Unwin Estate Agents New Build Villas in Alsancak

neil27


Joined: 16/07/2008
Posts: 93

Message Posted:
16/07/2008 15:41

Hi, I am thinking of buying one of these villas. Does anyone know anything about Unwin's -reliability, value for money etc? Does anyone know how easy it is to let out villas in the summer/winter?

spook


Joined: 23/01/2008
Posts: 244

Message Posted:
16/07/2008 15:59

If your buying as an investment to let out, dont bother, there are far to many houses already standing empty that people cant let

More important than Unwins performance - who is the builder?

If you trawl back through the various posting you will see that it is paramount that you use a builder who is well established and has a proven track record,

if you can advise which builder i am sure members will be able to give you a better opinion of your proposals

Good luck

brian24001


Joined: 23/03/2008
Posts: 606

Message Posted:
16/07/2008 18:41

where are they?

bootneck



Joined: 23/06/2008
Posts: 242

Message Posted:
22/07/2008 10:32

Is the builder Kofali by any chance?

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
22/07/2008 14:32

spook has it right.



There are so many properties here now for rent and no tourists the only people likely to use is you. So think very, very carefully as to why you are buying.



Whatever you do, do not trust anything an estate agent tells you. I read an appropriate comment earlier, they come lower down the list than lawyers and they are diabolical.

The-Wicks


Joined: 27/05/2007
Posts: 2279

Message Posted:
22/07/2008 14:43

We bought with Unwins in Alsancak & we have nothing but praise for them. The sent photographs & updated us monthly.

P of P & J

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
22/07/2008 14:49

Do not send money to the estate agent and make sure you use an independent advocate, not one recommended by the builder or estate agent. Seek recommendations from people already living in houses built by your builder.

jock1



Joined: 06/01/2008
Posts: 3786

Message Posted:
22/07/2008 14:49

bootneck where are you from??



jock

TimothyCadman


Joined: 13/12/2007
Posts: 1040

Message Posted:
22/07/2008 17:48

Please remember that UNWINS are NOT the BUILDERS. They just sell them on behalf on a builder.



Your contract will be with the builder, NOT Unwins.



Check out the BUILDERS independantly of what Unwins, or other TRADES or ESTATE AGENTS tell you. Find examples of where they have built before and ask the people living there if they are happy with the builder. They are your best guarantee that things will work for you.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
22/07/2008 19:02

Also try an establish that they have not spread themselves too thinly.. ask the builder about his other sites that you might be interested in, visit them and then judge for yourself whether he is going to finish them all, what the take-up rate is like and if there is current work in progress in all of them... if not don't touch them because your money will be going to finish somebody else's half built house BEFORE yours....



Better still buy a ready built one... they will try and tell you that off-plan is cheaper but there are so many extras to add back in that, existing newly built ones are just as cheap (readily available) in the long run and you have the benefit of knowing it already exists!



Make sure either way that the contract includes the builder being responsible for all the costs of mains electricity being connected and mains water.....



When you find an Advocate/Lawyer, ask here again to see if he or she can be relied upon to do a good job... the British High Commission will supply a list of ones they don't have negative feedback about but it's not a big list..

bigears


Joined: 14/03/2008
Posts: 62

Message Posted:
22/07/2008 21:19

If you look you will find that as yet Unwins have not registered with the Estate agents registry. This was brought in earlier this year. As a few others have not either!!!! Sue

TimothyCadman


Joined: 13/12/2007
Posts: 1040

Message Posted:
23/07/2008 00:07

Bigears,

I beg to differ with you. Unwins ARE registered under the name of "Unwin Investments Ltd" and listed as director is "Hayran Beyler" (as she's the Turkish Cypriot side of the business so makes it easier to register) and their number is 144. They have been certified since 16th November 2007, but as with all government departments updated lists are few and far between.

bootneck



Joined: 23/06/2008
Posts: 242

Message Posted:
23/07/2008 00:27

Hi Jock1

I'm from Edinburgh what about yourself? i must agree with tim cad that nothing is better than doing some homework and finding out the quality of the build

HAGOSHIRIM


Joined: 12/07/2008
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
23/07/2008 07:17

Tim - Unwins.



They are indeed recongnised by the government department of the TRNC , the head of the estate agents union, awarded a 'refund' of peanuts to a family that sent money to Mark & Hayran from a UK bank, as they were , clearly misled . The Wheeler family property complaint number 107 obtained

a refund of £3665 received in January 2008, against a loss of £10k.



Sabra

jock1



Joined: 06/01/2008
Posts: 3786

Message Posted:
23/07/2008 08:02

Hi neil, we hail from Auld reekie, pretty sure i met up with you a couple of years ago in nc.

