other peoples views. I think I know the answer from my own research.

PtePike


Joined: 20/05/2008
Posts: 886


Message Posted:
21/08/2008 16:16

"Exchange" deeds could never be described as safe. Unless you mean safe for a few months or maybe a couple of years. You are talking about land which was seized by military force from its legal owner.

ROBnJO


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 162


Message Posted:
21/08/2008 16:26

PP



And the situation in the ROC with land taken from N Cypriots?



Any balanced view available from all your 'impartial journalistic' experience?

Laptalocal


Joined: 28/02/2008
Posts: 55


Message Posted:
21/08/2008 16:27

I agree with Littlenige. Stay away from her. I'm in a similar situation. She told me a complete load of rubbish. It was either just to get a sale, or she had no idea what she was on about. Either way, give it a miss!

Maggie&Bernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 89


Message Posted:
21/08/2008 16:27

Jay76 & KStephenson

We went to Landmark Estates and they couldn't have been more helpful. Sandra & Sharron are lovely and friendly. We used Naomi Mehmet as advocate and so far so good, everything seems to be going smoothly. I agree about not buying off plan - we have bought a resale - much less complicated and I'm looking forward to spending some time there in Sept/Oct. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

PtePike


Joined: 20/05/2008
Posts: 886


Message Posted:
21/08/2008 16:34

ROBnJO: "PP And the situation in the ROC with land taken from N Cypriots?

Any balanced view available from all your 'impartial journalistic' experience?"



Here we go again. Two new members asked whether "exchange" TRNC deeds were safe. If you are suggesting these titles are safe I wouldn't trust you with the tea kitty. Nobody says they are safe. People - like you perhaps - just hope for the best



No-one was asking about TC property in the south - which is held in trust pending settlement and is ILLEGAL to sell, BTW



"Any balanced view available from all your 'impartial journalistic' experience?"



Well, back in training they did say to write so even the biggest morons could understand.

ROBnJO


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 162


Message Posted:
21/08/2008 16:50

PP



LOL!!



Hoisted on your own Pitard!



So, your 'journalistic' training was to treat everyone as 'morons'?? That about sums you up, but I still wouldn't mind meeting you for a non-confrontational discussion sometime.



p.s. 'new members'?? I have been involved and informed about Cyprus, N & S, for 25 years. It's sites such as this that are new, not always the posters.

I know many others, including family members, with experience back to the 50's.





Journalists often remind me of teachers,.... if you can't do it,..



teach it or preach it.







Have you ever wondered why you receive so much hostility?

laptagal


Joined: 28/05/2008
Posts: 44


Message Posted:
22/08/2008 11:37

We used North Cyprus International. Very nice and helpfull - especially Tim in TRNC. Not pushy and took a lot of time and trouble to find out exactly what we wanted. Have brought through them. Used Naomie Mehmet - not problems so far.

RedSnapper


Joined: 12/08/2008
Posts: 40


Message Posted:
22/08/2008 11:52

i bought through continental estates who then changed their name in trnc to turtle bay properties. they are based mainly in san pedro, marbella. they were o.k but exagerated a lot as i `ve now found out and like a lot of agents worldwide would say just about anything to get their 15% sales commision from the developer, in my case kensington developement group. they in turn said the agent would "sell their grandmother" to get a sale!! on another note i have heard glowing reports about donaghey beyler.

Bertie


Joined: 15/04/2008
Posts: 12


Message Posted:
22/08/2008 12:37

we bought land in 2006 and the builder has been excellent, architect pretty rubbish but they have a different brief from at home. We have invested quite a lot of money and don't have the permission's or kocan yet so that's a pretty big worry. We treated and trusted our solicitor as you would in the UK -big mistake,we handed over the money for the land on the assumption that the solicitor would get the kocan from the vendor!!! were we stupid. ( only worked out last week through this site that my solicitor wont tell us when we get our permissions we need to go the place to find out) Would we do it again -when I'm out there and looking at the house yes, when I'm here and thinking/worrying about all the issues probably not. If you do buy land ask to see the plot on the kocan it will give you some idea if what they tell you is what you are buying we were totally misled on that score and we did have a local with us so thats no guarantee either. The kocan will also help you to see if there is access/a road to the site.

rtddci


Joined: 29/12/2007
Posts: 540


Message Posted:
22/08/2008 13:52

I used Cyprus Royal Estates and wouldn't recommend any estate agent. Remember they are basically sales people who survive on sales pure and simple.

The end result you want is whether you end up with a property you want, in your name, connected to water & electric, meters in your name, has a road, no one elses mortgage on it and built to your satisfaction.

I sigh whenever I read ' I used, they are really nice etc etc and....no problems so far.' So far being the operative words.

Oh and no way would I buy off plan.

Martin

deecyprus4


Joined: 27/07/2008
Posts: 82


Message Posted:
22/08/2008 18:31

yes like larnica airport eric

PtePike


Joined: 20/05/2008
Posts: 886


Message Posted:
22/08/2008 18:53

ROBnJO: "Have you ever wondered why you receive so much hostility?"



Banter, don't you mean? I never get hostility from intelligent people who are well sussed. Only the dumb and ignorant do that.

bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 756


Message Posted:
22/08/2008 19:23

I do wonder why so many people put such emphasis on the estate agent?

As someone has already said thier main concern is getting a sale, as thats how they get their wages. In that respect they are more likely to tell you what you want to hear to clench the sales deal.



They represent the builder much more than the buyer because at the end of the day the builders the one that pays their wages.



People would be better advised to spend more time on who the builder is and which advocate to use.



