How has Elizabeth's life in Northern Cyprus changed over the past 10 years?

Moving to a new life

Recently, there has been a growing interest in moving to various corners of the planet, and this no longer surprises anyone. However, there are people who set out in search of a new place long before this practice became popular. One such person is Elizaveta. In 2013, this young woman left Belarus to pursue her master's degree in Northern Cyprus. Ten years have passed, and now she holds the position of sales department head at Goldmark Estates. In one of her interviews, Elizaveta shared her experience of living on the island, the real estate market in Northern Cyprus, as well as the positive and negative aspects of her decision to move.

Initial difficulties and ways to overcome them

“My life here hasn’t always been easy,” shares Elizabeth. She talks about the challenges she faced when starting her life in another country and the difficulties she had to overcome at the beginning of this journey. “I arrived in Northern Cyprus in September 2013 with just one suitcase. My time on the island began with student activities at one of the local universities. The story of my move started at an international exhibition, where I had the opportunity to work for a travel company from Minsk. I helped one of the participants, who turned out to be the vice-rector of a Cypriot university, and he told me about the possibility of receiving an educational grant if I passed an English language test.”

Success and new opportunities

Elizaveta successfully passed her exam and made it to the list of top students, which allowed her to study for free in Northern Cyprus. A few months later, she was back on the island with just a suitcase and about 1500 dollars in her pocket. "At that time, I knew almost nothing about Cyprus and couldn't tell the northern part from the southern. My goal was to study and enjoy life by the sea in a pleasant climate."

Advantages of living in Cyprus

Ten years have passed since then and Elizabeth has never once had the urge to leave Cyprus or look for other options for living. She highlights several important aspects:

• Comfortable climateand good ecology;
• The ability to walk all year roundalong the Mediterranean Sea;
• Feeling of safetyand the friendliness of the locals;
• Calm rhythm of lifethat she really likes.

"I'm not a fan of big cities, so I feel very cozy here," Elizabeth adds.

Family life and happiness in Cyprus

Currently, Elizabeth lives in Cyprus with her family and children, confident that this place is perfect for raising young kids. She is glad that her choice turned out to be justified and the best. "Moving to Northern Cyprus has radically changed my life. I feel that here I can realize my dreams and provide my family with everything they need for happiness and comfort. This place has opened new horizons for me and made me more open to various opportunities."

Inspiration and important lessons

In conclusion, Elizabeth notes that despite all the difficulties one may encounter on the way to a new life, every step is worth it. She inspires others to cross boundaries and follow their dreams, because she has already done it herself. Cyprus has become not just a place of her life, but a home where she has been able to organize her life the way she always dreamed of. Elizabeth is sure that her experience can be useful for those who are still thinking about starting a new chapter in their destiny. Moving can be the start of something amazing, as the world is full of opportunities worth exploring.

Searching for a new direction in Cyprus

In Cyprus, I discovered my true calling, and since 2014, I have been working in real estate, currently managing the sales department of Goldmark Estates. However, don't think that when I arrived on this beautiful island, I immediately found inner peace and harmony — the adaptation process turned out to be quite challenging.

Bureaucratic complexities and loneliness

From the very first days of my stay, I faced bureaucratic challenges: obtaining a residence permit, arranging a lease, gathering necessary documents, exchanging my driver's license, and many other issues. However, the most difficult part for me was not so much dealing with the paperwork, but the lack of social connections.

I arrived alone and initially struggled due to the lack of acquaintances and friends. In 2013, information about Northern Cyprus online was extremely limited; it was mostly promotional material, and there were hardly any blogs about life on the island on platforms such as Instagram or YouTube. In fact, I was moving at random.

Simplifying the adaptation process

As of now, in 2023, the process of adaptation and resolving bureaucratic issues has become significantly easier. There is more information available, and many procedures, such as applying for a residence permit, can now be completed online. Additionally, English versions of the information are already available on the websites of government institutions.

Moreover, with the growth of the Russian-speaking population, medical institutions, banks, pharmacies, and educational establishments have started employing Russian-speaking specialists, which facilitates the quicker integration of our compatriots into the new environment. The warmth and responsiveness of the local population are also remarkable — locals are eager to engage and always ready to help even strangers, showing kindness to newcomers.

