[Nigel Howarth]

Originally Posted by gem0607

rent a property and live out here to see if you like the climate and life style.

Excellent advice! I always advise people to try before they buy for a minimum of 6 months.

"If you plan to live in Cyprus but are uncertain about where exactly you want to live or have some lingering doubts as to whether you really want to live here permanently, start off by renting a furnished property.

Some people find out too late that Cyprus is not the place for them. They discover that family ties are too great or find it too difficult to settle in a foreign country. Others buy property in haste and regret their decision. Many sell up after a year or two and return to the UK, while others move to somewhere on the island more to their liking.

If you’re thinking about buying in one of the resort areas, rent outside the main tourist season. This will give you the opportunity to experience what living there’s like at the quiet time of the year when there are fewer people about and some of the local facilities are closed for the winter.

Finding rental property

There are many properties for rent in Cyprus; the longer the rental term the better deal you’ll be able to get. But don’t rush into renting the first property you see. Stay in a hotel or rent a holiday apartment for a few weeks to allow yourself enough time to have a good look around and find something that you really like.

Renting gives you ample time to:

• Decide whether you’ll be happy living in Cyprus.
• Become familiar with the island, the climate, the amenities and the local people.
• Meet other expatriates living in Cyprus and talk with them about their experiences.
• Discover the real cost of living for yourself.
• Visit areas you like at different times of the year to see them in summer and winter and decide where to make your permanent home.
• Look at the various types of properties available, compare prices and assess their relative values.

If you decide that you want to live permanently in Cyprus, then renting gives you plenty of time to seek out your new property at your leisure.

Some people buy a property during their first visit to the island while on a week’s holiday. Not surprisingly, they wouldn’t dream of acting so impulsively if buying in the UK.

Renting greatly reduces your chances of making a purchase that you may later regret."

Cheers,