Cyprus

McLaren for Taste in Property

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Come to Cyprus, and fall in love

We want you to feel what we feel. The endless sunshine, the fascinating variety, and the sense of timelessness that pervades everything in this special place that’s like nowhere else on earth.

We want you to enjoy what we enjoy. The golden beaches, the cool forests, and the fragrance of olive and citrus groves.

We want you to know what we know. The warmth of the people, their spirit and spontaneity, and their contagious enjoyment of life.

We want you to love what we love. The easy way of life, the stunning natural beauty, and the wonderful Mediterranean food.

We want you to go to this magical island - like we did - and fall in love.

All year round sunshine Relaxed and healthy lifestyle Low living costsSafe environment Pensions taxed at 5%

We want you to see what we see. The breathtaking landscapes, the mountain villages where old ladies tend their goats, and the captivating mix of old and new.

contentsWe’re here to make it easy 05

A lot to take in 06

Here’s how we help 08

Areas of Cyprus (map) 10

Pafos (Paphos) 12

Polis and Latchi (Lakti) 16

Limassol (Lemesos) 20

Larnaka 24

Ayia Napa 26

Protaras / Paralimni 28

Nicosia (Lefkosia) 30

Beautiful new marinas 31

Big on golf, and getting bigger 32

Sporty types 34

Nature lovers 36

Info 38

David and Maria McLaren

your property friends in Cyprus

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We’re here to make things easy

We know, because in the year 2000 we were in the same position. We wanted to buy, and didn’t find the experience particularly easy. But having succeeded, and lived in Cyprus for two years, we decided to do something about making it easier for other people. That’s why we set up McLaren Properties – with offices both in the UK and in Cyprus.

We’ve also set up McLaren Investments, with properties worldwide. This is now run by other members of the McLaren family, enabling David and Maria to look after their Cyprus clients.

Since setting up our Cyprus company, we’ve helped hundreds of clients to find the property that suits them, in the location that they want. And we’ve helped them through the whole process of buying, from starting to think about what they might need, all the way through to taking delivery.

Unlike other companies you might come across, we’re not trained sales people who want to

monopolise your time, overload you with information, or pressure you into buying a particular property.

We know that everything is down to location and budget. So we’ll only take you to areas and properties that will fit your needs and circumstances. We know the realities too – like how you might feel about retiring and moving away.

And we know Cyprus inside out. From all the individual developments in every region, to everything else you need to know about - like financing, car hire, lawyers, banks, schools, pets, removals, healthcare, jobs, and the island’s tax system.

So we’ll always give you straight, honest information and advice.

And as a small, dedicated company with family members both in England and Cyprus, we’re perfectly placed to provide you with personal service and expert help at every stage.

If you want to buy property in Cyprus – as a second home, a business base, a place to relocate or retire, or just as a fantastic investment opportunity – you need friends.

McLaren immediately made us feel comfortable and not pressured at all. I really felt I could trust them, and the way they explained the financial side of things was straightforward and clear. When we visited Cyprus we were really looked after and had the opportunity to meet all the people we would be doing business with. Being able to speak to them in person, and the fact that everyone we met with spoke English, made the process very simple.

Eileen Smith

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A lot to take in

You’ll see tiny villages where the roads are still for donkeys. At the same time, there are new modern motorways linking the major centres. And the international airports in Larnaka and Pafos have been extended to meet the needs of the airlines and flights now going to Cyprus – seven million people in 2012.

New golf courses are planned or underway – and new marinas – adding to the great sporting and leisure facilities that Cyprus already enjoys.

You’ll want to think about your property location really carefully. Small town or rural? Seaside or mountains? (You might even get both – it’s possible to ski in the

Troodos Mountains in the morning, and swim in Coral Bay in the afternoon.)

Do you want to buy off-plan, or go for something that’s completed?

Have you thought through your budget, and taken into account all the costs (like lawyers, cars and furniture) that might affect what you actually have available to spend?

Then you need to know your way around the banking, legal, property transaction and land registration systems. That means having friendly, expert people on your side that you know you can trust.

