Advice please: book up visits with estate agents or

mixie


Joined: 16/05/2009
Posts: 302

Message Posted:
28/05/2009 20:30

Advice please: Would it be better to book up visits with estate agents before arriving in Cyprus or would it be best to just wander around get a feel for an area then look for a house in the area you like?

Are for sale signs regularly put on property for sale?

Are estate agents terribly pushy?

Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.

Regards

Mixie

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
28/05/2009 20:49

do a bit of both....



before you make a decission, go to Homebuyer's pressure group every tues at Pia Bella Hotel and here what they have to say about and proposed builder/development.

mixie


Joined: 16/05/2009
Posts: 302

Message Posted:
28/05/2009 20:52

Thanks a bunch negativenick. You must really stop being so positive it will tarnish your reputation! I will do as advised.

Thanks again

Mxie

Moover321


Joined: 11/04/2009
Posts: 649

Message Posted:
28/05/2009 20:56

A bit of both is good advice. You need to get a feel for how the place is for living and that cannot be done by what any estate agents says! You need to visit estate agents to get a fell for what is available and the prices etc., but never let them or ANYONE pressure sell you in to making a decision.



Take your time, research, reflect and discuss it with those who are closest to you!



If you do decide to but make sure you have an INDEPENDENT lawyer - you can get a list from the FCO (Foreign & Commonwealth Office) website - also information there about taking the correct steps to potect your rights!



Good luck!

TimothyCadman


Joined: 13/12/2007
Posts: 1040

Message Posted:
28/05/2009 21:00

"Would it be better to book up visits with estate agents before arriving in Cyprus or would it be best to just wander around get a feel for an area then look for a house in the area you like? "

YES



"Are for sale signs regularly put on property for sale? "

They are more than there ever used to be, but still many don't have them on.



"Are estate agents terribly pushy? "

Yes and no. The bigger the office and numbers of staff the pushier they are. Needs must in a market thjat is severly depressed. They have to put food on the table, pay their business bills and pay staff. The day to day running costs aren't cheap.

mixie


Joined: 16/05/2009
Posts: 302

Message Posted:
28/05/2009 21:00

Thanks Moover321,

I didn't know about the FCO. Will research that tonight.

I wouldn't let anyone pressurise me...my money was "sair focht fer" (hard fought for)and I wouldn't make a knowingly bad move in this respect.

Thanks

Mixie

mixie


Joined: 16/05/2009
Posts: 302

Message Posted:
28/05/2009 21:03

message 5

Thanks Timothy,

I take it that if the house is empty that it "might" be for sale

Mixie

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
28/05/2009 21:06

Come over on your own, look at the estate agents at what they have to offer, and if pos buy one already built, then you wont get half as much agro from anyone. Having seen the way others have had trouble with building off plan, its a something every one wants to avoid and there must be plenty already built that a buyer would snap off your hands if you showed interest. lol

mixie


Joined: 16/05/2009
Posts: 302

Message Posted:
28/05/2009 21:10

Gladys,

Thank you for your advice. I will only buy a resale as I couldn't be bothered with the agro of buying off plan.

Is there a price differential between the two types.?



Mixie

PS I just couldn't find it in myself to call you a dizzycow!

rsalih


Joined: 01/11/2008
Posts: 306

Message Posted:
28/05/2009 21:13

hi mixie. if you wold like to take a look a house that we are about to put up for sale in various estate agents. we would prefer to sell it ourselves so as to not go though estate agents and that would obviouslly benefit both sides, because agentsfees could be come off the asking price. The house is in west kyrenia karaoglanoglu area, and has been built to to a very high standard of workmanship, although they all say that, you only have to see ours to realise that we really have taken a lot of care. Please email or ring 0533 851 4555 if you would like to have a look around at the house or for any infomation about it.

mixie


Joined: 16/05/2009
Posts: 302

Message Posted:
28/05/2009 21:19

Hi rsalih,

I'll get back to you on this not coming for a few weeks yet.

My husband is a builder so he will know straight away what the workmanship is like of any building. I will take a note of your number and when we are visiting I will check out Karaoglanoglu and give you a bell if i like the area.