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
23/07/2008 11:12

we paid unwins direct. we have had no problems what so ever with them.

bootneck



Joined: 23/06/2008
Posts: 242

Message Posted:
23/07/2008 21:41

Well jock you have certainly blown my cover how you doing? have you bought since we last met? I must say I need a few clues to your identity! I used to work at unwins but now Donaghy and Beyler since last october, It would be good to catch up again, I am situated at the kyrenia office opposite Astro. pop in for a coffee if possible.

HAGOSHIRIM


Joined: 12/07/2008
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
24/07/2008 01:06

Did Mark Unwin offer refunds to AGA buyers and the rest. ?



Sabra.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
24/07/2008 09:12

Did Mark Unwin offer refunds to AGA buyers and the rest. ?



Why would he... their contracts are with no one other than AGA..

markH


Joined: 04/06/2008
Posts: 18

Message Posted:
24/07/2008 11:19

we have had a few problems with our villa,Unwins have not wanted to know,

they are aware of the problems and are still selling properties they push and shove the blame i would never use them again!!!!be aware!!!

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
24/07/2008 11:23

Why would you expect the Estate Agents to want to know about your problems? Have you paid them a fee? I don't think so... the builder will have, so they are on his side...

BOJOY


Joined: 13/09/2007
Posts: 26

Message Posted:
24/07/2008 11:42

Hi Bootneck,

you probably wont remember me, but when you were at Unwins you were extremely helpful and as a result we purchased at Marina Park.

jock1



Joined: 06/01/2008
Posts: 3786

Message Posted:
24/07/2008 13:32

Hi bootneck i did not blow your cover you did(lol)

Yes we bought a bungalow in Karaoglanoglu, the house is ready but tying the loose end,s here is a nightmare . The lawyers are dragging their heels our intentions are to move over next month. Look forward to meeting up with you for a effes, will drop in and see you some time shortly.

cheers jock

coolkid


Joined: 24/07/2008
Posts: 64

Message Posted:
24/07/2008 14:24

thought they were ok to start with but not now see my new forum should be ready next month not even had new contract only bits by email. thay have washed their hands (their own words) on this with nesa and will not give me other purchasers details. I have been a bit laid back on this but have more time to spend on it .Put it this way if things dont start to move i will be paying for flights for some visitors and they wont be playing happy families

stevie-d



Joined: 13/07/2007
Posts: 1420

Message Posted:
24/07/2008 17:15

We bought through Unwins they tried to help, but fell out with the builder they say speak to the builder,now the builder just keeps fobbing us off, I would not use them again.

stevie-d

jock1



Joined: 06/01/2008
Posts: 3786

Message Posted:
24/07/2008 18:33

who is your builder stevie-d.

stevie-d



Joined: 13/07/2007
Posts: 1420

Message Posted:
24/07/2008 18:56

CA-SA Construction, ( Cafer&Sait )

stevie-d

spook


Joined: 23/01/2008
Posts: 244

Message Posted:
24/07/2008 19:37

stevie-d

You have my sympathies,bought of CA-SA in 2003 in Karsiyaka,thought that they had fallen out and were suing each other,there is a long list of buyers waiting to get finished ie pools/air con/electric/water/roads the list is endless,dont hold your breath if you waiting for jobs to get finished.

Have had to employ an architect on to date two occasions - pool terrace collapsed - pool leaked like a sieve ,now have further problem with pool water leval has dropped about 800mm,waiting to see when it stops but it looks like i have major problems.

stevie-d



Joined: 13/07/2007
Posts: 1420

Message Posted:
24/07/2008 20:10

Hi Brian,

Yes I know what you mean we had to pay an extra £2600 for electricity which we now have still wating for mains water, paid Cafer`s advocate 540YTL in May still wating. Which phase are you on????

stevie-d

HAGOSHIRIM


Joined: 12/07/2008
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
24/07/2008 21:13

Unwin is the point of sale. Ask for your money back, Mrs Wheeler did, from all accounts got a fraction back, is she the last or first ???



Sabra.

spook


Joined: 23/01/2008
Posts: 244

Message Posted:
24/07/2008 21:43

stevie-d

In row of 5 villas , turning by the bus stand just past Tolgas, tarmaced road that leads to sea,you have no doubt driven down it numerous times to cut across the field to your villa, your neighbours Brian & Kath keep an eye on it for me , used it on occasions prior to getting electric.



Regards Spook (brian)

bootneck



Joined: 23/06/2008
Posts: 242

Message Posted:
24/07/2008 21:54

Hi Bojoy thank you for the kind words and I hope the property is coming along and Jock1 great idea an efes is much better than a coffee see you soon or give me a call, please pop in it would be great to put a face to a name.

stevie-d



Joined: 13/07/2007
Posts: 1420

Message Posted:
24/07/2008 22:08

Hi Brian,

I know who you are now met your wife a few times, we`ll have to have a beer or 3 next we are both over at the same time we`re going out in Sept what about you???