So there’s a lot to see, and a lot to think through before you make any decisions. Don’t let anyone rush you, or push you into buying whatever they happen to have for sale.

Our job is to help you to ask all the right questions in the first place, get the answers, find the property that’s really right for you, and then to support you until you take delivery. Even after that, if you need it.

Cyprus is an exciting place. There’s something new to discover and enjoy wherever you go. But there’s a lot to take in, and think about.

At first we weren’t sure if we wanted to retire to Cyprus – but after we’d been out on an inspection trip, and with all the help and advice we received from Maria at McLaren Properties, we decided it was what we wanted after all.

We’ve now moved into our new home in the sun, and it’s great to be able to sit out at our swimming pool in February and see the blue skies. Our family in England are now thinking of joining us as they can see how happy we are. We have experienced the medical care, and it’s excellent. What more could we want?

John & Joyce Andrews

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Here’s how we help

Using an enquiry checklist that’s proved its value many times, we go through everything you need to think about to make sure you end up with the property that’s exactly right for you.

We’re honest and open with you. We want you to know what it’s all about. If there are any negatives we’ll tell you – and suggest ways to get round them.

Our reputation matters enormously to us. We see our clients regularly when we’re out and about. Our children and grandchildren are in Cyprus. So we have as much of a long term interest in getting everything right as you do.

Client's usually have an idea of what they want. But we often find that after a lot of talking, and thinking through the finances, they buy something quite different. When this happens, they’re happy. They’ve made the right decision.

Arranging your visit

By the time you’re ready to make the trip to Cyprus to take a look at some possible properties, the filtering we’ve done upfront will make your visit and decision process much more focussed and productive.

The full-time staff in our office in Pafos will help you to follow a simple itinerary. You don’t have to stick to it, but we’ve found it really helps. The visit is normally four/five days, of which two include travel.

When you arrive, we’ll meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation. The following day we’ll start showing you the sights, and the locations of the properties you might be interested in. You’ll be able to see developments from any number of different developers – and if you decide you want to go ahead with one of these, we’ll introduce you.

Everyone was so kind and helpful during our stay, and we can’t believe how smoothly this purchase is going. We’re sure this is down to the help of all the people you’ve put us in touch with, and we are so pleased that we stopped by your stand at the NEC. Our only regret is that we didn’t meet you sooner. Julianna couldn’t have been more helpful, and her knowledge and guidance have given us confidence that the venture will be a great success for us. Thank you both for all that you have done for us.

Tracey & Paul

The first thing we do is listen to you. Carefully. That way, we can be sure of really understanding what you need and want.

We know the reputation and track record of individual developers, and work well with them. Many consult us on new projects that they’re planning. Others we don’t work with either because they’re unproven, or because they don’t provide the right quality.

Putting you in touch

If you do decide to buy, we’ll put you in touch with a specialised, experienced and reputable lawyer who can handle the property transaction process for you. Although it’s based on the British land registry system, this is critically important to avoid the mistakes that can be made over ownership, title deeds, lost deposits and so on. Your lawyer will also take care of stamping the contracts at the land registry department, as soon as a deposit is paid.

Once you’ve bought

We’ve set up an independent company, JMS services, to make sure that our clients continue to be well looked after. They can help with everything you might need including property management, letting, snagging, choosing and arranging furniture (including delivery and installation), interior design, landscaping and all other property needs.

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More than 40 airlines operate over 260 flights weekly to and from Cyprus

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PafosThe island’s former capital, Pafos is a beautiful historic town and a popular tourist destination. Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, new archaeological treasures are still regularly discovered here.

Its cultural and historical riches include the intricate and colourful floor mosaics of the House of Dionysos, preserved after sixteen centuries under the soil. You can also see the Christian Catacombs, ancient Byzantine churches, castle, mediaeval fort, and the Tombs of the Kings – set on a rocky ledge overlooking the sea and spanning six hundred years from the third century BC. The Odeon Theatre, built in the second century, is still used today for summer performances.

