Would you ever move to the south of Cyprus?

canyavuz


Joined: 22/02/2009
Posts: 363

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 19:19

Most members here either live in the TRNC, or have a property there, or investested in a similar way. Some people have no conntection with the TRNC, but still choose to join.

But the question is.......(and mainly to the British expats)...



Would you ever move from the North of the island to the greek south?

Or would you rather move back to the UK, than to the south?



Just wanted to see peoples views about moving there

Denise


Joined: 14/03/2009
Posts: 590

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 19:22

Never! there is not a warm welcome there! with all the faults in the North i'd rather be here than in the South.

stevie-d



Joined: 13/07/2007
Posts: 1420

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 19:28

I know of 2 people who lived in the south 1 for 9 years 1 for 6 who moved back to the uk in 2008 because of euro, they found it too expensive to live on what savings and pensions they had.

stevie-d

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 20:02

Dear Canyavuz, re msg 1



as with anywhere one's "experience" depends on one's experiences, budget and perceptions.



At the height of the "troubles" on the island of Ireland I had great evenings with folk who were Irish Nationalists in Dublin - they knew I was a "Prod" who preferred the north staying within the UK. My first wife was an Irish Catholic.



Labelling folk by their colour , creed , etc is possibly .. short-sighted ?



re msg 2: Denise



Despite all the problems we had as a family with the RoC Immigration and Ministry of Labour dept we had PLENTY of warm welcomes.



Good and bad everywhere.. Last year I filled up in the wilds of the Troodos and realised I'd left my wallet at home .. in the UK you and the car would be "impounded" .. The Cypriot said come back tomorrow... I insisted in leaving something of value and returned later that day...



Many other instances of generosity to report.. same experience in Turkey and Russia - good and bad..

piggy


Joined: 15/02/2009
Posts: 132

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 20:08

Forgetting about the exchange rate for just a moment. Nothing compares to the north. I just love the locals, the easy way of life here. The uncrowded beaches. Of course, it has it's hic-ups but hey where doesn't!!



Have been south once on holiday and it didn't make me want to go back, whereas the north, well just kept on coming back.

Rogerdoger


Joined: 04/09/2008
Posts: 102

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 20:20

Lived in the south for three years in larnca, with the military, loved the time we spent there, still have Greek and English friends there and visit them when were over, nice people and honest, with the way the south is now, not sure I would live there now from what our Greek friends have been telling us of the goings on, Russians, prostutes, mony laundering, the cost of living ect.



We made the right move I think, to the North, TC's are where the South was 15/20 years ago, not expencive, laid back, down to earth people,but like all countries there are some who ruin it for others, as for the housing crisis, well it's happening in the south as well, friend of mine buying a house, in Larnaca area, no work on it since September 2008, as partners have fell out, now their asking for more money to finish his house.



As I said good and bad on both sides, my gradfarther taught me a long long time ago, never judge a book by it's coverand do not tar everybody with the same brush.



RD

smithy


Joined: 17/07/2008
Posts: 5301

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 20:28

Never would I move to the South, I love to go over there to look round the shops etc and that is a treat but its too commercialized for me, I love the TRNC

Sheila

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 20:39

No, If I ever had to leave the North (And they would have to take me screaming and kicking) there are better parts of the world to move to than the South.



AJ

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 20:46

Agree with AJ, would never go South!

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 21:11

I had yet another wonderful day here in Alsancak. I like to walk into the village from my humble abode and talk to the local residents and what should be a ten minute walk usually turns into more like an hour. But today I did not get past my TC neighbours house as they had just prepared lunch and there was no way they were going to allow me to go anywhere until they had fed and watered me. After a delicous meal of chicken shish with Cypriot salad I was treated to a few glasses of (cant remember the name) a highly alcoholic drink made from grapes that are grown from their vineyard just across the way. Five hours came and went and I had to give up the idea of the walk into the village.

Bliss. What more could I want from life.

AJ

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 21:19

re msg 10



Sounds like a typical blissful day in many parts of Cyprus, AJ.. ;)

Stubs


Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 641

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 21:47

AJ



This happened to us many times in Cyprus.



I thought I'd use the same excuse back in the UK but the wife knew i'd went to the pub. Still forgot the milk that I had went to the shop for ;-)

Turtle


Joined: 28/05/2007
Posts: 2669

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 21:56

Had many wonderful holidays in the south from 1976 and enjoyed everyone of them.