Rgards

stevie-d

spook


Joined: 23/01/2008
Posts: 244

Message Posted:
24/07/2008 22:20

Hi Steve

Looks like October at present, will look forward to catching up with you on some future occasion.

Regards

Brian

grahamf


Joined: 26/06/2010
Posts: 8

Message Posted:
30/06/2010 00:49

is Mandy Hotchin And son Liam still working at Unwins ?

RoxyBob


Joined: 13/07/2009
Posts: 205

Message Posted:
30/06/2010 06:25

As stated in previous posts it's the builder you have to be aware of. However I myself wouldn't touch with a bargepole, Unwin has used rogue builders in the past and people have left in the lurch.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
30/06/2010 07:21

Grahamf Message 35



Short answer... no.

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
30/06/2010 07:37

Now I am not trying to defend or accuse anyone of good or bad but, as I believe Unwins are one of, if not the biggest real estate agent in North Cyprus they are bound to have alot of negative answers if asked for them.

However, can anyone suggest an agent who doesn't have negative results that those of us including neil27 might be of interest in.

From what I have read, the builders seem to be the biggest culprit but closely followed by the agent for not resolving the issues that have arrisen with the build. I don't know what obligations the real estate agent has and from reading many other posts, It would seem they have none.

I have seen so many warning posts from people who have had minor to major to down right horrific problems but the only suggestions are good builder, good agent, good advocate and "No Kocan, No Money"

The question I have is, who, who, who and how?

Is there a way to find out. The BRS might be able to help with the advocate but what of the others?



Paul

Jodienjon


Joined: 12/05/2010
Posts: 316

Message Posted:
30/06/2010 08:42

I agree with what people are saying on here, please find your own solicitor there are some really good ones out there: Dervise, Naomi Mehmet, Sener. We used Sener for our house and they have been so helpful they are busy but always get back to you.



Unwins are a very good agent, the staff there are very helpful, there are alot of businesses mergining with other companies or shutting shop, unwins are still standing on their own so they must be doing something right.



They are registered 100% - if you go into the office the certificate is on the wall so people can see it. They have a good aftersales guy and if you are looking at renting there is also a good rental guy. I know for a fact they are looking for more properties and i would give renting your property out a try. A property is sometime better off lived in than standing empty and cooped up.



Good luck with your purchase and i hope you enjoy Northern Cyprus i know we do xx

Jodie

jonkay


Joined: 01/04/2008
Posts: 187

Message Posted:
30/06/2010 08:59

Hi Neil27, We purchased in Alsancak in January 2009, and have rented the villa out for holiday let's. So far each year we have been fully booked from May - October. We advertise on Owner's Direct web site. If you give value for money, do not charge an extortionate amount and offer a good service, then I am sure you will be fine.



Location is also important, not all client wish to hire a car for the full duration of there stay. So walking distance to shops / restaurants would be helpful. You also need to have a good management company and somebody to look after the pool.



Another option is long term rentals, there are always people looking for villa's.



As above I would have a look at other property's the builder has finished and if possible ask the owner's if they are happy with the build.



Otherwise go for a re-sale, then somebody else has done the hard work.



Hope this helps



Regards



Donna

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
30/06/2010 09:01

surely all the problems above are avoided by NO KOCAN, NO MONEY! If you have a protected deposit that will only be released on completion, along with the final payment, then if the build according to your surveyor is unsatisfactory then you should have your deposit returned.

mozgor



Joined: 16/06/2010
Posts: 256

Message Posted:
30/06/2010 10:45

know they're not building in Alsancak, but can't recommend Eurocoast more. We have one of their villas in Kayalar and it's absolutely fabulous and any minor issues, even 3 years after taking possession, they are happy to fix. No delays with delivery of property and had an independant UK builder help with snagging and they found nothing. Check their properties out, http://www.eurocoast-group.com/eng/default.aspx.

Jodienjon


Joined: 12/05/2010
Posts: 316

Message Posted:
30/06/2010 11:10

I ditto that also, Eurocoast are very good builders. There office is on the way into town if you are coming from Alsancak. It is next to cod bubba

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
30/06/2010 11:28

but please remember, expats, NO KOCAN, NO MONEY! Don't get shoved aside with any other deal.

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
30/06/2010 12:24

Anyone who buys offplan is going against the advice given on this board and others.

Only listen to those who have a completed ,ready to live in property, with Kocan.

However I believe now that a lot of people who read of the mortgaging scandal ,unfinished sites and lack of Kocans associated with offplan,and still ask about such and such a site ,have already made up their minds.