Modern Pafos is the fastest growing town on the island, with many fine restaurants, sandy beaches, excellent leisure facilities and amenities including

professional services and medical centres. An ideal place to live, work and relax, it has a reputation as environmentally friendly area.

Surrounded by majestic scenery including banana plantations and the Akamas Peninsula, its nearby hospitable villages of Kathikas, Arodos, Droushia, Mesa Chorio, Tremithousa, Konia, Chloraka, Mandria and many more retain their traditional folklore, architecture and alluring atmosphere of the past.

Irini Gardens: Two and three bedroom townhouses set in beautiful landscaped gardens with a communal pool - your first starter home in Cyprus

The Land Registry system in Cyprus is one of the most advanced and reliable in the world

A game of golf and a swim around the rock – stay forever young.

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The way you dealt with us on our visit to Cyprus couldn’t have been better – just the right balance in everything.

Chris Nash

Kato Pafos

A picturesque fishing harbour shadowed by an ancient fort, Kato Pafos is the focal point of the tourist area. Open air concerts – from famous operas to Russian ballets – are staged every September in the amphitheatre by the fort, overlooking the sea. As well as having some of the best hotels on the island, there are many open-air cafes and tavernas in Kato Pafos where you can sample a fish meze fresh from the morning’s catch. You can go on a sunset cruise, or hire boats for parties.

Plans have been announced to upgrade Pafos harbour with the construction of a new marina. Two separate areas will be created – one to service large yachts and the other for fishermen. Work starts in 2009.

Coral Bay

A popular Blue Flag sandy beach with a two km stretch of sand, Coral Bay is the best natural beach in the area. With a gentle breeze, shallows where children can play safely, and pleasant swimming in a calm sea that remains warm until early December, it’s also perfect for all kinds of water sports – from snorkelling, pedaloes and water skiing to banana boats, wetbikes and windsurfing.

Lined with palm trees, and with lovely views back to the hills of Peyia, the Coral Bay Strip has many high quality restaurants and tavernas, as well as mini-golf and a variety of shops. It’s also the planned site for a 1000 yacht

marina – one of the biggest in the Mediterranean – with new commercial areas, more shops and more restaurants.

Peyia

One of the biggest in Cyprus, Peyia is a delightful and self-contained village where the Cypriots and British come together. Built high up in rugged hills, it offers amazing views of the surrounding hills sloping towards the sea at Coral Bay and all along the coastline to Pafos. It’s also a great starting point for exploring the Akamas Peninsula, local historic sites and museums, walking trails, wineries and natural springs.

Set around a traditional village square it has fragrant municipal gardens, tavernas serving the best Cypriot and international cuisine, and a brand new sports stadium. The original village jail is now a charming pub – you can still see the iron bars in a small window tucked high in the corner.

Aphrodite’s Rock

Five thousand years ago, the mythological goddess Aphrodite was born here as she emerged from the foaming sea into legend, propelled to shore on a seashell. A place of worship for centuries, the hallowed ground of Petra Tou Romiou (Venus Rock) stands unchanged and impervious, retaining its magic and mystery. Legend says that if a woman wishes to discover her one true love she must swim naked around the rock three times at midnight.

1: Two and three bedroom luxury apartments with a host of facilities near many amenities – an all-in-one resort.

2: Beautiful townhouses where you can sit on your verandah, and enjoy a glass of wine under the stars.

3,4,5: You can customise your own villa with large plots in various areas of the Pafos region

6: Townhouses and luxury villas with communal pool, as well as golf and spa facilities.

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Polis and Latchi (Latki)Polis is a small, quiet, laid back seaside town, with a quaint square and narrow lanes that retain all of their traditional charm. Its full name, Polis Chrysochou, means City of the Golden Land – it’s believed that gold was found here during the Ottoman years.

Built on the ancient city of Marion in the seventh century BC and overlooking the beautiful Chrysochou Bay, Polis has sweeping bays, a marina, azure blue waters, all kinds of water sports and the freshest fish meze you can get.

