How did Pavel from Minsk fulfill his dream of having a house by the sea?

A dream of a house by the sea

A seaside cottage is a cherished dream for many citizens of Belarus, but making that dream a reality is not possible for everyone. Pavel from Minsk shares his experience of purchasing property abroad, hoping that his story will be helpful for those considering buying a home outside their country.

First acquaintance with Cyprus

Pavel works in the field of information technology and travels a lot. His first visit to Cyprus was in 2011, when housing prices were at their peak and interest in them was at record levels. Back then, the cost of a small one-bedroom apartment in the Mediterranean was comparable to that of a more spacious home in Minsk.

An Unusual Story of Pavel

— My journey may seem amusing and a bit unusual. In November 2011, I arrived in Cyprus for an informal meeting with internet entrepreneurs from Russia, which took place in Paphos. Paphos is one of the largest cities in southern Cyprus, perfectly reflecting the atmosphere of this beautiful island: the sea, mountains, and picturesque views. If you go a little higher, you can admire the clear waters, and if you drive a bit further, you can reach the cozy town of Polis.

Unique beaches of Cyprus

The beaches of Cyprus are a true gem of the island, as they are all public and accessible to everyone. Even in November, the water was clean and warm, which was truly impressive. The pleasant atmosphere of a southern resort, the joyful smiles of locals and tourists created a unique charm — perhaps this is how love at first sight is born.

The popularity of Paphos among expats

Paphos stands out for its convenient geographical location, which has made it a popular spot for English expats. Sometimes it seemed like there were more English people here than locals.

• They filled the restaurants.
• We had a great time in the pubs over pints of Guinness and Magner's.
• We chatted while enjoying board games;
• Supported their favorite football clubs — Manchester and Liverpool.

The city amazed with its silence and tranquility. For the residents of Minsk or Moscow, it's hard to imagine leaving the keys in the ignition of a car, stepping out for a quick shopping trip without locking the apartment, or allowing children to play outside without a second thought. That was how peaceful Paphos was in those days.

The safety of Cyprus

Although the crime rate has increased somewhat recently,Cyprus remains one of the safest countries in the world..

The resorts of Cyprus and their appeal

The resorts of Cyprus, especially Paphos, are renowned for their tranquil atmosphere. There is a legend that the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, was born here. The city is filled with historical landmarks and elegant vineyards, making it appealing to affluent and mature families.

Active recreation on the island

For those who crave active recreation, it's better to pay attention to other places on the island, where you can find a variety of entertainment to suit every taste.

Pavel's sudden desire to become a property owner in Paphos was very short-lived. One of the most important factors that influenced his decision was the favorable installment terms, low down payment, and the high level of professionalism demonstrated during the transaction.

“Before embarking on this trip, I hadn’t even considered buying real estate; we only discussed this issue in a joking atmosphere with other participants in our journey.”The trip was organized by a Moscow journalist who had managed to acquire his own property a little earlier. It was he who introduced me to a representative of his developer. Now it’s completely clear to me that their approach was quite thoughtful, but at that moment, after another visit to the winery and the magnificent views of the sea and mountains, the decision came naturally," Pavel recalls with a smile.

Emotional aspect of purchasing

Nevertheless, purchasing a property at a resort often becomes an emotional step for many. I signed the contract after viewing only a few options and quickly conducting a market analysis.

As it turned out, that was the right decision.I chose a one-bedroom apartment with a huge terrace on the first floor of the complex, which is located just a few steps from the waterfront. The terms of our agreement were quite reasonable, and we agreed on a convenient installment plan, which laid the foundation for a successful completion of the deal.

Real estate parameters

These apartments, part of a complex with a pool and all the necessary infrastructure, are located just 400 meters from the beach and cost me the price of an ordinary three-room apartment in Minsk. It's worth noting that a beautiful view from the window can lead to significant overpayments, reaching tens of thousands of euros.

• The pricing of so-called "investment" real estate in the Mediterranean for foreign clients is based on different criteria compared to Belarus.
• The main factor remains the location: the area, the distance to the sea, and other characteristics.
• The age of the property has a significant impact; for example, the price of a new building in Cyprus can significantly exceed the cost of secondary housing on the market.
• One should be cautious when buying property from developers if you are not a fan of new constructions.

Price per square meter

Additional factors that determine the cost per square meter include the availability of infrastructure, such as gardens and the size of the pool in the complex.

By the way, almost every complex includes a pool, and usually, at least one parking space is allocated for each apartment.It's interesting that the prices for similar apartments in the same complex in Cyprus can differ by tens of thousands of euros just because of the view from the window and the size of the terrace.

For this reason, I strongly recommend personally inspecting the property before making a purchase decision.

Nature and lifestyle

At that moment, what particularly attracted me was the fact that I could pick fresh lemons from the tree right off the balcony, and within walking distance, there were mandarins and pomegranates growing.

The joy of life and close interaction with nature have become key factors in my decision to purchase property in this amazing place.

Construction of residential buildings in Cyprus

In Cyprus, the construction of apartment buildings without a central heating and hot water supply system has become a common occurrence.

Conclusion

In concluding my story, I want to emphasize how muchIt's important to make conscious decisions.When it comes to buying real estate abroad, even if it seems like a spontaneous decision. My experience in Paphos, as well as the moments I went through, suggest that the dream of a seaside home is accessible to anyone who is willing to study the market and make the right choice.

Buying an apartment in such a picturesque place as Cyprus has provided me not only with a physical corner for relaxation but also with the opportunity to welcome new emotions and experiences into my life. I understand that for many, just like for me, this step may not be entirely familiar, which is why it's important to have a clear understanding of the buying process: from choosing a location to the nuances of the deal.

Tips for Real Estate Buyers

• Study the marketBefore making a decision, it's important to analyze the state of the market.
• Visit the site.Don't buy the "super deal" without inspecting the apartment.
• Compare the price categories.Analyze offers from developers and the secondary market.
• Please pay attention to the location.Proximity to the sea and infrastructure plays a key role.

If you dream of a life by the sea, don't be afraid to try something new. As my experience has shown, even a random joke can be the beginning of something wonderful. Just as Paphos became a place for me where I found a new chapter in life, many opportunities are opening up for you as well.

I recommend checking out this wonderful corner and not missing the opportunities that life offers. Amazing landscapes, warm sea, and friendly people await you in Cyprus, and perhaps here is where you will find your perfect home. Remember: behind every dream is a decision, and behind every decision are actions.Good luck on this journey!