Q. What is the Council Tax like in Cyprus?
A. Please see 'legal'. Council Tax is known as 'Immovable Property Tax' in Cyprus and is a fraction of the equivalent UK cost. Currently, for properties up to CY£100k in value, the rate is '0'.
Q. What other taxes and charges am I likely to incur when buying a property?
A. Please see our 'legal' page. Legal fees are likely to be in the region of CY£750 for an apartment through to CY£1250 for a villa.
Q. If I buy an apartment or townhouse on a development with a communal pool, what are the communal charges likely to be?
A. This obviously varies from development to development but our experience is that it is less than most people think. For a development with a pool it is likely to be in the region of CY£300-350pa and for a development without a pool as little as CY£150-200pa
Q. How much does it cost to maintain a swimming pool?
A. This to some extent depends upon the size but for a 5m x 10m pool you can expect to pay CY£50pm plus chemicals which will cost approximately CY£15pm. If you are fit it is not difficult to do it yourself!
Q. What is the medical support like?
A. The short answer is excellent! Facilities, in the main are of a high standard. Accident and emergency treatment is free on demand. A visit to the GP will cost you in the region of CY£10 with a further small cost for drugs. (GP and drug costs free for pensioners). GPs still do home calls in Cyprus. Non pensioners are required to purchase private health insurance, which is rather cheaper than in the UK. If you are a pensioner you are required to obtain a form E121 which exempts you from most medical expenses. This form is available from the UK Department of Health and Social Security. The form covers all drugs obtained by pensioners from Cyprus hospitals but the individual pays for other drugs.
Q. Do I need to be able to speak Greek?
A. No. 95% of people you meet speak English, although perhaps as time goes by you may feel you would like to learn. Classes are available but you will pick up phrases as you go along.
Q. Are the utilities expensive in Cyprus?
A. Waste collection is approximately CY£30-40 annually. Gas or oil for central heating (if you install it) is quite expensive but remember the cold season is very short! Electricity again is quite expensive but the climate apart from a short while in the Summer when you may wish to use air-conditioning keeps costs quite low. Water is generally metered but costs are not significant.
Q. Is car tax and insurance expensive?
A. Road tax is much cheaper than UK while insurance tends to be cheaper.
Q. Can I import my car?
A. Yes. For information on import rules and duty you are advised to contact Customs and Excise in Cyprus. We can obtain an appropriate contact number on request.
Q. Can I bring my pets to Cyprus?
A. Yes. With the introduction of the 'Pets Passport' scheme this is a relatively painless process provided you take proper advice. House quarantine is a thing of the past as long as your pets have the relevant innoculations and paperwork. We are able to give you the number of our associates in UK on request.
Q. Can I get sky TV?
A. Yes. There are many suppliers of appropriate packages and dishes in Cyprus. We are able to access advice when required.
Q. Can I work in Cyprus?
A. With the recent membership of the EU, working in Cyprus has become a lot easier. Opportunities in some trades and professions are a lot more scarce than in others - there is no longer a need for a work permit for EU citizens. Starting a business in Cyprus is reletively simple. We are able to access appropriate advice for you depending on whether you opt for employment or business start-up.
