Sold our house in UK now what do we do?

bigbadbob


Joined: 04/08/2010
Posts: 368

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 16:53

Hi folks after nearly 18 months we have now sold our house and we cannot decide whether to downsize ormove out to TRNC but if we do we would rent not buy.My question is what would you do?

carolhm


Joined: 05/10/2011
Posts: 72

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 17:00

I know exactly what I would do , I would get on the computer and book a flight asap

cyprusjoker


Joined: 29/08/2009
Posts: 1107

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 17:04

Down size and bring the rest out here

muffin


Joined: 03/07/2010
Posts: 83

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 17:07

Having sold up and moved out here, bought a lovely house but still waiting after five years for kocan and no prospect of it in sight - advise is do not buy - far better to rent and invest your hard earned cash.

Tango1


Joined: 19/02/2011
Posts: 1151

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 17:10

By all means come over here, but don't buy........rent.

Geoff


Joined: 25/06/2008
Posts: 1370

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 17:24

Rent. ASAP.

Geoff

Famagusta City.

stevie


Joined: 05/12/2008
Posts: 200

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 17:30

hi bob many places to rent we can help find you a place to rent ,depends which area you want to live

we are in kucuk-erenkoy 15min to golf club 30min to town

example 2 bed appt from £240 per month

0533 849 47 44

Aslan


Joined: 23/06/2008
Posts: 757

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 17:34

Invest in a holiday home in the UK which you could rent out and also use when you require it, rent a flat in Girne then you can investigate East and West with pretty equal travelling times and distances.

EamonnMc


Joined: 18/06/2010
Posts: 1019

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 18:10

Downsize and move to Northern Cyprus if you are serious. Never, ever burn all your bridges , always leave yourself an option if things go wrong.

essexgirl


Joined: 01/04/2009
Posts: 87

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 18:16

Definately rent not buy. Depending on age/family circumstances, rent a flat/villa with a shared pool rather than own pool as hastle and expense you could do without while you decide what to do next. Plenty of restaurants with pools to use and beach clubs, beaches to use if you like a dip.

Base yourself in Girne as suggested above so that you can explore in both directions east and west, and enjoy all that Girne has to offer, especially at night -some first class restaurants there.

Invest some of your capital in TRNC where the rate of return is excellent, but keep most of it in the UK, perhaps buy a property in your town (where a family member or friend can manage it for you) near a station or University or other 'attraction' so that its easy to rent out.

Good luck in your new life whatever you decide to do.

walkerscott


Joined: 13/08/2009
Posts: 901

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 18:30

Rent first and see what life is like out in the TRNC.

Buy something small in UK so you don't burn all your bridges.



http://no-deeds-no-money.moonfruit.com

pollymarples


Joined: 08/08/2010
Posts: 1778

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 19:10

Rent, come and join us, it is beautiful here, but please, do not risk your money. Keep a small bolt hole in the UK.

Ed1957


Joined: 03/09/2011
Posts: 377

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 19:55

Totally agree with the advice above, buy something small, and rentable in the UK, come out here and rent DO NOT BUY

hawkeye


Joined: 12/09/2010
Posts: 334

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 19:56

if have the money get a bolt hole here and then rent in TRNC...........when renting and you have had enough then you can move onto somewhere new. Not necessarily Uk. Good Luck .........Sue

dippersgirl



Joined: 04/05/2010
Posts: 795

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 19:59

Don't give up a base in UK, do what Ed in mess 13 says, If you want to buy in TRNC, only do it, when you know enough, about the place, we are happy here and own a place, but we did not get there totally without heartache

nonee


Joined: 27/04/2010
Posts: 4

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 20:27

Hi.Now back in the uk,6 months,after selling up.Spent 6 great years in NC.Dont buy in cyprus.Rent.Buy in uk.....Try it.Any information,will send e-mail.

flowerfairy


Joined: 17/09/2008
Posts: 1277

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 20:34

It's good advise to rent, short term, but when you do the maths, if you intend to live here for a while, for a few thou. more, you can buy a re sale, (owners have their deeds).

I know people who have lived/rented here for years, but have moved so many times. That wouldn't suit me, I need to know which bed my slippers are going under.