Thanks

m

rsalih


Joined: 01/11/2008
Posts: 306

Message Posted:
28/05/2009 21:47

hi mixie, thanks for reply . the house is in Çicek Mahallesi which in estate agents terms is 'much sought after area' it really is nice area though lovely view of sea and mountains , 1 minute drive to beach or 10minute walk. hope to hear from you. thanks.

Moover321


Joined: 11/04/2009
Posts: 649

Message Posted:
28/05/2009 22:04

Mixie - People want to sell and it is a buyers market and not just in the TRNC!



Just be sure that you know what you want and what you need to do to achive it! Buying abroad is much, much harder than buying in your own back yard!



"Hard sell" is a relative term. You simply need to keep your wits about you. Don't part with any money until you have done your homework, got an independent lawyer and most importantly understand the various titles that exist in the TRNC!



Don't forget - you will need a PTP (Permission to Purchase) before you can but in the TRNC. The system is nnot geared up to giving you this before you pay any money - so be careful. Best to try and find a place with a pre-1974 Turkish title, but even then you will still wait for your PTP and thereafter for your actual title deeds which can take a year or even years!

mixie


Joined: 16/05/2009
Posts: 302

Message Posted:
28/05/2009 22:18

Hi there Mover 321

Joined this forum to get info and bit by bit I have got it. I am aware of all the pitfalls etc. Nothing seems too secure here not even Pre 1974 because there appears to be a reluctance to give out PTP on these properties which is quite unbelievable.



This trip is for looking and getting a feel for the place. I have to get past also my husbands concerns that building methods are not as stringent as in Britain. So when he sees the finished product he might not be convinced.

Anyway seriously impressed by everyone's concern for new buyers that they do their homework first.

I won't e committing unless I'm 100% sure.

M

fazo1


Joined: 23/08/2008
Posts: 406

Message Posted:
28/05/2009 22:21

hi i would come over shop around go to hbpg at pia bella buy somethink that is already built my friend has appartments by the golf curse he also does 50% mortgages fixed at 5% over 10 years he is a verry good builder the site is 98% finished and looks outstanding

Moover321


Joined: 11/04/2009
Posts: 649

Message Posted:
28/05/2009 23:07

Good Luck Mixie! Seems you have it about right - a bit of optimism with a large dose of reality and common sense!

Stewart


Joined: 19/07/2008
Posts: 1107

Message Posted:
29/05/2009 08:19

Dear Mixie

I buy / sell / rent quite a bit in NC....my experiance is....you can drop in to any agent almost at any time and get immediate attention if you are buying.



When visiting properties, the best are normally kept till last...so see all.



Many agents are biased when you ask for their opinion ie the property may well be owned by the agent's boss..or themselves....ask!...or it may well be good commission for them.



ALWAYS negotiate the price....if you are not good at this..get someone to do it on your behalf.



I always use the same trusted agents and solicitors.



If you need any further advice, please do not hesitate to contact me via email : scw@freshice.net

Rogerdodger


Joined: 24/04/2008
Posts: 271

Message Posted:
29/05/2009 09:30

Mixie,



As mentioned by other members on this forum, do not use a solicitor recomended by the estate agent, use an Indipendent solicitor.



Roger

Chegwin


Joined: 24/03/2009
Posts: 775

Message Posted:
29/05/2009 09:37

Mixi

Another golden rule is to buy with your pocket, not your heart.

So many people buy a place in the sun while they are in “holiday” mode, only to find out down the line that things aren’t always “as they were on holiday”.

But good luck to you.



Chegwin

smoggyjim


Joined: 21/07/2007
Posts: 214

Message Posted:
29/05/2009 09:53

How much discount on the brochure price would be normal i.e if a house was in the brochure for 95,000 what would be resonable to expect to pay for it

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
29/05/2009 10:45

If you find a property you like check all the estate agents to see if it is being marketed elsewhere because you may find a price differential between them. Also, bear in mind that you will be looking at areas in the summer and you need to think about how it will be in the winter, e.g. where does the sun rise/set, if you are half way up the mountain will the house be in shade all afternoon, etc.