Changing views on Northern Cyprus

My point of view about Northern Cyprus has changed over the years, certainly. I have encountered many interesting discoveries, and most of them have been pleasant. The first thing that comes to mind is this:

• Amazing cuisineI even had the idea to organize gastronomic tours for foreigners.
• The clearest sea,
• High level of security,
• Friendly peopleand
• Wonderful climate,which is available for the budget.

Cyprus can capture your heart at first sight. Besides the love for this place, people who decide to stay here are attracted by the ease and speed of obtaining residency, the opportunity to send their children to private schools that follow the Cambridge system, as well as reasonable prices for educational programs. And of course, one cannot forget the warm sun, magnificent sea, and excellent ecology.

Disadvantages of living in Cyprus

If we talk about the less pleasant aspects of life in Northern Cyprus, the main drawback isabsence of central heatingThis became one of the discoveries that disappointed me. However, there are also positive aspects that more than make up for such shortcomings.

At this stage I already feel confident in this island and I am ready to share my experience and advice with those who are thinking of moving here. I hope that my experience will be useful to others who are looking for a new place to live, filled with sun, sea and nice people.

I clearly remember my first winter months in Cyprus when I needed to buy warm clothes for the house. The locals jokingly remark, "To stay warm in winter in Cyprus, just step outside," and this is indeed true, especially for old buildings. I was struck by the absence of modern taxi services like Uber and the lack of a well-developed public transport system. In Kyrenia, there are shared taxis, and buses run between key cities, but it can be difficult to figure out the schedule. Of course, if you have a personal car, this inconvenience becomes less noticeable, but it still exists.

The local population's sluggishness is also noticeable — it's hard to get used to it in a short time. The locals are not in a hurry to fulfill their duties, and if, for example, you have a problem in your house and you call a specialist, there is a good chance that they will only show up a few days later or completely forget about your request. Fortunately, many foreigners are starting their own companies that offer repair services and other work, and they operate at the pace and quality that we expect.

The absence of large shopping centers

People arriving from megacities are also surprised that there are no large shopping malls in Cyprus. Although shops are present everywhere, they are scattered throughout the city, and there are no really convenient delivery services (except for restaurants).

Investing in real estate in Northern Cyprus

The opportunity to profit from the increase in property value during its construction attracts the attention of many investors. They can choose between two strategies: either buy an apartment with plans to rent it out after all construction work is completed, or invest money at the foundation stage, wait for the construction to finish, and then sell the property for a profit of 20-25% or even more, without waiting for it to be put into operation. Despite the appeal of this scheme, potential risks still exist.

Key aspects of buying real estate

When purchasing real estate in Northern Cyprus, investors should consider certain important aspects. First of all, it is essential to know that the area of an apartment is determined by the external dimensions of the building, which means that the thickness of the walls is included in the total area. Thus, the price stated in the advertising materials reflects the entire area, not just the living space.

• Cost size:the actual sizes to be paid for may differ from those shown in the brochures.

Secondly, it is important to remember that the prices listed in brochures and advertisements do not include taxes and other possible expenses that may arise during the purchase process. For example, when registering property, you will have to pay a stamp duty of 0.5% of the property's value. You also need to consider a 5% VAT and a 3% transfer tax on property rights.

• Stamp duty:0.5% of the object's price.
• VAT:5% on the purchase price.
• Title Transfer Tax:3% of the cost.

In addition, there is also a transformer fee, which can range from 500 to 2500 pounds, depending on the apartment's amenities. One must also consider the annual property tax, which is calculated based on the area of the dwelling: each square meter will cost the owner three Turkish lira. Thus, for an apartment with an area of 100 square meters, the annual expenses will amount to 300 lira (about 16 US dollars).

Analysis of location and infrastructure

The third important aspect is the need for a thorough check of the property's location and the availability of infrastructure, as this directly affects future profitability. The fourth point is the importance of verifying all documentation related to the property, which can be done with the help of professional lawyers and licensed real estate agencies.

Selecting an object for investment

How should one properly approach the selection of an investment property? Which cities should be considered first? The initial and most important question I pose to clients is the purpose of acquiring real estate. It's important to realize that not all apartments can be considered profitable from an investment standpoint. You might find properties on mountain slopes priced below market value and hope for high rental demand, but if it's several kilometers to the sea and only has a view of neighboring houses, that could turn out to be a mere illusion.