Its relaxed lifestyle, natural surroundings, forest walks and proximity to the wild fascination of the Akamas Peninsula make it a haven for nature lovers.

Latchi

A tranquil coastal fishing village with a picturesque harbour, Latchi is an ideal retreat that’s renowned for fresh fish and seafood specialities. Many of its old stone carob warehouses have been converted into inviting restaurants and fish taverns.

Its excellent beaches are cooled by a welcome summer breeze - and a new marina is home to sailing, touring and fishing boats.

The surrounding unspoilt countryside and villages of Argaka, Prodromi and Neo Chorio are a delight for walking and enjoying nature.

Thank you for all your help during our time in Cyprus. It was very much appreciated and we found your help invaluable.

Julia Roberts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxYLiTR-AGs

Akamas peninsula

Akamas is a natural conservation area, and a special place of wild and incredible beauty. With the breathtaking Avakas gorge, deep forests, spectacular coastlines and unspoilt nature trails, it’s a protected habitat of 17,000 hectares for six hundred plant species and a multitude of animals, reptiles, birds and butterflies.

Its treasures include wild flowers such as the Akamas cyclamen and Lara Bay – a remote and protected turtle sanctuary and breeding site where green loggerhead turtles return every year to lay their eggs.

Teeming with life, Akamas is a secluded wilderness of great biodiversity and ecological importance. It’s a haven for anyone who delights in taking in the sights and sounds of nature at her best, and feeling at one with the world. There are many secluded sandy beaches to discover and enjoy.

Baths of Aphrodite

In the waters of a small grotto shaded by an old fig tree, the goddess Aphrodite used to bathe and stay forever young. According to legend this is where she met her lover, Adonis.

Even in December and January, there’s an average of six hours of bright sunshine every day

Thank you for all the help you gave us in buying our property in Cyprus. We very much appreciated your help and advice – and never felt we were under any pressure.

John & Paula Woodhead

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Limassol (Lemesos )Limassol is the island’s main port, its second largest town and one of its leading holiday resorts. A lively, fun-loving and bustling cosmopolitan place, it stages some of the island’s best known street celebrations and festivals - including the annual wine festival in September, and the colourful ten-day pre-Lenten carnival with masquerade parties, balls and grand parades.

From all the agents I contacted, McLaren were the only ones that listened to what I said, then gave me choices to fit my needs. They’ve always been more than happy to answer my queries and concerns in a very friendly and professional way.

Adele Thorrington

Halfway between Larnaka and Pafos airports and just a short drive away from the Troodos Mountains, Limassol has a ten-mile sandy seafront lined with luxury hotels, restaurants, bars, an impressive yacht marina and many exclusive residences.

Home of the island’s wine industry and a thriving business centre, its shopping facilities range from modern boutiques and showrooms to traditional and handmade shoes and clothes.

It’s also a centre of learning with a wide variety of international schools, colleges, academies, art galleries and theatres.

Limassol is renowned for its long cultural tradition. Born out of two ancient city kingdoms, Amathus and Korion, the old town is overlooked by its castle. It’s said that King Richard the Lionheart married Queen Berengaria here in 1191 on his way to Jerusalem, and crowned her Queen of England.

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52 beaches in Cyprus have been awarded Blue Flag status

Pissouri

Just down the coast from Aphrodite’s legendary birthplace is Pissouri - a delightfully traditional Cypriot village that’s famous for its abundant grape, olive, carob and almond harvest, and where the charm of rural life co-exists easily with new development.

Set among terraced mountains, lush green valleys and rolling hills rich with pine trees and wild flowers, Pissouri is perched high up with a panoramic view over Episkopi Bay.

Thoughtfully developed into an exclusive, five star resort, it enjoys a reputation for gourmet food, authentic arts and crafts, a well maintained beach and a relaxed lifestyle.

Souni

Drive just ten minutes from Limassol through a string of picturesque villages and you’ll reach Souni – with its famous sandy beaches of Ladies Mile and Curium where open air concerts are held in the summer months. Golf licences have now been received at Paramali village, five minutes from Souni.