TRNCvictim


Joined: 17/08/2010
Posts: 1417

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 20:37

Rent, Rent and Rent again, buy nothing, but if your daft enough to want to put your slippers under a bed that will belong to someone else until you get your deeds, always remember NO DEEDS NO MONEY!



The Best of Luck!

flowerfairy


Joined: 17/09/2008
Posts: 1277

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 21:40

Jenny, I did say,

''you can buy a re sale, (owners have their deeds).

cyprusman3



Joined: 09/06/2009
Posts: 297

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 21:45

why buy when the interest on the money you would spend to buy will pay the rent and some of your living expenses and you have your cash readily available for any eventuality

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 21:48

Rent..................you know it makes sense. 20 posts and all but 1 suggesting the rental option. Keep your money in the bank and rents are incredibly cheap. It will free you of all worries.

TRNCvictim


Joined: 17/08/2010
Posts: 1417

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 22:09

flowerfairy (mess 19)



I know some resale owners have their deeds but for anyone who has no PTP it could take say 18months - 5 years to get their PTP so for most victims who are not Cypriot it's best to RENT!



Don't you agree?

flowerfairy


Joined: 17/09/2008
Posts: 1277

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 22:15

I'll let you know Jenny, our daughter got her PTP within a year. Ours has just been applied for.

Watch this space.

Whatever....., if I can live in this house until .......you know......at least maybe, I'll have something to leave to my children. If not, ce la vie, I'm having a lovely life.

(Not saying I don't feel for the people who are having a bad time) I really do, but this is my life, I have just the one chance, and sorry, but...................

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 22:37

I don't think it's PTP that is so much a problem, if you know you have bought GC property and not Pre 74 Turkish Title deed or bought near a military establishment, your almost home and dry. The problem is getting the deeds. Until you have the deeds you own nothing and will find it difficult to sell and risk memorandums.



Perhaps the time to recommend buying is when you have those deeds but not before. That way people buying can distinguish the good builders/developers who do handover deeds from those that don't.

TRNCvictim


Joined: 17/08/2010
Posts: 1417

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 22:37

Sorry flowerfairy, but I would not live in any house I have bought & paid for but have no deeds until the Government decide to allow me to! ce la vie, I have learnt the hard way! It is very important to me my children receive without incumbrance what I have worked for!



Enjoy your life, I have no wish to take that away, but future victims must know the truth, and much can happen between purchase and gaining deeds in the TRNC, it's not the same as the rest of the world! unless your Cypriot! The system is so raciest, but I'm sure it will work for you!

stevew


Joined: 07/04/2009
Posts: 225

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 22:59

buy rockhopper shares @2.83

flowerfairy


Joined: 17/09/2008
Posts: 1277

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 23:04

Thank you Jenny,but, sorry, I do not understand you.

''but I would not live in any house I have bought & paid for but have no deeds until the Government decide to allow me to!''



Why not, You say you have bought and paid for it.....enjoy.....one day, you may get your deeds.

It took 25 years for me to pay for my house in UK, I loved it, as I do this house over here. I paid an endemnity (think that's what it's called)insurance that fell foul, and I lost out on thousands because of the stock market.



I'm living my life, if there's anything left for our children......result....if not.....well.

TimothyCadman


Joined: 13/12/2007
Posts: 1040

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 23:26

Problem with renting is that you're not secure. You can be asked to move at anytime.

Downsize into a RESALE where there are deeds issued to the present owner.

Ensure that you have at least £200k in the bank after you've bought your property to ensure that your capital lasts you for the rest of your life.

TRNCvictim


Joined: 17/08/2010
Posts: 1417

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 23:34

Problem with buying in the TRNC is that you will NEVER be secure!



TimothyCadman you are definately a TRNC Estate Agent! full of utter & complete .............

flowerfairy


Joined: 17/09/2008
Posts: 1277

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 23:35

Timothy, that is exactly what I have been tryng to say. After that...£200k, then I wake up and I am not in Heaven, after all, this is the real world. An ideal world,,yea

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
09/01/2012 23:45

Your not secure renting! You must be joking! Have you ever seen the procedure and time-scales for eviction or read the cases about squatters rights, let alone legally contracted tenants.