Looked to buy in Paphos as we really liked the place but revisited after an 8 year break and was amazed how much the place had exploded.



Not for me now.

dodger



Joined: 29/07/2007
Posts: 1895

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 22:04

Used to holiday in the south and my daughter worked in Napa for three years and had some great times there.Then one day we decided to hire a car and drive over to "the dark side," as some of the Greek Cyps call the north.Simply fell in love with the place and have holidayed in t.r.n.c. ever since.



Roger Dodger are you from Hull.

Mindy



Joined: 27/10/2008
Posts: 1210

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 22:12

AJ,

Was the name of the alcohol you were drinking called Zivania . I think it could be that. Sounds like a great time you had.

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 22:16

Mindy

You may be right and I will find out tomorrow once my hangover wears off.

I was told the name of it prior to my first glass but subsequent glasses unfortunately have affected my memory.

AJ

barnaclebill


Joined: 12/12/2008
Posts: 303

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 22:18

Have to agree with message 6.The North today is what the South was 15/20 years ago.Far too many topless bars and seedy characters knocking about down there for my liking.Went for a walk along the promenade in Limmasol a couple of Sundays ago with the grandkids and it wasnt very nice .It used to be that on Sundays the promenade was a place for families and the older generation in their Sunday best out for a strole.Even the cafes seem to be run by the E.Europeans now probally why it cost nearly 20 euros for 5 beverages.Even with its faults the North for me.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 22:35

Hi all when I worked for the airline we used to have several night stops in the south. I fell in love with it then. Just small fishing villages outside Paphos. When we decided to come to the north fo a holiday and to look for a home we stayed in Paphos for the night. I was so surprised at th changes it reminded me of Benidom so to see the north was such a refreshing change as it reminded me of what I hought cyprus was like back then. I love to go over for a meal or to shop as I am still a city girl at heart and love a cosmopolitian way of life. I would not want to live there however. We have many lovely GC friends whom we visit as they do us and they all tell us how expensive it is.

SaraP


Joined: 30/04/2008
Posts: 295

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 22:38

Would never move to the south or back to England, not happy here either! Not sure where I will end apart from the obvious 6ft under.......lol!

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 22:47

Dear Barnaclebill, re msg 17



There are indeed some 'orrible parts of the "strip", but there is a very nice section at the western end towards the old town, in the trees / beach section East of the Holiday inn and beyond the tourist area - which needs "nuked"



The Eastern Europeans probably will work for peanuts... and have "b" all to do with the prices - VERY few will be running the joints..



*I* wouldn't choose L'sol to holiday in, but it can be a GREAT place to live if you have to work ...



re msg 18, Lilli - to me Paphos proper could be as you say, but some of the housing developments to the north of Paphos and the Aphrodite Hills complex are in no way "Benidorm" ;) ..



ANY where in the Eurozone seems expensive if you rely on GBP ..

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 22:57

hi 6ms you are quite right im sorry if i misled you i was thinking more about the bars selling full english and tea like mum makes. I love the Aphorodite complex and Im glad to hear the north of it hasnt changed too much. I beleive there is beauty both sides. You are so right about the eurozone only this week the daily mail was showing price comparrisions for holidays and thomas cook were offering turkey for 28 pence per night based on 4 sharing an apatment in marmaris, plus the cost of the flight which was around 139 pounds return.Can you imagine 14 pounds for an apartment with maid service for 2 weeks at that price. Malaga similar deal 6.9 pence a night

charb


Joined: 17/03/2009
Posts: 188

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 00:10

thanks to all, I felt really happy about your thoughts. I dont know why, maybe just your comments confirmed that here really is a good place to live.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 00:14

it really is my friend as long as you adapt to thier pace and not get frustrated over things which isnt always easy and never pretend you can make it little britian. if you ae moving here you will get lots of useful help and advice. take care lilli xxxx

Hippo


Joined: 02/02/2007
Posts: 2070

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 04:46

Ah! the Everything North is Good everything South is bad AJ-a drink problem you have the Hippo spots

juliet


Joined: 11/01/2009
Posts: 612

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 07:52

Must be great to have a choice of weather you live north or south of the island.... for some it`s only a dream.. well for now..



