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info@sundialinternational.co.uk

Q: What will it cost me to use Sundial International Properties to help inform me on my Cypriot purchase and source the right property for me?

A: Absolutely nothing! We are financed by the developers, so you can take advantage of the information and guidance we are able to provide you with, free of charge!

Q: Where on the island would you suggest is a good area to purchase a holiday home?

A: We only advise on purchases in Western and South-Western Cyprus. Pafos and Limassol in particular make up 80% of the market from overseas purchasers in Cyprus.

Q: Is it safe to purchase in Cyprus at the moment?

A: If you are referring to day-to-day living then yes. Cyprus has the lowest crime rate in Europe! If you have the safety of your actual property purchase in mind, then once again the answer is yes. Cyprus has a legal system based on the U.K legal system and is one of the few other European countries with an established Land Registry. When you purchase land and property in Cyprus, it is registered with the Land Registry so the security of your purchase is not an issue.

Q: I am looking to retire abroad. Should I be concerned about the language barrier in Cyprus?

A: Not at all! 90% of the population speaks fluent English so there is no language barrier.

Q: What if I become ill, what is the standard of healthcare in Cyprus?

A: The standard is exceptionally high! Cyprus has free emergency healthcare from well trained practitioners from around the globe, for all EU citizens residing on the island and medical insurance is relatively easy to put in place. The medical service in Cyprus is so impressive that the island is fast becoming a destination of choice for "healthcare tourists", travelling from other EU countries to take advantage of the excellent service and short waiting lists.

Q: We want to purchase a holiday home, but are concerned that the island may not be suitable for our young children. Is this the case?

A: Cyprus is ideal for families. While it is warm and sunny, the island's climate is not as humid and stifling as most other hot countries. There is also plenty to see and do, and with plans for many more family focused attractions such as a national theme park, Cyprus is set to become even more exciting for children of all ages in the near future.

Q: I am a pensioner, how easy is it for me to settle in Cyprus?

A: As an EU citizen, it is relatively easy and the support and guidance provided by our chosen developers on all matters, including finance, tax and the repatriation of your funds as well as day to day life on the island is second to none. Full advice and information is provided before you commit to any purchase, as standard practice. With pensions currently being taxed at only 5% among other benefits, Cyprus has proved extremely popular with retirement purchasers.

Q: I am a property investor, what are the benefits of buying in Cyprus?

A: To anyone looking for a safe bet in terms of capital growth, Cyprus is a very good choice right now. Property prices have continued to rise throughout the global downturn for a number of reasons including the size of the island and the limited land available for development. This has driven up demand for property in Cyprus considerably. Cyprus is also regarded as a tax haven. Capital Gains tax is currently 20%, half that of the U.K. Further advantages include no Inheritance Tax and no Stamp Duty Land Tax on purchases. Buyers of multiple units are advised to set up a holding company in Cyprus which can be done cheaply and swiftly by a reputable Cypriot Solicitor, which entitles buyers to further advantages such as Corporation tax as low as 10% (the lowest in Europe), with further reductions on the already favourable Capital Gains percentage. The potential benefits to investors in Cyprus are unparalleled, even in the current market.

Q: How can we be sure that we choose the right property and the developer?

A: Sundial International Properties only deal with the leading developers with established reputations and proven track records of excellence in the construction and maintenance of property. We only work with developers who are able to source the best land on the island to offer a choice of hill and valley, sea or city scene views. Our carefully selected developers offer a range of properties from 130,000.00 Euros to in excess of 2 Million Euros. However the quality of the finish and installations is standard regardless of price. If you are not satisfied with the locations of the villas and specifications on offer, you can select a plot from extensive land banks held by the developers and have a custom made villa made, to your specifications, with your chosen fixtures, fittings and installations. We can help you find or tailor your dream home with the best developer, and once again, our services in this respect are free of charge.

Q: I am a keen golfer, what are the courses and facilities like in Western Cyprus?

A: You are not alone in your love for golf. That is why there are as many as 12 major courses planned across the island over the next 3 years. However, residents of Pafos can enjoy the stunning course within the outstanding Minthis Hills development, which is only 10 minutes from Pafos International Airport.

Q: I enjoy gliding in the U.K, are there any facilities in Cyprus in this respect?

A: Yes! There are as many as 6 clubs or tour groups offering services for fans of gliding, and other fixed wing or rotary aircraft pursuits. So you will be in your element in Cyprus.

Q: Is driving easy and safe on the island?

A: Yes, most roads are modern and well kept. Police have a strong presence on the highways and Cypriots drive on the left hand side of the road.

Q: I've never been to Cyprus so would not want to commit to a purchase on the island without seeing it for myself. What would you advise?

A: Flight prices are becoming increasingly competitive and available from airports across the U.K. However, for the complete lifestyle experience, we would advise a Lifestyle Trip. We can arrange such trips with our contact developers which will enable you to sample the tastes, sites and pursuits of the island, while viewing villas and developments across Western and South-Western Cyprus. This is the perfect way to discover Cyprus and find your dream home.

Q: Is purchasing a property in Cyprus a safe investment option?

A: It is one of the safest investment options currently, for a host of reasons. Firstly, demand for property in Cyprus is high due to the limited land resources left to build upon on the island. This also means that although a lot of property is sold off-plan, there is a very good re-sale market. A strong tourism industry ensures that rental yields also remain high. Affordable borrowing is an additional plus, with low deposits and low foreign currency mortgages being readily available. There are also the added advantages of significantly lower tax than elsewhere in Europe, and the absence of inheritance tax. All properties Sundial offer in Cyprus are Freehold, even studios, flats and apartments. This also makes re-sale easier.

Q: Is now the right time for me to invest?

