should we relocate to North Cyprus?

shrimp


Joined: 01/09/2010
Posts: 939

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 01:23

Being born in North Cyprus many years ago and having had holidays recently in Kyrenia we are tempted to move lock stock and barrel. My question is if you knew then what you you know now, would you still have moved??

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 01:26

No way. No way. No way. Don't force too many people to tell you details. Just take the "No way".

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 01:30

Welcome back to bandit country!



Richard

Clarissa2


Joined: 12/06/2009
Posts: 1476

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 02:07

Re : Msg 2,



DC, I am very surprised with your answer!

You always sound so patriotic about NC.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 06:50

Hilary,



I think it's fair to say many wish they had done things differently. I don't mean we wouldn't have moved here... just that knowing what we know now we wouldn't have done the silly things we did or make the many assumptions we did.

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 08:16

Clarissa2, I think Hans is just tryig to stop the usual tirade of miserable stories whenever this question is asked.



shrimp, if you have visited Kyrenia you should all ready know how to make that decision yourself. If you want to live here then welcome and enjoy.

I don't mean to sound negative but I believe there are all ready too many people on this forum that blame everything on suppositions and ideas from others. Make the call yourself and if you really want advice, come back for another trip and ask around, don't ask on here as you will get too many 1 sided answers.



In answer to your question, I would be happy to come here regardless of what has happened so far, I can say that from the heart because if I wasn't happy to be here I would have all ready moved away, that is I suppose the advantage for me, I am not forced to stay and therefore I want to.



Hope that makes some kind of sense, Paul

Pugwash


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 1797

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 08:16

I would still come here BUT you need to ensure that if you are buying a property you buy one with title deeds, is a resale and ensure you have enough money to support yourself now and in the future, advice I would give to anyone relocating to anywhere but which is often overlooked.

shrimp


Joined: 01/09/2010
Posts: 939

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 09:18

Thanks Paul, we love it there and everyone says the same as you, but no body will answer our questions, they say go and do your homework, ask around.......get advice, but nobody seems to want to give it........

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 09:21

shrimp, they won't give advice on here as this is the ultimate "be attacked for having an opinion" forum, especially when it comes to property and living in NC.



proger1@hotmail.com



If you have some questions that I might be able to help with but bear in mind the answers will be based on my own situation and experiences.



Paul

maningi pusa


Joined: 07/09/2008
Posts: 120

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 09:22

Not a chance!

johndp


Joined: 08/09/2009
Posts: 497

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 09:25

Clarissa

Paul/proger gives good advice he will tell you like it is

John

hawkeye


Joined: 12/09/2010
Posts: 334

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 09:28

yes I would have come but rented instead then when you have had enough you can move on. I have no regrets coming but would ha e just done it differently Sue

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 09:32

Shrimp



This question has been asked too many times to mention.



If you use the search box at the top of the forum page and type in keywords associated with your questions, I am confident that your queries will be answered tenfold. Whether you like what you read is another matter



The only advice that I would give is rent for at least 12 months before taking the plunge and buying. That should give you the chance to get a real feel for the island, rather than the 'rose tinted spectacles' view that comes with being on holiday.

We have rented for the past 2 years and having seen all the horror stories associated with buying property here, we feel that it is the best decision we have ever made. The money that we would have spent on a villa is in a local bank earning sufficient interest to pay our rent and the majority of our living costs, so we are essentially living here cost free and if/when we decide to leave, we won't have the problem of trying to sell a property.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 09:44

shrimp/Msg 1:



It is a well known fact that the local TC's do not welcome returning TC's once they come back to settle, as opposed to coming on vacation, when the locals know you are going back to UK, or wherever.



In the South, the GC's are exactly the same - the call returning Cypriots 'Charlies' and frequently give them a really hard time - especially when it comes to dealing with bureaucracy. It is also a national game to them to try and cheat them - all this due to often misguided 'jealousy'.



Come and rent, by all means, and give yourself time to decide for yourselves. Be warned that the business environment is very, very difficult, unless you are classed amongst the TC 'Rich Club', and then 'all doors are open' to you.



I've only been in Cyprus - South & North - for 29 years, so I think I have a fair understanding of Cypriot ways and the two sides' mutual mentality.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 09:46

Cont'd:



For goodness sake, don't 'burn your bridges' where you are now due to a desire for change brought about by illogical and, what might turn out to be, 'misplaced nostalgia'!

blade


Joined: 19/06/2010
Posts: 1286

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 10:04

Yes, we would still have come here.

