If you decide to move to Cyprus, then choosing a decent home can be an important task, for which you need to thoroughly prepare. We have compiled a short guide covering the key points to consider.
The location of the apartment or house is very important, especially if at first you will not have a personal car. Public transport is not very developed in Cyprus, so visiting remote shops, schools, and just moving around the city can be difficult.
If, upon arrival, you rent or purchase a car and are considering a life in the suburbs, then it is important to carefully choose the location. In case you are tied to the city, office, schools, it is better not to consider options further than 20-minute drive. At first, especially after coming from a metropolis, it may seem that it is very close, but practice shows that gradually your rhythm of life will change. Everyday trips, especially when there are several children attending different circles, become a burden.
So, after you have decided on the area, type of housing, what else should you pay attention to?
- Solar panels. This is a great way to save money on energy costs and avoid washing dishes in cold water. There are 340 sunny days a year in Cyprus, so panels are very common here, but it is always best to make sure that the property you like also has them.
- Mold in the room. Due to high humidity, this is, unfortunately, a fairly common problem on the island. At first glance, it can be difficult to determine if everything is in order, especially if the walls in the house or apartment are freshly painted. Also, if you are looking for real estate during the summer season, it will be very difficult to notice. In winter, the chances of seeing all the flaws increases.
- Heating. Mainly in Cyprus, properties are heated by air conditioning, but there are also diesel and electric batteries, VRV air conditioning systems and underfloor heating options. It is better to study and comprehend the tariff plans in advance: it is quite expensive to heat an apartment and even more so a house. Winters in Cyprus can be really cold and chilly and if you are coming from countries with central heating, this can be very noticeable. Please note - if you are not used to heating with air conditioners, immediately look for properties with diesel heating or underfloor heating.
- The Lease Agreement. Carefully study the lease agreement, immediately record all the issues that may arise, and also draw the owner's attention to defects or breakdowns, if any. Do not forget that a long-term contract involves a lease of 1 year or more. If you have to move out earlier, you will lose your security deposit which usually consists of at least one month's rent.
- Pets. You can move to Cyprus with a pet, but there are some nuances. Tenants often ask for an additional deposit. The owners of houses rather than apartments have the tendency to agree to have animals in their property more easily.
- Utility bills (common expenses). Utility bills in Cyprus mean the costs and bills of a complex or building. Please note that these are not your personal expenses, but general building expenses, namely: cleaning, lighting and water of the common area or areas, garden and pool maintenance if available and lift service.
If, when you are looking for property, you turn for help to a realtor, then it is good to know - that it is not you who will pay for his services, but rather, the owner of the property. A real estate agent must have a real estate license and permission to operate. This key point must also be checked in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. An experienced agent will always help you choose the most suitable property, advise on all possible issues, carry out the whole process: starting from the search for a suitable option, to the conclusion of your lease agreement. Furthermore, a good agent will even provide assistance in case of urgent questions even after signing the contract. And the best of all as mentioned before is that, all this is completely free.
Good luck in your new home and welcome to Cyprus!