What are you trying to sell Tim or who are you going to recommend?



Complete Tosh which only reassures the likes of those that have bought, paid in full but not even got PTP and title deeds.

EamonnMc


Joined: 18/06/2010
Posts: 1019

Message Posted:
10/01/2012 01:10

Well, after 30 posts if bigbadbob doesn't know what to do there's no hope for him, if he exists ?

bertieboss


Joined: 22/07/2011
Posts: 149

Message Posted:
10/01/2012 04:06

Move to Limassol - nice place ! Or it was in 1969 !

yrret


Joined: 17/08/2010
Posts: 761

Message Posted:
10/01/2012 09:27

As you are clearly unsure, I would suggest you do nothing commital.

Take a 3-6 month break in Cyprus, a short let on a small appt should be easy to get, weather will be getting better in a few weeks, and take it from there.

NC is plagued with people who were reactive, and wish they hadn't been, so think it through and 'try before you buy'.

sienna


Joined: 09/01/2009
Posts: 1627

Message Posted:
10/01/2012 09:33

know you own mind ! clearly you dont from the question if you are that unsure should you be doing anything !?

lovinit


Joined: 20/06/2008
Posts: 745

Message Posted:
10/01/2012 09:37

Re message 34



best advice please take it bigbadbob.



All is well here if you have plenty of money in the bank..............



No work forforeigners, or very little, the government does not encourage workers from other nations unless for the building trade as many Cypriots do not like manual labour.



Yes there are alot of people who have been reactive re moving here, wishing they hadn’t, just remember not to burn all your bridges in the UK.......

I wish I had'nt..............

eager


Joined: 23/02/2007
Posts: 1272

Message Posted:
10/01/2012 11:29

Err ....look for somewhere better to live !

bigbadbob


Joined: 04/08/2010
Posts: 368

Message Posted:
10/01/2012 12:12

Hi folks I must say I was not expecting so many replies to my post when I switched on the computer this morning firstly msg 32 Bigbadbob does exist and I am personally known by some of the regular posters on here! My personal thoughts are to rent out there bu t the Dragon does prefer to buy because that is what we have always done but I like the idea of renting living off the interest and keeping the cash intact just in case we have to return to the UK at sometime in the future.The Dragon and I fancy living on the coast a maximum of 10 miles from Girne so that would bring in The Catalkoy area to the east and Karsiyaka area to the west but any thoughts would be appreciated.Finally I am amazed that no estate or letting agents have not been on this post but no doubt they will now.Bob.

davpat


Joined: 23/08/2011
Posts: 225

Message Posted:
10/01/2012 13:32

MESSAGE 27,



Totally agree,my sentiments exactly,go for it Bigbadbob!





David

LaptaGeezer


Joined: 01/06/2010
Posts: 407

Message Posted:
10/01/2012 13:46

Hi Bob,

Whenever you ask such an open question on here you will get a plethora of answers just as you have done.

I would say that unless you, or your good lady, really feel the need to buy a property then the rental 'try it and see' option would be the most sensible. That way if you really like the place and the lifestyle then you can buy later on... prices are not going up and so there is nothing to be lost by waiting. You will only gain some knowledge and experience of the place and even if you do decide to buy later then you may decide that you like a different area than what you originally thought.

I would say 'go for it'.... you don't want to be sat regretting not giving it a chance over the coming years, but do it slowly, by renting at first I mean, and you will have a stress free time out in Cyprus.

Hope it all works out for you.

Paul

zerinmehmed


Joined: 27/12/2010
Posts: 19

Message Posted:
10/01/2012 15:30

Hi after reading all the messags i Will say that i have lived in cyprus for 20 years No probleme. You know why because we bought our house türkish deeds you can still buy houses or flaxs türkish deeds and No one can give you any probleme so my advise is come to cyprus it peacefull hot and pleasent

bigbadbob


Joined: 04/08/2010
Posts: 368

Message Posted:
10/01/2012 17:30

Thanks for all your replies I shall show Wendy these when I get home tonight and let you know tomorrow what her thoughts are.Bob.

aussiejock



Joined: 06/10/2010
Posts: 350

Message Posted:
10/01/2012 18:16

TimothyCadman message 28, which banks are you talking about, put your 200.000 into a TRNC, can you trust the TRNC banks with that kind of money, and the UK Banks have a very low interest rate so they would be no use to me, I'm only asking as I need advice on this matter, should I put 200.000 into a TRNC bank and leave the rest in an Australian Bank that gives 6% interest guaranteed by the Government up to 1Million, could I lose the money in the TRNC Bank, or do you think they are safe now.





