Property in Cyprus : A Good Bet for Investors?

For anyone developing an overseas property investment portfolio, investment in property in Cyprus could provide high levels of investment return.

The Cyprus property market is highly dependent on foreign investment, and whilst a strong Euro has made southern property in Cyprus more expensive, there are a range of other factors that are expected to increase holiday market demand and letting rates in both the north and south of the island in the years immediately ahead.

The island of Cyprus is serviced by at least three different airports, with international flights accepted at Larnaca International, Nicosia and Paphos prompting low cost air carriers to set up air routes to the island. Increased budget air travel can be expected to drive visitor numbers, and the World Travel and Tourism Council is predicting an annual increase in visitor numbers of 4.5% to Cyprus this year. This will result in increased demand for property in Cyprus with corresponding increases in property prices and rental values.

Cyprus provides seekers of Mediterranean holidays an 'all year round' temperate climate, with Northern Cyprus having long hot summers that average 27 degrees. Winter days are generally sunny with temperatures that rarely drop below 12 degrees centigrade, which means that any overseas property investor has a reasonable prospect of finding rentals for their property in Cyprus during winter, spring or summer.

Rainfall occurs primarily in winter, with the result that the island is green and verdant for most of the year, and host to a wide range of subtropical plants, including orchids, for which the island of Cyprus is famous. Cyprus is also steeped in history, with ruins and sites of historic interest within easy reach of any potential property in Cyprus investment.

Of greatest appeal to tourists and potential investors in property in Cyprus, is the fact that the island of Cyprus is surrounded by hundreds of miles of open, sandy beaches. Investors can choose a location that provides miles of undeveloped seafront locations, or beaches nearer to developed and lively tourist areas such as Ayia Napa, which are ideal to service the young adult and family holiday markets.

Features such as the natural beauty of Cyprus, the miles of unspoiled coastline, climate and history are unlikely to change significantly in the future. However, what political and economic considerations must a potential purchaser of a property in Cyprus evaluate before making a decision to invest?

In 1974, Turkey invaded Northern Cyprus after the attempt by Greece to formally annex the Island. Cyprus has remained a divided island ever since, with two separate republics established, although only the Southern Republic of Cyprus has ever been formally recognised. This has resulted in a north - south divide in values of property in Cyprus.

Following a number of key political concessions, the Southern Republic of Cyprus now has full EU membership and has recently adopted the Euro, both of which have provided economic stability and prompted heightened investment in property in Cyprus over the last five years.

Given the wide differentials that exist in property in Cyprus prices between the North and South of the island, re-unification can be expected to bring about increased property demand throughout the country, and provide real investment opportunities for the wily purchaser.

As with all investment decisions, it is wise for any potential investor in property in Cyprus to take expert advice and to ensure that full advantage is taken of any local financial and investment incentives.

Steven Clarke - Marketing Manager for www.cypruspropertyclub.co.uk. Cyprus Property Club brings buyers and sellers of properties in Cyprus together and contains 1000's of Cypriot properties for sale across all the top locations including Peyia, Kato Pafos, Oroklini.