AJ, Zivania is strong stuff... the cypriots also use it for cleaning windows & rubbing on the joints of ones body if you have the flu....drink water with it..

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 08:25

juliet

I am going to suggest to my wife that It will be me from now on that cleans the windows.

AJ

Hippo


Joined: 02/02/2007
Posts: 2070

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 08:47

Keep it up Juliet- we had a little song we used to sing when we in Limasol it went something like this-



Land of the loud mouthed Greek hating Turk and British

And happy Limasol where the girls love all the boys

Keo gut and Cyprus sore

We will return no more

kokeneli kokeneli kokeneli



Things dont seem to have altered much



I will drink a toast tonight to the former owner of this former piece of scrub land that my house sits on.

juliet


Joined: 11/01/2009
Posts: 612

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 09:09

hope it`s with Zivania hippo... yamas to your!!!! bit of scrubland...

dozza67


Joined: 11/07/2008
Posts: 607

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 09:14

If I had to move from here, it wouldn't be to the south. Another country for sure.

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 09:40

Hipps

'AJ-a drink problem you have the Hippo spots'

No I don't have a drink problem but I may have a major problem with cleaning windows from now on.

AJ

Rogerdoger


Joined: 04/09/2008
Posts: 102

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 10:52

Dodger, Re Msg 14, I am from Richmond, North Yorkshire

maningi pusa


Joined: 07/09/2008
Posts: 120

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 18:42

If I could afford a similar property in the South you wouldn't see me for dust! Like living in the dark ages here!

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 19:33

i love the troodos, so it wouldn't worry me to go south, after all they are all cypriots.

canyavuz


Joined: 22/02/2009
Posts: 363

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 19:42

It is really nice to see that so many people prefer the TRNC over the commericalized south.



Most of the British in the south are there typically because of the propaganda that they are fed about the TRNC.



and....maningi pusa........why such a negative remark? You seem to be the odd one out here.......

juliet


Joined: 11/01/2009
Posts: 612

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 19:52

msg 34



how can you say so many? there are only 32 replys to your thread... the brits on the south bought here because they don`t want to live in an occcupied state they came to live in cyprus & hope one day they won`t have to show there passports in the country they reside in, they havn`t been fed propaganda as you put it, they choose to live a in place which is recognised by the rest of world & where they can get there home comforts...

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 21:02

Roger mess 31 cheers mate.

briggus


Joined: 25/07/2007
Posts: 161

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 21:18

well add me to numbers preferring the TRNC making that 33 - the majority on this thread. The Karpaz takes some beating.

spider


Joined: 03/01/2009
Posts: 5527

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 21:19

We married in the south,31,12,1999..and what celabrations we had,this new years eve is our 10th.Ann,we hope to go over south to Coral Beach to see how it has changed..i guess we will be in for a surprise.!!!

we are happy here.but as long as Mr Spider is Happy thats all that matters.

his dream was always to live in the sun,and i always took it to be a pipe dream.

once i had made my mind up,to follow his dream.and take a chance in life,everything worked out fine...i belive i could move anyplace,any time,to ensure our happiness,...we have one shot at life..and live it one day at a time..



Spider.x

andysue


Joined: 12/11/2007
Posts: 891

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 21:26

who on earth would want aiya nappa instead of the karpaz or kyrenia? who on earth would want to pay upwards of £5 for a pint of local beer? no its north for us LOL



andy

LondonCypriot


Joined: 15/12/2008
Posts: 426

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 21:36

I am considering to buy in Mallorca.

elkiton



Joined: 15/03/2009
Posts: 514

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 21:41

North is primitive and backward, isolated and generally poor, but we love it here and would never move back to the UK, or Spain where I did have a place once.

South is great for the few things we cannot buy here, and holidays where teens need the "trappings" of modern life to exist, but is far too cosmopolitan, built up and in my opinion over developed for me to live there full time. - And yes I have just visited old service friends in the Paphos area....

North suits me, but will not suit the "typical" Brit who dare I stereotype as needing all mod cons on tap and a Tesco on the next block.

