Possibly moving to Kyrenia area - 2010

melb1976


Joined: 15/12/2008
Posts: 3

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 11:50

Hi all, I'm new here so a quick hello :D



We are looking to move to the Kyrenia area in early 2010. We have done a lot of research with regard to the legal ins and outs of how to go about doing this, however, we are looking for some unbiased genreal opinions. We are coming out in March for a look around and the two estate agents we have spoken to have both given glowing general reports about Kyrenia as a whole. Specifically we are looking at Lapta/Alsancak. We have four young children aged between 2 and 12 and will have sufficient money to buy outright. We are perhaps more concerned about buying the property abroad and safeguarding ourselves against any potential problems.



Thanks Mel

PtePike



Joined: 20/05/2008
Posts: 2334

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 12:10

melb1976: "...the two estate agents we have spoken to have both given glowing general reports about Kyrenia as a whole..."



This is the part of your post that worries me the most.

The-Wicks


Joined: 27/05/2007
Posts: 2279

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 12:24

Mel-As a new member of the board you may get a lot of conflicting information. Some will be pro TRNC others, I am not saying who,but others will warn you off of buying. If you are confident & have done your homework, then you have a foundation to build on. We bought in Alsancak in 2005, our property came in on time & we are happy with the standard of work. Other people have had nightmares, but you'll get this no matter what country you buy in, including the UK. You have the sufficent money to buy outright, what about money to live on? We wish you all the best, others may not.

P&J

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 12:37

mel

have you also considered the costs of schooling your kids?

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 12:40

Mel see my response on your other thread.

snakes



Joined: 28/10/2008
Posts: 1512

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 13:11

hello Mel ! we have just bought through an agent called Kaz at North Coast Estates after doing the usual rounds and found him most helpful, nothing too much trouble and although we realise he is getting commission for his efforts we found him the best of the bunch that we encountered which was a lot !!!

his e mail is northcoast@ayza.net

regards

Blackpoolfan


Joined: 03/12/2008
Posts: 1568

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 13:22

Mel,

You have done the important bit research, it goes in stages find a good solicitor i went through three different ones i use naomi mehmett in kyrenia. Then trawl all the estate agents ask lots of questions. When viewing property be open minded always remember LOCATION, LOCATION. And when it feels right, then you have found your dream home. If in doubt just think of the uk. My children are 5 and 4 thinking of doing the same as you. Good Luck and take no prisioners.

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 13:38

What you do about schooling for your kids and how you will pay for their education as well as feeding/housing yourselves will be very important things as regards living here. Buying a house to live here is equally important and my advice to you is buy a completed house (resale) within reasonable commuting distance of where you intend sending your kids to school.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 13:57

Mel,

Can I suggest that you take some time to review the threads below titled:



1. Efforts of the HBPG....



2. In North Cyprus....



3. Cost of Living in the TRNC



Then come back and ask some questions.

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 14:04

Unless you have cast iron certainty of employment or have a large bank balance to support you. At your age with 4 kids you will have major problems.



I like Pt Pike's comment, estate agents and solicitors here you must be very wary of. Estate agents usually have direct links with solicitors, which as in UK is potentially disastrous. One such solicitor is already mentione on this thred.

Ossie


Joined: 19/01/2008
Posts: 311

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 14:06

Very few agents are unbiased cos all they are interested in is a sale,after that thats your problem. Read several good posts giving advice and would suggest you speak to them and get their recommendations rather than go straight to an agent likewise with a solicitor. Getting a job here is to say the least not easy. Good luck.

melb1976


Joined: 15/12/2008
Posts: 3

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 14:45

Thanks for the advice thus far. OH has secure employment to which he can still commute from Northern Cyprus so cost of living wouldn't be a major issue neither would education, etc, as income is guaranteed. We're more concerned that, as a lot of properties are being sold as "retirement homes", then perhaps it's not a very child-friendly (perhaps the wrong wording??) place?



Mel

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 15:23

mel,

buy or rent close to the school and other families.

also the rental advice is good, in a year you will get a feel for where you like best.

when you come here on holiday or own a holiday home here, it is very different to living here full time.

also the medical facilities are very different and you will have to pay for them.

just things to keep in mind.