Robert

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
10/01/2012 18:16

Bob

If it were me and knowing what I know now, I'd advise



1. If you don't invest your money, you are likely to spend it. I wouldn't invest in a property in the TRNC, too many uncertainties and there is always the threat of deportation if you fall foul of the authorities.



2. I'd buy the most rentable property in the UK I could, one I (& she who must be obeyed) would be OK to live in should you need or have to return to the UK i.e. health reasons. Ideally buy somewhere that someone you trust i.e. family could keep an eye on it for you. Rent it out. Join a Landlords Association for advice.



3. Rent in the TRNC. You have a choice as to where you want to live and how long for. You don't have any worries about maintaining the property, you are there to relax and enjoy life. The chances of an owner wanting you out whilst you are paying the rent is remote. If you don't like the property, cost of living there, the neighbours or the area you can move. If you've bought you are stuck.

aussiejock



Joined: 06/10/2010
Posts: 350

Message Posted:
10/01/2012 18:38

Hector thanks for that, spent 1 1/2 years in Turkey rented out our house good agent but terrible tenants, made a real mess of our house, I'm still trying to renovate the place and get it back into shape, every room has to be repaired, have just re tiled the bathroom, toilet, Laundry, and just starting on our en-suite, I need new carpets for 4 bedrooms the whole house has to be repainted and all the outdoors areas have to be fixed up, I was insured and received around $8000 from the insurance Co, but it will cost me more than $20,000 to get the house back to what it was, they even knocked our front wall down, their son smashed into it with his car, tried to run down his girlfriend, so I'm not keen on going through this again, will sell up and put the money in the bank and try to live off the interest, that's why I was interested in putting some of the money into a TRNC Bank with 9% interest, and our Dollar is now worth 1.93 Lira, when we were last over all we could get was 1.06 Robert

aussiejock



Joined: 06/10/2010
Posts: 350

Message Posted:
10/01/2012 18:48

continued, we should have sold our house last year and moved to Cyprus Feb or March but it has taken us a lot longer to fix up the house than we thought, but never mind we will get to NC as soon as possible, looking forward to it,





Robert

Sandford


Joined: 17/12/2011
Posts: 133

Message Posted:
10/01/2012 19:24

As a novice newbie on this site, but having visited TRNC often over the last few years, I have decided to purchase a resale property and retire there in the next few months. Before the expected deluge of "dont do it" and similar descends upon me from all sides, having read most posts and threads daily for the last month, I am assuming the majority by those actually living in TRNC, why are new posters almost always met with such negativity when they are merely seeking to join you in what the majority seem to agree is a warmer and relatively cheaper place to live. UK savings rates of 0.5%, pension reductions,utility bill hikes, house price slumps, Human Rights decisions, food prices, to name but a few, do not make the UK a wonderful place to live anymore and more and more people are seeking a better life. Having taken a decision to buy and live/visit in TRNC, are there any real positives to post?

Not meaning to insult anyone, just bemused by the negativity in replies by TRNC residents.

philbailey


Joined: 17/01/2011
Posts: 3533

Message Posted:
10/01/2012 19:38

Msg 47, I think a fair few have had problems

or lost money when buying

and some have not recieved deeds

or the builder has mortaged their homes

some never even got to move in

some refused PTP

EamonnMc


Joined: 18/06/2010
Posts: 1019

Message Posted:
10/01/2012 20:18

Msg 47,



I think that many people got shafted and they just want others to learn from their mistakes/experiences. Nothing wrong with that.