Jodienjon


Joined: 12/05/2010
Posts: 316

Message Posted:
30/06/2010 12:31

I have to say that i know of people that have brought off plan and are fine. i brought a finished property and although i am very happy with the property i still have snagging outstanding and also waiting for Kocan.



Yes buying a finished property is good, but i would consider buying an off plan property off of a well repitable builder.

honestie


Joined: 22/02/2009
Posts: 468

Message Posted:
30/06/2010 14:13

I think we all know that the builder has to be checked and a good lawyer, by that one who advises you and replies to you and doesnt ask money up front, maybe hard to find!! However even if you have checked that out until you have the deeds transferred to your name no matter how good and solvent the builder appears to be ,its impossible to check their full finances, and you may have all the electrics and building permissions and a beautifully built property and everything finished but you are still are still an a very vulnerable situation as many now know. Somewhere in the background that we never find out or even the solicitor may not know could come along a person who claims money is owed them by the builder/landowner as they have won a judgement at court and hey presto a memorandum is placed on the land before the transfer to yourselves. The registration of contracts with the land registry in 2008 was to stop the mortgaging of the land however it does not stop memorandums

honestie


Joined: 22/02/2009
Posts: 468

Message Posted:
30/06/2010 14:25

Memorandums have now taken over the mortgage situation and you seriously need to ask and makes sure your solicitor advises you how you can protect your interest until the transfer. Do not let your solicitor lead you into a false sense of security that you have such a good contract that would mean you could take the builder to court . All you can sue for in court is damages and if theres no assests you may win the case but get nothing.



I cannot advise stongly enough to makes sure your solicitor obtains a way to protect your entitlement and interests. I can also give the above advise as am in the middle of the scenario at the moment hopefully coming to and end of it! You may be told to hold monies back till you get your deeds but it still wont stop memorandums.



I used Unwins but only as an introduction and found them heplful enough as estate agents were then

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
30/06/2010 15:37

message 46

Of course there are people who bought off plan and are happy, But you mean happy now.I am one.

However 4 years with no kocan and now the knowledge that the land can be mortgaged anytime in that period is a gamble to far. As for reputable builders ,they are reputable till they run into trouble.

We say if you dont do your research then you are to blame if you are defrauded. Buying off plan increases the risks of fraud or/and never getting your place complete or getting your kocan. The conclusion therefore is that if you buy offplan then you cant complain later.

loads of resales ,but even if you like a particular offplan property ,why pay upfront when you can put it in the bank ,make 20% in the two years to complete ,take the money out and pay for a resale on the site which will be probably cheaper than offplan price, when you know kocan available. Someone else has taken the risk ,had the worry and the hassle. You see the end product for final decision.

range


Joined: 13/07/2010
Posts: 28

Message Posted:
29/07/2010 00:52

Hi Brian, just joined this forum, & doing some research, thinking of buying a villa in Karsiyaka, nehir sokak, do you know it, these villas/ bungalows were built by cafel yucelegazi & sait koze, any feedback would be very helpfull, Kind Regards. range

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
29/07/2010 01:39

range,



no kocan, no money and you will be completely safe.



Ask yourself, can you afford to lose money? If the answer is no, rent rather than buy.



Simples

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
29/07/2010 07:33

range



take a look at this thread and you will find your answer - http://www.cyprus44.com/forums/37188.asp



You have been warned!!

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
29/07/2010 07:46

Range,



I've got a bargepole if you want borrow it so that you can neglect to touch the site....



Consider yourself forewarned.

range


Joined: 13/07/2010
Posts: 28

Message Posted:
29/07/2010 08:39

Thanks all, thats another 3 people added to the list of people telling me to avoid this builder, & no Kocan no money, as they say, they cant all be wrong, many thanks to you all, back to the search for something with deeds in owners names,even our advocate is saying the same, i just needed enough people to confirm it, we were over in july & thought we had found the house of our dreams, now we will have to start again& more expence in a hotel, but could be worse, could be sitting on a timebomb with that property, thanks one again, range

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
29/07/2010 08:44

Your are very welcome, always remember you are not Alone Range-r.

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
29/07/2010 20:28

Do not buy off plan. Seek advice from the HBPG.



Don't touch pre 74.



Buy something that has had all the snagging done.



If it looks too good to be true it probably is!

cyprusman3



Joined: 09/06/2009
Posts: 297

Message Posted:
30/07/2010 11:56

if your buying to invest I would suggest apartments as you can buy 3 apartments and rent them out for £350 a month each long term whereas the villa won't return half that amount long term the net return from a villa is not as good as you could get if you put the money in a bank here on monthly interest. You can clear 9% and no problems !!!!! no commissions !!!! no maintenance !!!! no non payments too. just some friendly advice hope you don't mind.