Troodos

Designated one of ten best rural tourist destinations under the “European Destinations of Excellence” (EDEN) award, the Troodos Mountains are truly stunning.

Escaping into cool pine forests and gentle hills, you can walk and cycle along nature trails to your heart’s content. In winter, skiers can slalom down the snowy slopes. If you want something more sedate, there are monasteries and Byzantine churches to visit, including the famous Kykko monastry.

Overflowing with vineyards, almond groves, banana plantations and fruit orchards, each of the picturesque villages in Troodos has its own speciality: cherries, apples, peaches, lemons, olives, avocadoes, pottery or zivania – a potent and aromatic drink made from pomace and dry wines.

In winter months you can swim in the sea and on the same day ski in the mountains

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Larnaka

The heart of the town is Kition – an ancient city-kingdom andbirthplace of the philosopher Zeno. The streets are full of colour: blue jacaranda trees, purple bougainvillea and scarlet hibiscus. Away from the beach and the bustling centre with its modern cafes and tavernas, things are more quiet and refined.

On the edge of the town is Salt Lake – an international stopover for thousands of beautiful flamingoes and other migrant birds.

And not far away on a rocky peak, 750 metres up from sea level, is Stavrovouni Monastery. Founded in the fourth century by Saint Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, its monks are still famous for their iconic painting.

Once the island’s administrative centre, Larnaka retains its elegant, colonial charm. The famous mile-long, seafront promenade is lined with palm trees, stretching from a luxury yacht marina at one end to an ancient medieval fortress at the other end.

Larnaka has good quality apartments with communal pools in lovely areas.

In the old village of Lefkara the old tradition of embroidery still exists and even impressed Leonardo Da Vinci when he visited during the Renaissance. The famous Lefkara lace is on sale in many shops.

What a great service. Very impressed!

Tony McGreal

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Ayia Thekla

With its sandy beaches and growing infrastructure, this village is now becoming very popular. You can find churches dating back to the twelfth century and a continuing tradition of basket-making. Potamos, a lovely old fishing harbour where you can relax over a fresh fish meze, is only minutes away.

At no stage did we feel we were being forced to purchase a property. In fact it was the opposite – we were left alone to make our decision, and having made that the support and help we’ve been given have been excellent.

Graham Cooper

Ayia NapaThere’s far more to this place than the clubs and discos - although they’re certainly there. Originally a small fishing village, Ayia Napa is now a major tourist resort, full of tavernas serving fresh fish. There’s a medieval monastery with a stunning octagonal fountain, a 16th century church that’s cut into a rock and built partly underground, and a tree in front of its south gate that’s said to be over six hundred years old.

Protaras / ParalimniThe eastern corner of the island is full of golden beaches, crystal clear waters and water sports. Protaras is one of the most popular resorts with famous windmills and magnificent views over endless blue seas – especially at sunset. Families often come here to enjoy the many amenities and golden beaches.

Paralimni

A small rural town that still holds its traditional magic, Paralimni is full of picturesque narrow streets, vine-covered courtyards and local craft. This is also the fastest growing town on the east coast, with five shopping malls planned, and sports facilities including cycle paths.

The areas of Panera and Ayia Triada are also being upgraded, with a new marina and cycle paths to Protaras.

Cape Greko

At the eastern tip of the island lies the stunning Cape Greko – a wild peninsula that’s popular with walkers for its breathtaking views of dramatic rock formations, sea caves, sandy coves and a wealth of rare flora and fauna. A new golf course is planned nearby.

There are an average of 340 days of sunshine every year

We met McLaren at a local Exhibition and were delighted when we went on an inspection trip to Cyprus. The house we bought was just what we had imagined and after a couple of years we decided to move to Cyprus Thank you McLaren for making our dreams come true

Lynn & Ron

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The modern heart of Cyprus, it effortlessly combines the old with the new. Right alongside the biggest global names in shopping is the compact old town with its sixteenth century fortress walls, narrow alleys and historical monuments.