Be wary of estate agents and lawyers that use the builders "ready made" contracts. Never use the lawyer recommended by the estate agent.

laptagal


Joined: 28/05/2008
Posts: 44


Message Posted:
22/08/2008 19:41

rtddci - I can only speak as I find. When I said "so far" it is because we have not completed yet - our decision, due to timing. Our agent negotiated an extended payment period for us and the developer has been really fair. However, as with all things, I will only be able to say for sure that all went well once everything - including the connections and Kocan have been sorted out and we are sitting on our patio, sipping something cool and soothing.

brandy sour


Joined: 09/04/2008
Posts: 90


Message Posted:
22/08/2008 19:45

When we was looking to buy 2 years ago it was buy of plan (still waiting) but now people go on about resale just bear a thought for people who have brought off plan and having a night mare at this moment because that was the advice at the time when a lot of building going on .

Susie


Joined: 06/06/2007
Posts: 85


Message Posted:
26/08/2008 23:04

Henry Charles Estate Agents employs a person called Narcin who is (was)married to the builder that we bought from. All has not gone well, and her Mother has remortgaged the property i have paid her for, so maybe give Narcin a wide berth if she still works there.

PIPIE


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 828


Message Posted:
27/08/2008 09:58

Do not buy off plan , they will show you a brochure then when finished they tell you it was for ilustration purposes DUH .UFFFFFFFFF

Estate agents are brilliant re resales , the plus point you have is that what you see is what you get . Hope this helps .

beach resort


Joined: 15/03/2008
Posts: 27


Message Posted:
27/08/2008 12:37

what is the main problem with buying off plan apart from takes a long time and the distance apart.

PIPIE


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 828


Message Posted:
27/08/2008 12:54

when purchasing off plan there is a posibility of the following .

delay in finishing villa/apartment do not know any one who has compensation if property is delivered late .

Constant E-mails to and fro simply drains you over the years it takes .

the cost in flights re to check progress do not rely on photos

water/electric costs previoulsy agreed will almost quadruple at the end of the build .

If you are not satisfied with the finish , builders get around this by saying the brochure was for ilustration only .

You could end up with finished villa/apartment with the site still looking like Beriut .

LAWS/REGULATIONS change almost daily as when you enter the agreement at time of contract all will certainly be changed when property is finished .

And finally if you are buying on an apartment complex you could be asked for maintenence even though complex is nowhere finished .



Now i could go on but if i had my time over again i would buy a resale you know exactly what you are paying for . Hope this helps .

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 118


Message Posted:
27/08/2008 14:23

beach resort

what pipie says more or less is almost definate to happen with off plan.

I bought off plan and even though builder was one of the better ones and I was happy with them, I still had at least 50% of what is mentioned to do.

Biggest problem is with info from lawyer or more the case, non info.Chasing PtP etc.

Another problem you wont have with resale is the increases in taxes and lawyers bills over the period of build.Take vat alone ,due to change in how valued will be 20-30% higher than we were told initially.I have lost track of how many other goalposts have been moved,such as paying lawyer to register contract.

While my own experience ,frustrating as it was ,wasnt to bad compared to most,DONT take the gamble.Unlike when we bought ,there is now absolutely no need to buy off plan.I would put it more strongly and say ,with what you know now you would be insane.

A big thing is the contract with offplan which is not legally enforsable compared to sales agreement with resale.

With resale you can choose only those with title deed.

beach resort


Joined: 15/03/2008
Posts: 27


Message Posted:
27/08/2008 14:25

cheers pipie if you buy a resale do you pay all the same tax as off plan does it work out the same without the grief.

PIPIE


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 828


Message Posted:
27/08/2008 14:36

As it stands today ( it could change tomorrow ) you pay tax on whatever the original purchase price , but you could be lucky and the seller may pay it for you , you could negociate this when haggling with an offer . Hope this helps , also can i add choose youre solicitor/advocate carefully as most of them are RUBBISH . also when you do find a decent solicitor/advocate pay them in stages , do not pay them up front . Hope this helps

frontalman



Joined: 28/02/2008
Posts: 46


Message Posted:
27/08/2008 16:46

Is no-one re commending Unwins?

dunns


Joined: 06/05/2008
Posts: 23


Message Posted:
27/08/2008 18:53

Why use estate agents to give them 5 percent for a bit of advertising Timothy Cadman sold his house by mentioning it on these forums maybe we sould have a for sale and wanted forum dedicated to property as we all no estate agents dont always disclose the full facts and usually have a knack of steering new customers in the direction of lawyers they are in bed with

PIPIE


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 828


Message Posted:
27/08/2008 20:44

Brilliant idea dunns!!!!!

stellasstar1


Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 10


Message Posted:
28/08/2008 08:16

Hi, I picked Ian Smith 4 years ago after reading about the estate agents on the internet. Then went to a big sales do in London, and Ian Smith had about the smallest stand, and yet people were queing(?) up to speak with them. The others were quite empty compated to them. Came out and bought through them, and had brilliant service. The builders of the apartment we bought have also been very good, and the solicitor they recommended has been brilliant, always available to give advice and help. (no charge). I would certainly go with anyone Ian Smith recommends.

PIPIE


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 828


Message Posted:
28/08/2008 08:28

positive post message 57 , could i ask who is the solicitor please ?

colly


Joined: 31/07/2008
Posts: 20


Message Posted:
28/08/2008 09:32

Finding a plot and using builder is I feel better than off plan. There still could be problems with connections to services etc. You will need to be sure of the builder though, we did a conversion and we used Ali Yemenci next to Ian Smith estate agents who was recommended to us. He was excellent. If you go down this route check your builders previous work and what they are like to deal with.

Getting the right plot may be a problem as some of the builders and land agents tend to take you to plots that either they own or someone in the family or are connected with owns.

Col