We do have two TC's from London as friends, one family lasted 18 months then went back to the UK,and the other lasted 6 months and relocated to Turkey.

I think it depends on your personal circumstances .

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 10:06

Keep your property in the UK . Visit every month of the year inorder to see what it is like in those months . Rent properties both in the East and West to get an idea what area suits your lifestyle.

Be prepared to know that cost of living is on Par with the UK so budget accordingly .



On a personal note I love TRNC warts and all !!

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 10:33

"Be prepared to know that cost of living is on Par with the UK so budget accordingly ."



Do you really believe the cost of living is as high here as it is in the UK?



Of course if you insist on living on imported goods it might be but we find it incredibly cheap here with a few notable exceptions like some clothing costs - but even these things are not insurmountable.

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 10:42

Groucho



I might have agreed with you 12-18 months ago but I do think that prices have risen considerably here. Was recently back in the UK and the prices in the supermarkets and shopping centres were unbelievably cheap. Our electricity bill here is around the 200-250TL mark per month, which is much more than we used to pay in the UK. Admittedly, other things are cheaper here but I think if everything is taken into consideration the cost of living is about the same as the UK.



And no, we do not buy imported brands unless absolutely essential



Paul

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 10:45

And therein lays the problem of asking the questions and not finding out for yourself. There are certain questions that have potentially definitive answers but so many other questions that are open to interpretation.

In my particular case, my family and I had not lived in our home countries for nearly a decade and had spent the last 7 years in Dubai and therefore some of the expectancies in NC where similar.

There are some down sides but nothing that would make me not want to live here. I don't try and compare things with anywhere else as this will only lead to dissapointments.

As I was told many years ago by someone much more intelligent than I, make the most of what you can get and you will never be upset by what you don't have.



Paul

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 10:55

Groucho.



Yes I do, if I compare my out goings on the same type of acomodation I have in the UK , my life style including running costs of two cars, eating out etc . For me personally cost of living is on par with the UK .



I have compared the costs on a 4 bed villa in the TRNC and a 4 bedroom house in the UK .



Folk downsizing would obviously find out goings cheaper living in the TRNC or the UK.



For me Council tax is higher in the UK than TRNC . But then running costs for cars equilelent to what we run in the UK are higher in TRNC for us personally .



At the end of the day cost depends on Lifestyle that is why I said ''budget accordingly ''

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 10:58

Paul, nice motto very true !!

flawww


Joined: 12/09/2010
Posts: 52

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 12:25

A simple answer is "NO" .

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 12:28

Proger/Paul



I couldn't agree more with the last line of your post.

stockiefan


Joined: 04/05/2009
Posts: 574

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 12:48

Don't even think about it!! Just got back from 2 weeks in the UK, the prices in the supermarkets and pubs are unreal, just shows how you forget just how good the place is.

shrimp


Joined: 01/09/2010
Posts: 939

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 19:48

thanks Guys for all your comments......appreciate your thoughts , wisdom and advice........

journey1


Joined: 05/12/2009
Posts: 134

Message Posted:
07/10/2010 21:34

If you are ok with blatant racism and a banana republic menatlity but love the weather, food and many really lovely folks - TC and ex pats - go for it but do it with your eyes wide open and your head doing 360 degree turns:O)))

walkerscott


Joined: 13/08/2009
Posts: 901

Message Posted:
08/10/2010 10:24

may give you an overview of opinion ....



http://www.no-deeds-no-money.moonfruit.com/#/polls/4544350788

Guvenen


Joined: 20/02/2007
Posts: 32

Message Posted:
08/10/2010 11:53

Rent your house out in the UK, then come and rent here and find out exactly how it is, if you like it and where exactly you would like to be.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
08/10/2010 12:08

"But then running costs for cars equilelent to what we run in the UK are higher in TRNC for us personally ."



Now this I really don't understand... Cost of servicing and fuel are both substantially cheaper here... What are you running 'Rollers'?

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
08/10/2010 16:28

Groucho .



No Not rollers . Range rover and a discovery . I think you will find they cost more to run in the TRNC .

doppelganger


Joined: 08/09/2010
Posts: 147

Message Posted:
08/10/2010 16:34

NO do not do it Dads army copuld do a better job of running a country YOU WILL EXPERIENCE RACISM LIKE NEVER BEFORE HERE and no one to take any notice if you report it.



