Northern Cypriots felt the problems with its "southern" neighbors on the island, and immediately stepped up. "We have no economic problems, and the island is the same", reads the invisible slogan of each company, which now sells real estate in Northern Cyprus. And at the last exhibition St. Petersburg Property Show 2013 were spotted several members of this unrecognized by Europe country. The ee24.com correspondent visited Northern Cyprus and work out why more and more people are buying properties on these shores.
Beyond Europe
Partially recognized state - is not the best definition for a country that claims to be the tourist center. Images of the life of some criminal enclave or Pirate Bay immediately come to mind. In practice it is not so bleak. The only visible sign that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey and Abkhazia, is the lack of direct flights from Russia.
To get here you have to fly to the airports of Southern Cyprus, and then go by car or fly in transit through Istanbul, Antalya or London. By the way, the English here are dime a dozen. Entire British development, where the villas owned by English, Scottish, Welsh... The question is why the residents of Albion buy property in this country is obvious.
Friends advised - at passport control I should always ask not to put a stamp in my passport. Instead of stamp in the passport, which later might cause problems on the borders of other countries, you can ask for a special insert, which will be stamped on entry and exit from the territory of the unrecognized state.
Sea, sun, no one ...
The unrecognized republic lives the most common life of the country resort. No conflicts and disputes - politics has no place on a sunny beach. Local people believe that in the near future, the world community also recognizes Northern Cyprus, which will enable the local economy to turn around in full force. At least massive crisis does not happen here, and northerners with sympathy are watching the problems of its southern neighbors.
Meanwhile, Northern Cyprus continues to be popular among investors. And no wonder, since the real estate market has shown stable growth, and housing in this country automatically entitles you to obtain a residence permit. Add to this the excellent climate, hospitable people, reasonable prices, and you can see why people in the North of Cyprus are confident about the future.
Here lives a lot of people from the CIS countries. Local people in the resort areas speaks excellent English, and willingly teaches Russian. North Cyprus you can enjoy the unique architectural diversity. Three cultures: ancient Greek, medieval European and Islamic intertwined on this island in a fancy cocktail. Where else in this world you can see the knight's castle next to the temple of Mithras, the palace of the Persian governor next to the Catholic abbey, Turkish baths near Venetian watchtower? There are things to marvel at.
We sit on the terrace of a cafe in Famagusta, just asked for it overlooks the ancient Gothic church converted into a mosque. Our interlocutor confidently talked about the future of Northern Cyprus: "The British have long believed in us, in the queue are the other regions of Europe. This is the same island, but here are much more monuments and surprisingly today is much more stable."
Study and study again
It is worth mentioning fact that North Cyprus has branches of several British and American universities. Students from neighboring countries regularly come here, study for two years and, with good performance, are translated to study in England and the USA. The popularity of this method of learning is also driven by low prices for rental housing for students.
What and how much?
To see the affordability of local real estate, I was invited to one of the agencies, and demonstrated some interest. Prices for apartments in Famagusta start at 26,000 euros for a one-room studio on the coast area of 46 sq.m. More spacious apartments cost an average of 30,000 euros for an apartment of about 60 square meters
Townhouse in Famagusta area of 56 sq.m. with land area of 300 sq.m. can be purchased for 40-45 thousand euros. Apartment in the Kyrenia area of 50 sq.m. can be purchased for 35,000 euros. Four-room villa of 131 sq.m. with a gorgeous view of the sea in the village of Esentepe will cost 76,000 euros.
As for the luxury real estate, luxury villa area of 670 square meters, with a breathtaking view of the sea and the mountains will cost 1.5 million euros. A luxurious residence of 600 sq.m. with a plot of land (2,000 square meters) and personal access to the beach is yours exactly two million euros.
In general we can say that the distrust of North Cyprus due to the fact that we know very little about the country. And if you take a closer look, you can see all the charm of this small, but very interesting country. The sea and the sand is also relax and caress tired body, sea air cures nervous stress, and the hospitality of the local population helps to feel at home here.
Text: Ulitin Ivan, ee24.com