Stewart


Joined: 19/07/2008
Posts: 1107

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 15:31

Dear Mel

I have a few properties in NC...I am not looking to sell but will offer unbiased advice based on my experiances...I also have very good NC contacts ( turkish cypriot ) ..therefore can advise as to who to do business with and those with "problems"...please contact me through stewart@northcypruspropertyconsultants.com, if you wish

the butler


Joined: 22/06/2007
Posts: 1958

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 15:41

Hi melb1976



Northern Cyprus is very child friendly and as long as you are absolutly certain of your income you will be ok. I suggest that you do rent for at least a year and have a good look round before you buy. Also buy a resale property and save yourself a lot of headaches, especially with children. You can buy a 4/5 bedroom villa for less than £200.000 with a pool. Also don't just restrict your viewing to West of Kyrenia there are beautifull areas east of Kyrenia too.



The Butlers wife.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 16:17

Have a look at http://www.cypyp.com the North Cyprus Yellow pages - mentioned elsewhere too.



They will give you a lot of ideas of agents suppliers etc.



It is not awlays up to date so if you find anyone has closed just let them know at Yellow Pages.

I just found our phone numbers etc are over 4 years out of date - the information was probably taken off the Tourist Office web sites which took an age to be changed.

windmill


Joined: 06/07/2008
Posts: 143

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 17:19

Mel

message from pike sums it up really,remember its there living.

Good luck

Quarmby


Joined: 15/09/2008
Posts: 975

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 17:28

A good idea would be to rent for a couple of years, yes a couple. the first year always seems like a holiday so not a true reflection of life here in the long term. Also during this time do not burn your bridges with the UK just in case the place is not for you. Remember ther are more getting out than coming in, find out why!

gates


Joined: 08/12/2008
Posts: 1096

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 17:39

my freind has a large 4 bed vila private pool 200 yrds golf corse fully air con furnished site called karpasia end prorperty so more secluded wants £150,ooo good price as up stairs can be self contianed with seperate entrance call me if you want to view on 05338433001

fatboy



Joined: 05/11/2008
Posts: 244

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 19:46

re msg 19 we love negativity.you get your info from a diff place than me.

keithcaley



Joined: 13/06/2008
Posts: 2521

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 19:58

Message 21,



Would that be because Quarmby actually lives here, as opposed to castle in the air?



Keith.

barnaclebill


Joined: 12/12/2008
Posts: 303

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 20:10

Mel,

Suggest you try a few more than just the 2 Estate Agents there are some good ones out there who will help you.As far as Naomi memhet as a solicitor she is brilliant at her job,you wont get much better.Shop around there are some baqrgains to be had at the moment suggest you go for a resale with title deeds already secured by the owner.Agree with some other posts try renting first.Good Luck

fatboy



Joined: 05/11/2008
Posts: 244

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 20:22

re msg 22 keith have i missed somat.why the hell is everybody having a gripe about trnc.lie back and think uk.you'll soon stop whining.

redgraves


Joined: 03/11/2008
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 23:02

Having lived here for 2 1/2 years love the Island but wish I had rented instead of bought. RENT for a year and sit and learn. October 50 containers returning to England 2 to Cyprus ??????

WAZ-24-7



Joined: 18/10/2008
Posts: 695

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 23:23

Mel,

In the buying process. Be aware that the role of estate agents and advocates are very very diffrent to what you may be acustomed to in UK.



Ask and clarify everything. Recommend you refer to HBPG for initial guidance in buying process.

Too many people have plunged in and been stung.

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 23:50

When (if) you find a property you want to buy and also decide on an advocate, make sure they do not represent the vendor as well as this is very common here. Also, ask your advocate to confirm in writing exactly what service will be provided for the fee you pay. Do not assume that you will be getting conveyancing as you understand it in the UK. As far as choosing an advocate is concerned, it is better to avoid the one being recommended to you by your estate agent as they are likely to be representing the developer. I think the HBPG can help you with this.

Quarmby


Joined: 15/09/2008
Posts: 975

Message Posted:
16/12/2008 14:59

Fatboy

who is whining, the originator asked a question and people are responding, if you feel some answers are negative towards the TRNC, surely it is better than to say all things in the garden are rosy when they are not for many people. Being honest I think is the best policy ,don't you?