A: Property prices have rocketed in recent years, and some feel they could have missed the boat. This couldn't be further from the truth. Prices are still highly competitive in comparison to other E.U destinations. This is the perfect time for investors to purchase property in Cyprus, whilst the market is still in the early stages of growth and with forecasters predicting very promising capital appreciation in the coming years. The fact that the Cypriot housing market has remained buoyant during the recent economic crisis should re-assure anyone doubting the stability of the market in Cyprus.

Q: How easy is it to find work in Cyprus, and will I need a work permit?

A: Since Cyprus entry into the EU on May 1st 2004, all EU citizens have the right of free movement, to live and work in Cyprus without restrictions provided that they hold an EU passport. However, non-Cypriot citizens must still follow the formality of registering at the local immigration office in order to obtain a social security number. Finding a job in Cyprus can be done through visiting the Labour Office, or simply through the local newspapers. Now that Cyprus is an EU member, the co-operate network EURES can be used to assist mobile workers in all aspects of living and working in EU countries such as Cyprus. The EURES website is http://www.europa.eu.int/eures/index.jsp

Q: Why buy in the South, when prices are cheaper in Northern Cyprus?

A: Secure title deeds are those with a pre-1974 Turkish provenance or British provenance, which are difficult to find therefore making it risky to purchase property in the North. Title deeds dated from 1974 when the TRNC gave Turkish Cypriot refugees from the Cypriot homes and land in the South are not recognised anywhere but Turkey and the North of Cyprus. Thus investing property in the North at this current time is not regarded as a secure investment.

Q: Is it difficult to get a mortgage in Cyprus?

A: The banking system in Cyprus is similar to the British system. Non-Cypriot citizens may open foreign currency and local deposit accounts without difficulty therefore with a foreign deposit account, payments and transactions can be made. Each application will be evaluated on its own merit and its approval or rejection will be up to the banks' discretion. There are a wide range of mortgage products with attractive interest rates, discounted monthly payments and in a variety of currencies available with some of the leading lending institutions in Cyprus. Together with some of the schemes available with our chosen developers such as rental schemes which guarantee a rental income to cover mortgage payments within the first 5 years, purchasing in Cyprus can become a very appealing option.

Q: Is the water and electricity registered on my own name?

A: The water meter is automatically registered in your own name but the electricity is registered in the developer's name. The meters will require to be transferred as soon as possible and you will be given directions and details of the documents you will have to take to the various offices. When you are transferring the names on the meters, it is advisable that you set up direct debits in order that future utilities bills will be paid directly from your bank.

Q: How can I arrange to have the telephone installed?

A: You contact CYTA (Cyprus Telecommunications Authority) and apply for a phone. The developer's engineers will already have installed the landlines and it only requires CYTA to check our paperwork and make the final connection. At best, this should only take 24 hours but sometimes there is a delay while the paperwork goes round the various departments within CYTA.

Q: When will I get the Title Deeds?

A: At the moment, it is taking approximately four years for Title Deeds to be prepared. This delay is mainly due to the backlog at the Land Registry. However, there is a plus side to this. While your contract is lodged with the Land Registry at the very start of your purchase, affording you a degree of security, you do not have to pay your Land Transfer fee until such time as the Title Deeds are prepared. This is a bonus for many short term investors, as this fee can be assigned if the Deeds are not yet complete at the point of re-sale.

Q: Can I rent a property long term?

A: If you wish to move to Cyprus before your property is completed, Sundial's chosen developers will be happy to arrange long-term rental accommodation for you. Simply advise our Customer Care Team when you wish to travel over to Cyprus, what type of property you would like to rent and we will provide you with a quote at special rates.

Q: Can I re-sell my property and how do I go about it?

A: Yes, Sundials chosen property developers can sell your property for you and this can be done even after your deposit has been deposited and transferred to your name through the contracts. Of course, you are not obliged to sell through the developer however.

Q: I have purchased my furniture in Cyprus, will all my goods and electrical appliances be delivered to my property prior to my arrival?

A: As soon as we have the completion date of the property confirmed and you have advised us of your arrival date, we will arrange with the suppliers to have your goods delivered. If you have shopped at retail outlets other than our recommended suppliers, we will arrange for these companies to have access to the property to deliver your goods. However, our chosen developers are happy to consult with you regarding furnishing your property and offer carious packages in this respect.

Q: Do I require a TV antenna?

A: The developer will install the ducting from the roof into your property but if you wish to view local channels, you will have to install an aerial. If you wish to watch Sky channels, you will have to install a satellite dish.

Q: I am due to complete shortly, how do I get the keys to my property?

A: As the property approaches completion, we will issue the exact completion date and will contact you to advise you of this and you can then arrange your flights to the island to take delivery of the property. Sundial will arrange for a taxi to collect you at your destination airport and the taxi driver will have the keys to your property. If you are hiring a car, Sundial will make alternative arrangements for you to have the key.

Q: Will someone from the developer meet us at the property to show me around and explain various aspects of the property?

A: The developer will not necessarily have personnel there upon your arrival but you will have a meeting with an engineer within a couple of days and at that time, you will be able to discuss any issues with him.

Q: How do I arrange Insurance for my property?

A: Cypriot Law requires you to have the property insured. The developer will arrange this for you, placing the insurance with a company who give their clients very competitive rates. Your Sale Agreement most likely has a clause which states that your insurance must be purchased through the developer until the Title Deeds have been issued. It is preferable that all owners on a development insure through their recommended company, allowing any claims on the Communal Areas to be processed through the one company, and avoiding the development being put at risk by one individual using a less than reputable insurer. This also provides you with peace of mind!

Q: Who do I contact if I, or my guests, have a problem whilst staying in my property?

A: You will be able to contact the developer's Services Team during office hours and you will be given a card with a mobile number should an emergency arise out with normal working hours.

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