It’s been more than a year since we were able to travel freely – if at all. But there is light at the end of the tunnel and some day we really will be able to pack our bags and reach for our passports again. While we wait, our local agents remind us of what we’re missing.
Cyprus has an irresistible allure, one that captivated me more than a decade ago when I moved here from the UK. The atmosphere is relaxed and wholesome, and the weather is most certainly a bonus.
As soon as dawn breaks, my wife and I get up to enjoy the clear skies day in day out – or at least 320 days a year. Before work, we either jog along the seafront promenade, train on the SUP in the calm sea, walk in the Cape Greco national park or swim in the crystal-clear waters – Fig Tree Bay in Protaras and Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa are our favourite beaches. Afterwards it’s hard to resist a halloumi pie straight from the oven of the local bakery and a freshly brewed coffee to go with it.
The construction industry in Cyprus has been largely unaffected by Covid and it has been very interesting, to say the least, watching the Ayia Napa seafront transform into a world class marina before our eyes. Works have progressed; so much so that it is already open to boaters and yachters, and it’s expected that the shops and restaurants will be ready to greet the public in the summer.
Meanwhile, hotels have used the Covid downtime to upgrade their premises and a number of second home developments have been taking shape and are now ready to be viewed by buyers the world over.
Cyprus has traditionally been very popular with second home owners from the UK. The legal system is heavily influenced by English common law which makes acquiring property in Cyprus a straightforward process. The Cypriot Government has also established incentives, including a permanent residency programme, to encourage international investment. Interestingly, here at Elit Blue even during Covid lockdowns we have seen significant interest from remote buyers not only from the UK, but also from Canada and the US.
There is colour and vibrancy in the open-air fresh fruit and vegetable markets, and restaurants and cafés are now welcoming people in their outdoor spaces. But during the past few months, it has been quieter than we like it on this beautiful island. We are very much looking forward to seeing tourists and property buyers back again this summer.
- Alan Quinn is Business Development Manager at Elit Blue, Savills associate in Cyprus.
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