Do not do it.

Lazy days


Joined: 24/07/2008
Posts: 847

Message Posted:
10/10/2010 09:20

Groucho please the font of all knowledge should not be questioned lol

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
10/10/2010 10:01

shrimp:



It may be a bit premature for you to re-locate.



If the TRNC economy gets any worse, and if the 'talks' fail, of which both are pretty much a foregone conclusion, TRNC could suddenly find itself 'under the Turkish jack boot'.



If this situation should eventuate - and it is a distinct possibility, as there seems no alternative - local TC's will soon be scrambling for a mass exodus to UK, Australia, etc., because their current priveliged status of domination over their mainland 'cousins' will no longer exist.



Their xenophobic attitude will ricochet back on them as their 'cousins' wreak their currently pent up desire for revenge and ultimate control.



OK - all a hypothetical scenario at present............but.......would you, as a born, even if not bred, TC, want to be caught up in it?

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
10/10/2010 12:59

msg34..I agree entirely.Turkey has recently signed some sort of TRADE deal with CHINA......



(scenario )Turkey FAILS to enter EU.Instead it opens its trade links with the East ("China")TRNC remains Unrecognised by Europe......TRNC becomes more isolated,in that the Motherland has turned away from European Trade......And sees peace in the TRNC as an unimportant goal,as it no longer has any interest in EU ...Oh My?

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
10/10/2010 13:51

how would the TRNC become more isolated?

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
10/10/2010 14:31

mess34

'TRNC could suddenly find itself 'under the Turkish jack boot'.



Oh I hope so, better that than under the jackboot of corruption and inefficiency.



Hopefully Turkey will take over before I sell ,but if not, then maybe we can do the reverse, instead of Turkey moving in to NC we could move to Turkey and still enjoy the Turkish way of life. I kinow there is plenty of corruption there, as most places,but at least its called corruption and nobody pretends ,as in NC, that its anything but,or that the poor little children just dont know any better.

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
10/10/2010 14:33

msg36 (scenario)The TRNC would no longer be a stumbling block for Turkey's EU aspirations ,and because it is unrecognised,could not table a bid to join the EU. So, Not recognised or ever likely to be on it's own merit's ..No reunification... ..Next to No Tourism,and a stagnant housing market..Along with Turkey's reduced Hand-Outs ... that sounds like further isolation to me .....After all left to it's own devises,the TRNC 's economy is a non starter...

Pugwash


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 1797

Message Posted:
10/10/2010 14:39

There appears to be some vivid imaginations here!

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
10/10/2010 14:59

39 Hello Pugwash.. Its only a Scenario,as intimated by Tenakoutou but in my experience scenarios can often turn to reality,,not ultimately fact for fact, but Turkey is looking both EAST and WEST ??

Pugwash


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 1797

Message Posted:
10/10/2010 15:02

Turkey is not going to go either way I feel but try and be a bridge in the middle, very sensible policy too.

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
10/10/2010 19:17

msg41 so now you are an expert on Turkish foreign policy?

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
10/10/2010 20:41

msg39 Pugwash ..... There was once a man in England who spoke of a "scenario " regarding unregulated immigration,this man was highly educated ,spoke 14 languages,and was profoundly pro British,yet he spoke out and was fired from his job. "Everything" he spoke about turned out to be true...........His name was Enoch Powell..

R.I.P.

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
10/10/2010 22:31

Here is a strange thought, let's wait and see what happens and that way we won't start bitching at each other for having different opinions about possible scenarios.

The originakl post was to get information, niot to get what might well turn out to be far fetched fantasies.

frankedad


Joined: 21/11/2008
Posts: 346

Message Posted:
10/10/2010 22:39

quality of life is very important .. get here , if u not a winger you will have a great life

shrimp


Joined: 01/09/2010
Posts: 939

Message Posted:
11/10/2010 00:23

I am not sure if this has helped with our decision, but certainly has made very interesting reading.....thank you all for taking the time to reply to my post.......

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
11/10/2010 00:44

Shrimp .



If you look back at all previous threads re your question you should then be able judge from all of the posters . Hope this helps !!

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
11/10/2010 07:49

All the best to you Shrimp!!