As has been said before, check, check then check again that the solicitor you choose is not involved with the builder/agent in any way.

roisin


Joined: 19/03/2009
Posts: 358

Message Posted:
29/05/2009 12:31

We went with Sunbeams estate agents after seeing a few others. They found us exactly what we wanted. And we got to tour around the places in a lovely old Citroen 2CV. All the people we met who were selling their homes said they were very happy with Sunbeams professionalism and highly recommended Abdelazim (Abdul) http://www.sunbeamsestate.com

chrism


Joined: 27/10/2008
Posts: 1465

Message Posted:
29/05/2009 13:17

Hi Mixie, we used a new company called the Northern Cyprus Group, very attentative and informative, their website is



http://www.northerncyprusgroup.com



Good Luck

Aslan


Joined: 23/06/2008
Posts: 757

Message Posted:
29/05/2009 13:53

Rent a car for the first two days, on day one travel to Kayalar and work your way back to Girne stopping at beaches, bars and amenities speaking to a few expats, on the second day drive to tatlisu and work your way back to Girne and again pop into a few bars, check out the golf club and other amenities, on both trips take a camera and make a note of any developments that catch your eye.

The evening of the second day book an appointment with lets say Boray, Donaghy & Beyler, Ian Smiths or Stringers all four have a good reputation and tend not to be hard sell and will enjoy showing you around the island and its properties

Tinkie


Joined: 16/03/2009
Posts: 1256

Message Posted:
29/05/2009 14:49

Hi Mixie



Try Equity Plus, I have always found them to be really helpful, not at all pushy. They are located opposite the boat shaped Fish restaurant in Alsancak. Their website is epluscyprus.com



Tinkie

juliachcc


Joined: 15/04/2009
Posts: 79

Message Posted:
29/05/2009 16:22

Hi Mixie



thats a good plan Aslan - we did pretty much the same thing - must be the teacher in us! lol



We fell in love with the beautiful views in Kayalar, and consequently, brought land. We received PTP in Dec 08. We now have to pay the transfer tax etc. Hopefully, when the UK market picks up, we will be able to sell our property and move lock, stock and barrell to Cyprus.



Noticed that you said that hubby was a builder. If you fancy an alternative way of owning your own bit of paradise, you might consider building your own place. This is our plan. Done loads of research with regards to builders etc, and have a good idea of who we will use - depends on the cost... Many on this board will tell you to stay away, and rightly so. However, from reading your posts, you seem to be doing the essential homework, and hubby will know what pitfalls to avoid when it comes to the build.



My other half is also in construction - operating earth moving machinary. We spent loads of

juliachcc


Joined: 15/04/2009
Posts: 79

Message Posted:
29/05/2009 16:31

Continued......



looking for the right peice of land. We eventually settled on the 1 3/4 donum plot - although it was bigger than we needed. To this end, we are hoping to sell 3/4 donums of it. The land is situated next to the ex chief of police's pad should you want to take a look. We brought through Stringers, and were very happy with their service. There atr beautiful mountain and sea views. We intend to build a bungalow.



Whatever you decide to do, have fun, and double check everything. You can email me if you want any further info on: juliachcc@yahoo.com Who knows, with your hubby's building skills, and my other halfs civil engineering we could be on to a winner!!



Best wishes



Juliachcc

scruff


Joined: 15/07/2008
Posts: 1070

Message Posted:
29/05/2009 17:18

If you are buying a resale property, ensure that the electricity tariff is not "builders tariff" which is much more expensive than builders tariff. It's quite possible for a resale still to be on builders electric, unless it's a much older property. Ensure that you see an electricity bill & that the tariff on it is 02 shown on RH side about half way down the bill.

Also ask questions about the water supply & preferably not from the estate agent or seller, but from another source. Many lived in properties still do not have mains water & are reliant on water tanker deliveries. This happens more often in the newly developed areas like Esentepe. It's also worth asking questions about frequency of mains water supplies. There are good & bad areas for water supplies, particularly in the summer.

Finally, I have to say that I've never seen a for sale estate agent's board on a resale property. Obviously there are agents/developers boards on new sites.



PS. A full time resident for > 7 years.