Sandford


Joined: 17/12/2011
Posts: 133

Message Posted:
10/01/2012 20:24

Phil, thanks for that and I am not dull enough to not accept that I might also become one of those affected, but equally, I might not. Others have not had those problems. I know that it has been termed by many as a risk ridden "gamble", but even if I ultimately lose out, I suspect my time in TRNC will have been better than staying in blighty for the next few years. Hey ho...............

LaptaGeezer


Joined: 01/06/2010
Posts: 407

Message Posted:
10/01/2012 20:32

Hi Sandford,

If you are serious about buying out in the TRNC then I would be interested to know what type of villa you are looking for and in what area. If you would like to drop me an email to the one listed on my profile we can discuss.

Sandford


Joined: 17/12/2011
Posts: 133

Message Posted:
10/01/2012 20:34

Eamonn. Nothing wrong at all as I guess that is Forums like this are for. I was sincerely bemused as there seemed to be so few positive posts from members who were not (yet) shafted or faced with the horrible problems some have encountered. Newbie out. Thanks.

taysidegirl


Joined: 03/01/2012
Posts: 40

Message Posted:
11/01/2012 01:28

Sandford, I personally couldn't agree with you more! It's a shame that so many people live in NC and the others that don't but spend time there, just run it down to people that pose questions about living there. If it was so bad................etc etc.

eager


Joined: 23/02/2007
Posts: 1272

Message Posted:
11/01/2012 13:42

Msg 53,

You asked for advice and you were kindly given it, dont throw it back in peoples faces.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
11/01/2012 13:52

eager. I suppose some people only want to hear the positive side, If it is so bad..................etc.etc. some cannot get out of there when they want to because no deeds can't sell .................etc.etc.

EamonnMc


Joined: 18/06/2010
Posts: 1019

Message Posted:
11/01/2012 14:36

Woodspeckie,



I agree but people who only want to hear positives about Northern Cyprus or anywhere, are truly naive. What they really need to hear and take cognizance of, is the truth as people find it . Northern Cyprus is a wonderful place and is "the right place for you " IF "you are the right person for it " Sadly for many, it does not work out. We all know of many people who have left the island disillusioned and bitter from the experience, to deny this fact is dishonest. Of course there are many who are extremely happy with their lot, who revel in the lifestyle and the beauty of the place, who are very content and for whom, the gamble has paid off. These are generally people who have a good income from investments or pensions and are not dependent on finding employment to live with any degree of comfort.

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
11/01/2012 15:23

Best advice I can give is rent, rent, rent and if you have to buy only spend what you are prepared to lose.



At least now the information is out there about all of the problems and newbies can't complain that they weren't aware of the dangers should they ultimately get shafted.

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
11/01/2012 19:37

Message 53 has been told:



That work and work permits are difficult to obtain.

Wages are low and hours of working longer.

That there are often problems buying property and poor legal safeguards exist should you run into problems

That the cost of living is similar to Britain

That you need to take into consideration Health insurance and school fees



I feel that the above information is somewhat negative but is it true? Sometimes I think its easier to gloss over the truth than give a honest opinion. So to keep her happy clappy:



you will be 100% safe if you do your homework when buying

your partner will walk straight into a well paid job

Legal system same as England

Sunny all year round

Much cheaper cost of living

You will never meet with any discrimination as TC and Brits are treated the same - definately no two tier price system



There you go - now your happy and I've worked hard to provide you with exactly what you want to hear.

EamonnMc


Joined: 18/06/2010
Posts: 1019

Message Posted:
11/01/2012 19:43

"there are none so blind as those who will not see" ....it's an old saying but so true.

TRNCvictim


Joined: 17/08/2010
Posts: 1417

Message Posted:
11/01/2012 20:42

taysidegirl (mess 63)



You should listen to Bradus (who's always honest & straightforward) was clever enough not to be shafted in the TRNC, unlike me and hundreds more! she has no axe to grind, unlike me and hundreds more! she's told you the truth, and also what you want to hear! the rest is up to you!



Bradus (mess 58)



This board would be nothing without your honesty! and as EamonnMc say "there are none so blind as those who can't see "



taysidegirl you now know the facts!

bertieboss


Joined: 22/07/2011
Posts: 149

Message Posted:
12/01/2012 02:02

Do what most ex pats do.