TonyE

Busy Bees Bogaz


Joined: 18/02/2008
Posts: 283

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 21:55

over 50% of our business in 2008 came from British from South Cyprus, either purchasing a second home in the North or relocating. The main reasons given by those relocating were that the South is massively over developed and those that purchased there many years ago were looking for the Cyprus in which they bought into many years ago. Also, the Brittish are no longer threatened by rumours of coming to the North and being met by soldiers with guns in the streets and such like.

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 22:05

elkiton

Ref: message 42

'North is primitive and backward, isolated and generally poor,'

Dont know where you are living but my TC neighbours are as educated as any Brit I know and they have the ability to survive in a situation where Brits just would not cope. To call the TRNC 'primitive, backward and generally poor' is an insult to the Turkish Cypriot population. Perhaps you need to qualify your statements or apologise.

AJ

elkiton



Joined: 15/03/2009
Posts: 514

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 07:47

No no apology AJ as they are my chosen words. And no insult intended to my Cypriot friends who will be the first to admit that the infrastructure here in "primitive", and in comparison with modern cities, and even the south, ithe North is "backward" in many ways with overall no island wide running water, phone lines, reliable power, building standards etc etc, and a bunch of inept politicians and 10 x the amount of govt employees needed to do one job. They are getting there but are a long way off yet, not surprising for an economy totally dependent on funding by the Turkish mainland. Not too many houses in england have goats tethered by the back door, or inhabitants still going to the fields on a donkey.. be realsitic here, the switch from an agrarian economy has not been successfull yet.

Education ? Yes, many are well so, but there are by their own admission a number of "mickey mouse" universities here.



However, I like the people, the lifestyle, the climate and would not change it

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 10:14

canyavuz re msg 34



"Most of the British in the south are there typically because of the propaganda that they are fed about the TRNC. "



) Another "pearler".



NEWSFLASH - most buyers don't even know of "TRNC".. they come to CYPRUS attracted by the Sun, lack of language barriers and the knowledge that it is an EU Country - no duties, etc.



They have reciprocal Health agreements, etc. Well that's the THEORY.



By "propaganda"- do you mean the UK Foreign and commonwealth advisory on buying property in Cyprus ?! ;)

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 10:24

Dear BBB, re msg 43



"over 50% of our business in 2008 came from British from South Cyprus, either purchasing a second home in the North or relocating"



Makes a lot of sense... the Pan handle is beautiful .. Let's hope the second home folk don't have their cars "lifted" by "customs" and that the Orams' case doesn't go the way of the plaintiff - they'd be the first in the "firing line" for a law suit :(

Busy Bees Bogaz


Joined: 18/02/2008
Posts: 283

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 10:41

message 47.

Yes, you are correct, it does make a lot of sense. Who would want to live in a concrete jungle when they can live in the North!!!

Forgetting the property issue if we may, as I and many tend not to agree with you and not wanting to get into the same old banter as it goes no where, I would like to hear your comments on the fact that all English in the South are told that they will be robbed, raped, shot and the fact that there are tanks everywhere in the North!!! This is fact, as we are told this by everyone we meet from the South! Thankfully word is getting around now that this isnt the case, and more and more are moving/visiting to the North. It is also FACT that the crime rate is very low in the North. Why so much scare moungering??

dozza67


Joined: 11/07/2008
Posts: 607

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 10:57

maningi pusa. Why did you buy a property here if you don't like the place? There must have been something that attracted you? Was it because of the house prices? There is so much more to Northern Cyprus than cheap homes.

juliet


Joined: 11/01/2009
Posts: 612

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 11:19

BBB



The way the north is going with all the building of houses, hotels marinas etc it wont be long until it looks like the south or maybe another mini england...



a lot of brits do go to the north for trips to see the lovely scenery & to have few effes why shouldnt they, it is still Cyprus they are in, as for the fear factor well yes to some it is a bit of putting when you come accross so many turkish troops, camps etc also a lot go for curiosity & get a better understanding of the cyprus problem.

Busy Bees Bogaz


Joined: 18/02/2008
Posts: 283

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 11:30

message 50

Thankfully we represent the Karpaz Peninsular, which if you are not aware, has government enforced building restrictions to prevent this from happening.