The importance of a balanced analysis

Investing in real estate requires careful analysis and a serious approach to avoid failures and financial losses. It is important to thoroughly analyze each offer, realizing that choosing an apartment is not just a matter of financial investment, but also involves many other factors that affect its attractiveness and potential income from rental or sale. Conducting a thorough analysis and making informed decisions will help avoid many risks and ensure maximum benefit from real estate investments in Northern Cyprus.

The choice between purchasing real estate for personal use and for investment represents two completely different paths. If you are considering investing in real estate, it is important to conduct a thorough analysis of the market conditions and price trends in the region you are interested in. You should also take into account how attractive the property will be to tourists, which depends on factors such as developed infrastructure, proximity to the sea, amenities provided by the residential complex, and the quality of the beaches.

Yield analysis

Additionally, it is worth analyzing the average rental yield in the chosen area. These estimates will help you understand when your investments are likely to start generating profit. This year, it is recommended to pay attention to actively developing coastal areas such as Iskele and Esentepe, which have been recognized by Forbes as very promising for investment. These regions continue to develop and show stable growth in real estate prices, making them attractive for vacationers.

Price dynamics

Let me provide some figures for clarification: in 2014, the cost of a studio in Iskele was £25,000, and now similar apartments can be purchased starting from £75,000. This indicates that over the past nine years, prices have increased by 200%, which points to the stability and potential of this sector. Notably, the price dynamics maintain an upward trend against the backdrop of regional development, making investments in such properties even more attractive.

Profitable financing schemes

It's important to note that in these locations, there is an opportunity to purchase real estate through advantageous financing schemes. Many new projects offer:

• The initial down payment is only 30%.
• a zero-interest installment plan for a period of two to ten years

This is a great opportunity, as after the construction is completed, you will be able to rent out your property for short-term stays, which will help you cover your monthly installment payments.

Self-investments

Do you think it's possible to invest in real estate in Northern Cyprus on your own? Certainly, it can be done, but it will require a significant investment of time and effort to study the local market, as well as to verify developers and their projects. Therefore, I strongly recommend that you consult experienced agents who can guide you through every step of the transaction. They will clarify all the nuances and potential risks, help you choose the right property, and also assist with the paperwork and later organize rental or resale.

Licensed real estate agencies

It is important to remember thatlicensed real estate agencieswork with developers' price lists and do not impose additional commissions on buyers. They have up-to-date data on new projects and closed sales, which is critical for investors. Note that it is at closed sales that you have the opportunity to get the most favorable terms, which can significantly improve your return on investment. This will make your investment more successful and profitable in the long run.

Conclusion

In conclusion to my story about life in Northern Cyprus, I want to emphasize that this experience has become not only a way of life for me but also a true school of learning. Moving to another country can be a challenging task, but for me, it became a starting point on the path to self-realization and building a successful career. At first, of course, it was difficult — the differences in culture and language, the need to tackle bureaucratic issues, and the desire to find my place in a new society turned out to be real challenges.

However, over time I realized that life in Cyprus offers much more than just a comfortable climate and beautiful nature. The locals, their kindness and openness, the rich culture, and opportunities for professional growth — all of this created a unique atmosphere in which I was able not only to adapt but also to thrive. Living on this island with my family, I learned to appreciate the simple joys: evening walks along the coast, warm conversations with neighbors, and the chance to spend carefree time with my children.

Lessons learned from moving

• Every experience is an opportunity to learn something new.
• Difficulties make us stronger.
• The genuine kindness of the locals creates a warm atmosphere.
• Appreciate the simple joys of life.

My experience shows that despite the challenges one may face during a move, each of them is an opportunity to learn something new and become stronger. Confident in the correctness of my choice, I remain in Northern Cyprus and hope that my story will inspire others who are considering changes in their lives. After all, what could be better than living on an island wheredreams come trueAnd every day is full of opportunities for new discoveries?

Why you should consider moving to Cyprus

• Unique climate and ecology.
• The safety and kindness of the local residents.
• Wide opportunities for professional growth.
• Ideal conditions for living with children.

Thus, my move turned out to be not just a new stage in life, but a real adventure filled with valuable experiences and impressions. So, if you are considering changing your life and trying yourself in another country —don't be afraidbecause sometimes a step into the unknown opens the door to the most amazing possibilities.