Move to TRNC, ignore all advice, buy a nice villa/apartment then spend the rest of your life regretting it and complaining about just about every aspect of the country.

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
12/01/2012 02:30

I wonder how many buyers would have appreciated the sound advice given by Bradus and others a few years ago? Quite a number, I suspect. Hindsight, as we all know, is a wonderful thing and it amazes me that every time someone comes on here, asking for advice re: relocating to TRNC, they choose to ignore the advice given. I, personally, have no axe to grind, although we bought a holiday home several years ago (without problems) and I wish I hadn't; however, that's just a personal choice. I have friends in TRNC who have made the move permanently and absolutely love it. It's very much Horses for Courses, I think, but I still maintain that many people would have appreciated the wisdom gained with hindsight before they bought.



Bradus - you always give sound, unbiased advice, in my opinion and people who are still undecided about buying would do very well to listen to you and heed your advice.

northcyprus74


Joined: 11/01/2012
Posts: 275

Message Posted:
12/01/2012 08:32

Do your research well & buy... There are great bargains out here....

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
12/01/2012 14:38

msg63...A bargain is usually something which is of greater value/quality than the price being asked...So there are in fact very few bargains regarding property in the TRNC...

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
12/01/2012 19:25

Jeannie,

thanks I work hard to inform people of the pitfalls. I had a superb builder who was very professional and I could not fault the design, building quality or maintenance in any way. I would highly recommend him. I had and have many friends in Cyprus and some very happy memories.



My dissatisfaction has always been about the buying procedure and the absence of any legal safety net.The loopholes that allow corruption to be a frequent occurrence within the buying procedure. I have been shocked by the sheer number of buyers experiencing problems. Those advising people to do their homework are correct and this should begin by investigating the scale of the problem and the types of problems being experienced. To know equips you with the knowledge to reduce the risk of this happening to you.



TRNC is a wonderful place to really chill out, enjoy retirement and family life. However. what you thought was going to be a dream come true, can become a nightmare.

EamonnMc


Joined: 18/06/2010
Posts: 1019

Message Posted:
12/01/2012 19:37

Bradus, msg 65,



I agree with you but, some people choose to look at things through rose tinted glasses and ignore any advise that has even a slightly negative slant to it ( even though they ask for peoples thoughts when starting a thread ). To make a considered judgement one should take on board a wide range of views, to do otherwise and to behave like an ostrich, is to invite trouble.

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
12/01/2012 20:59

Sandford



"Not meaning to insult anyone, just bemused by the negativity in replies by TRNC residents."



" I was sincerely bemused as there seemed to be so few positive posts from members who were not (yet) shafted or faced with the horrible problems some have encountered."



Now why do you think that is?

EamonnMc


Joined: 18/06/2010
Posts: 1019

Message Posted:
12/01/2012 23:38

Hector, msg 67,



Don't be too hard on a new member.

j200mey


Joined: 06/02/2011
Posts: 81

Message Posted:
13/01/2012 10:03

its the place to be just take your time 5.2 years and you will get all your papers best of luck

eager


Joined: 23/02/2007
Posts: 1272

Message Posted:
13/01/2012 11:11

Rent dont buy, live off interest in bank....no brainer really

scruff


Joined: 15/07/2008
Posts: 1070

Message Posted:
13/01/2012 11:19

Last post. Total rubbish. Many people have not got their deeds after 10 years & never will, despite having no issues with PTP. This isn't related to a slow system, but to landowners who refuse to transfer title & are legally entitled to do just that within Cypriot law.

As Bradus says it's the legal system here that's the problem.

Buying in the TRNC is high risk regardless of how much homework you do.

If newbies still insist on buying, then they must be prepared in the worst scenario to lose the entire amount that they've spent on property here.

I know because I am one of them.

dalartokat


Joined: 14/04/2008
Posts: 734

Message Posted:
13/01/2012 11:34

Message 53...this was posted in 2004 in Cyprus Living by someone after I wrote to the sender, make of it what you will.