I didn't suggest that the Britts shouldn't come. What I have said, is that all that do come are extremely suprised and happy by what they see in the North, after what they have been told in the South. This then ends in a domino effect, and we are welcoming more and more every week. In fact some very good friends are moving up from Paphos in the next two weeks, to set up a computer company in Bogaz. In our experience, and I can't talk for all, everyone we meet prefer the North, and will no longer be put off by gossip of being mugged etc etc. It is pure nonsense.

juliet


Joined: 11/01/2009
Posts: 612

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 11:44

so bbb your telling me that the Karpaz Peninsular is protected by the goverment? which goverment ? the legal roc one or the unrecognised trnc one ?



if the brits from the south come over to live on the north that is there choice, its just a shame the gcs cant also enjoy there island.



i hope your company are not building on gc land?

Busy Bees Bogaz


Joined: 18/02/2008
Posts: 283

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 12:11

Which one do you think Juliet.



My company does not build. We are a registered estate agent. Registered by the GOVERNMENT OF NORTH CYPRUS.



Yet again another post about something completely different turns into a property issue. Good day Juliet.

Busy Bees Bogaz


Joined: 18/02/2008
Posts: 283

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 12:26

message 54

Thanks for your remarks. I had said actually that this was true of everyone we had met, and could not talk for everyone.

Hope this clarifies.

juliet


Joined: 11/01/2009
Posts: 612

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 13:10

A reputable estate agent would not be in the north of cyprus... full stop..

wattys


Joined: 07/10/2008
Posts: 278

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 13:28

Londoncypriot msg 41



Before you think any more about moving to Majorca make sure you check the cost of living there.

I was there last week could not believe how the prices had gone up for food and drink over the last twelve months, with the euro dropping to level and the price rises they had put in place everything was way over priced.



Bud £4.50

Eg Magners £6

Bacardi Breezer £4.50

Scampi & chips £12

Fillet steak £19

Fish & chips (take away) £9

Coffee and half lager £7.15



These prices were in english and spanish bars.



Beware the euro







This prices were in

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 13:37

this makes us look very cheap. god help us if we had to buy everything in euros.

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 13:44

Lilli, Don't you worry, we aren't going into a eurozone, we will stay in the beautiful TRNC and enjoy good food at good prices.

Rogerdoger


Joined: 04/09/2008
Posts: 102

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 14:19

Re ms 50,



Any country you visit have military garrisions, UK, USA, GC, TC, France, Turkey, Germany, USSR, to name a few, has never stopped people visiting these countries, nor should it, enjoy the sun, sea, fresh air, local food and the people, I do.



RD

juliet


Joined: 11/01/2009
Posts: 612

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 14:35

msg 61



Bit of a difference with other countrys garrisons.... there armys havnt taken control of peoples lands & viallages & havnt shot down some one for trying to get back what is theres etc.....



Yes the north of Cyprus is lovely & there are also lovely places on the south of the island after all at the end of the day it is one island.

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 18:23

Hi BBB, re msg 48



"Yes, you are correct, it does make a lot of sense. Who would want to live in a concrete jungle when they can live in the North!!!"



Thankfully, the questionable legitimacy of a property purchase in certain areas of Cyprus has kept the building levels down - apart from a temporary blip post Annan.. it seems the TCs aren't learning from the "mistakes" !



YES - the GCs will often refer to the north and tell stories about the place - I ask have you BEEN there? 50% choose not to go as it would break their hearts to see THEIR land and may be it is part of a building project... Those that I could persuade to go were glad they went, but didn't really want to boast about it... non - Cypriots are more interested to find out for themselves.



There's a lot of hearsay stories that do the rounds on both sides... things that forced segregation perpetuated..

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 18:38

Dear BBB, re msg 53



You can hardly be "surprised" .. if you are a UK citizen, you'd hardly be handing out UK Foreign and Commwealth advisory's on the pitfalls of buying in Cyprus - with particular reference to "TRNC".. ;)



Let me rephrase Juliet's question.. does your Company represent properties that are being built on what is internationally regarded as a displaced Cypriot's land ?



If so, it is "very" convenient to wish to stay clear of the politics / ethics of what you are doing....but I'm sure you weighed up the pros and cons ;) ..



YES... *I* am joshing you.. !

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 18:46

Dear RD, re msg 61



except some of those countries don't exist !



I don't see queues of Western Europeans forming to visit Sochi or the Crimea, either...



They are of course in Russia and Ukraine