Cyprus is the last country in Europe where retirees still get a good deal – taxation on pension income after allowances is fixed at 5%. The cost of living is lower than in most other countries like the UK or Spain and the quality of life is very good with residents enjoying the best of both British and Cypriot culture. This adds up to is the fact that increasing numbers of retirees, and people who are considering their retirement are buying property in Cyprus. https://solentfamilymediation.co.uk/financial-dispute-resolution-mediation/
When considering retirement abroad the majority of people require the following essentials:
• Ideally in a location where English is understood
• Relatively easy access to good quality medical facilities
• Fairly easy access to an airport
• Good access to a like minded community for making friends and socialising
• Reasonable access to local shops and general amenities such as a restaurant
• Low living costs, so that they can maintain a good life style.
• Good weather, so that an outside lifestyle can be enjoyed
Cyprus is quite a small island with most residential communities spread along the scenic coastline, no matter where you decide to buy your retirement home you will have straightforward access to all of the above. English is the second language for most Cypriots, most of the laws in Cyprus are based on the English system and everybody drives on the left side of the road. Medical facilities are very good and up to date, and in most circumstances the doctor will see you straight away – even at weekends! The cost of living is much lower in Cyprus, as an example petrol is 30% cheaper, water bills for the average household is about 80 Euros and the council tax is approximately 130 Euros/ year!! Cyprus has 320 days of sunshine a year and even at Christmas you can sit outside in your shorts or go for a walk along the beach.
There are airports in Larnaca and Paphos, quality medical facilities in Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, Polis and Nicosia. Expat retirees live all over the island and there are at least mini-markets as well as a good selection of bars and restaurants within virtually every single community no matter how small – and all the main towns in Cyprus offer a wide range of superior shopping and dining facilities.
Naturally those wishing to be right in the heart of a community where they will meet like-minded people may choose property in Paphos in Cyprus – particularly Peyia where there is a strong English community intermingling with the local Cypriots. Peyia is a large community with a good selection of apartments, townhouses and villas. The centre of the village is the focal point of life in Peyia, however the beaches and many restaurants in Coral Bay, which is a 5 minute drive away – are a popular meeting place.
Those people wanting a more scenic and quieter place to live are well advised to visit the Polis area of Cyprus which is North West of Paphos but still only 40 minutes from the airport. The centre of this area is the small town of Polis with its quaint paved streets, but a wide range of shops and restaurants – a short walk will take you down to the sandy beach with its stunning views of the Chrysochous Bay and the mountains beyond. There is a regular bus service to Paphos – cost one euro!! A five minute drive will take you to the popular marina at Latchi where you can relax in one of the many quayside fish restaurants, and watch the local fishermen returning with your evening meal.
The area of Polis is surrounded by mountains so there is a wide variety of scenery and places to visit – all within a short drive. Go for a walk in the rugged terrain of the Akamas Nature Reserve, and then relax with a drink in the traditional stone village of Neo Chorio. Try pony trekking in the Paphos pine forests above Polis, and then have a relaxing lunch in the family run Paradisos Hotel which has the most stunning views of any hotel in Cyprus. Relax on one of the many sandy beaches or take a 20 minute car trip along the coast to the small fishing village of Pomos, where the mountains meet the beach and the scenery is totally different – the rugged cliffs and stunning beauty of this area will take your breath away! For the more active there are a wide range of water sports in the area and it is easy to hire a small boat in Latchi Marina and take a trip out for a few hours, and maybe relax in the Blue lagoon and try some scuba diving. Construction has started on two new golf courses in Argaka which will be amongst the most scenic in Europe.
Retiring to Cyprus will never be boring, and you will be able to enjoy the constant sunshine and friendship that this island has to offer, at a greatly reduced cost compared to many other countries.
For more information, please contact A20 Real Estate.