Cyprus Is a Safe Bet

Cyprus has been a hugely popular place to holiday and relocate for decades due in no small part to the fact that we have the strongest historical ties with the island than with anywhere else in Europe. Britain has a strong Cypriot community, many of whom settled here originally due to the relative poverty back home and the political situation but that’s changing and with the island now a fully paid up member of the EU club, including the introduction of the euro in 2008, the Cypriot economy is on the upgrade.

Investors with a nose attuned to the heady aroma of good capital growth have followed the scent to the Larnaca area, currently subject to massive improvements in its infrastructure. You need a bit of imagination at this moment in time, but the somewhat utilitarian nature of the area is set to change beyond recognition with the opening of marinas and golf courses, which will make that part of the island a much more desirable place to live. Hence the investors moving in.

This is another example that you don’t have to be in some far flung part of the world or in the former Soviet outposts of Europe to secure a decent return on your money. Perhaps you won’t see the spectacular gains to be had in the emerging  markets but neither do you run the same risks.

Cyprus has a lot going for it, not least the fact that they drive on the same side of the road.  This is a huge plus for the more spatially challenged who loathe driving abroad or in some cases can’t manage it at all.  Fine for the duration of the fortnight summer break, but not very practical if you want to relocate permanently.

The locals are mostly very friendly to expats and usually speak good English, due to those strong links with the UK.  Crime levels are low compared to the UK, which is another huge advantage bearing in mind Brits are now, seemingly, expected to get used to  high levels of what is described as ‘minor’ crime, which scores pretty  high on a personal level if you become victim to it.

So Cyprus is a safe bet.  Great scenery, beaches, ancient artefacts and places of historical interest, all bathed in a typical Med climate and a real sense of being at home.  Combine this with the knowledge the island is on an upward economic trend and it has to be one of the best places to invest in property.