"We that live here often sound negative but that is only because we live here and are not seeing Cyprus through rose coloured glasses as a lot of *off islanders* do. We give you negative so that you can make the right decision about a life here, we are not experts but we do LIVE here and can only tell you what we have experienced. There are Pro's and Con's to living here but I find that there are more Pro's than Con's. I know how you feel about the UK being a shit-hole as you describe it, but be patient, work hard, save hard and then you can make the move not relying totally on a living here, more a top up of funds every month. I know I am just another negative lucky b-----d that lives here to you, but think on, this could be you giving someone else the same advice in a few years time!! Good luck.........."

scruff


Joined: 15/07/2008
Posts: 1070

Message Posted:
13/01/2012 11:45

my post #71 was referring to post #69, not post #70.

Sandford


Joined: 17/12/2011
Posts: 133

Message Posted:
13/01/2012 13:11

Hector, msg 67.



I didn't know why, so I asked those who might know the answer. Perhaps those that have not suffered do not post on this site?



EamonnMc, message 68.



Thank you. I was indeed seeking a wide range of views, good and bad. My post, naive to some, was to ask why the good ones rarely spoke up.

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
13/01/2012 13:43

Sanford,

There was an old thread asking if anyone would recommend buying in the TRNC and using a particular builder, advocate etc.



Many of those that had a positive experience of buying and using what they considered to be trustworthy professionals admitted that they would be reluctant to recommend because of the uncertainty of being able to buy safely. Particularly if the recommendation was to family and friends. This might account for why people rarely speak up.



One of the main problems is that often those doing the recommending do so naively. For instance one regular poster promoting safe buying has never got his deeds after 5 years. Another one recently painting a rosy picture seemed to think it was fine to have a mortgage on their property.



When people recommend builders, advocates and estate agents there is always someone else who will come on and share their negative experience. It's luck of the draw, some win some lose.

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
13/01/2012 14:03

It makes really good reading going over the old posts.



High recommendations for Santa Fe, Greatstones, Sea Terra Reserve, Boyut, Sarcan and lots more, have now turned into legal battles because of memorandums, mortgages and land disputes or property not completed.



Don't get me wrong. there definitely are good builders and those that would still be happy to recommend. However for many the downturn in the construction industry, leading to lots of builders running into financial problems makes people nervous.



Cyprus, North and South, are doing themselves long-term damage by not addressing the current issues. It could be a lovely island with financial stability coming from tourists, holiday homes and by attracting permanent home owners. Instead it is now becoming not so much the "Jewel in the Med" but Fools Gold Island.



http://investorinsight.net/2011/04/cyprus-worst-overseas-property-investment-market/

EamonnMc


Joined: 18/06/2010
Posts: 1019

Message Posted:
13/01/2012 14:27

Bradus, Msg 68,



The link that you post should be compulsory viewing for anyone thinking of buying on the island of Cyprus ! Well done.

EamonnMc


Joined: 18/06/2010
Posts: 1019

Message Posted:
13/01/2012 14:31

Sorry,



Meant to say the link posted in Msg. 76.

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
13/01/2012 15:17

Thanks EamonnMc,



It is aimed at Investors in the ROC but the existing problems are identical to those faced in the TRNC. Sadly lots of other property investment sites are giving out the same response to people considering purchasing in the ROC and the TRNC.

blondie35


Joined: 23/10/2008
Posts: 37

Message Posted:
13/01/2012 17:28

bigbadbob ignore the post from the estate agent!!!!!!!! We have lived here for three year's now. we have a large house in the UK which we rent out, we were going to sell but have met soooo many people out here who have been ripped off, not just by the builder but by all involved??? the house we rent is up for sale and in three years we have had three viewing's, and as for not being secure if the house is sold we are given two month's notice to find another rental? easy dont buy. we love this place and before moving here had been coming out here for twelve year's we have thought about buying and researched it for a long time, and we still would not buy a property here!!!!!!!! we have been informed that foriegner's are not able to own pre 1974 deed's???? and I would just like to make clear that I have many Turkish Cypriot and Turkish friend's who have had the same problem's when buying property here. Legal system here is all wrong. ? ?would you buy in the UK and not expect your deed,s !