Visitors are spoilt for choice. The Leventis Municipal Museum, Cyprus Museum and National Struggle Museum all provide fascinating insights into the island’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

The Chrisaliniotissa Church is the oldest of many Byzantine churches in Nicosia. The famous Famagusta Gate is one of the three entrances to the old city. Beyond the capital lie the ancient city kingdom of Idalion, the Tamassos city kingdom in Politiko, and the Machairas monastery which dates back to 1148.

Nicosia (Lefkosia) Cyprus’s thousand year old capital is its only inland city. Cosmopolitan and European, Nicosia is the island’s centre for government, commerce and trade, as well as home to foreign embassies and consulates.

Located at the heart of Limassol and designed to be in complete harmony with the surrounding area, it will accommodate up to a thousand vessels.

Situated to the west of the old port, its many new amenities will include restaurants, shops and accommodation. A green park around the marina will preserve Limassol’s architectural traditions.

Three other planned new marinas will further extend the island’s already strong nautical reputation. These will be located in Pafos, Aiya Napa and Larnaka. The marina at Latchi is also being extended.

Beautiful new marinas for the MedA major new marina is planned for Limassol – a landmark development which will be great for the city, the region and the whole island.

Cyprus is a full member of the EU

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Minthis Hills.At an altitude of 550m above sea level it’s a course for all seasons, –enjoying cool breezes evenduring the summer. Minthis Hills is the oldest golf course in Cyprus. The ancient gardens in which the course is set lend a unique flavour, with holes surrounded by grapevines, walnut, almond, and olive trees. Few places are so tranquil for a friendly game, being fun to play for all standards of player, with great variety between holes. Elevated tees invite everyone to “have a go”, yet narrow.

Venus Rock.Unique, peaceful, winding through dramatic settings and a cliff backdrop with views to the ocean - two new fantastic 18-hole golf courses lie at the heart of Venus Rock. These new courses have been designed to ensure that, whether you are a professional seeking to play some of the toughest holes available, or an amateur out to enjoy a relaxing day with friends. Tony Jacklin, has personally helped design the two courses at Venus Rock, influencing every aspect, from the placement of the tees, to the shaping of the fairways and positions of the bunkers. The new courses will be designed to compliment the natural characteristics of the area to make the most of the secluded valley setting with views over to the Mediterranean.

Elea.Elea's course has been created to challenge golfers of every level. The par 71, 18-hole course, designed by Sir Nick Faldo, incorporates natural features to evoke a truly Mediterranean feel. The course has been created to be sympathetic to its stunning setting, while still embodying the traditions of the game as one of the top golf courses in Cyprus. Skill, strategy, precision – and maybe a little luck – are needed if you’re to be victorious here. But, win or lose, playing at Elea Estate Golf Club promises to be a memorable experience. Created by a legend, cared for by a dedicated team and already attracting international interest, Elea Estate Golf Club is set to be not only one of the best golf courses in Cyprus, but is already winning accolades as one of the leading golf destinations in Europe and beyond.

Aphrodite Hills.Aphrodite Hills the first ever leisure and golf development of its kind in Cyprus, Aphrodite Hills Resort is home to a magnificent 18-hole championship golf course, spreading over 6,299 metres and overlooking the site where Aphrodite, the goddess of love, is said to have emerged from the sea. The golf course also has a dedicated 3-hole Golf Academy and magnificent Clubhouse.

Big on golf, and getting biggerSport is big in Cyprus, none more so than golf. Golfers already flock here to take advantage of the outstanding courses and weather that enable them to play all year round. A golfer’s paradise.

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The really adventurous can scuba dive to explore a shipwreck or a two thousand year old sunken city – or paraglide 200 meters abovethe sea. And with five marinas now being built or extended, there are lots of other water sports like windsurfing, sailing, yachting, water skiing, and salt-water fishing. You can even take a speedboat out for the day to explore some deserted coves.

Olympic athletes trained in Cyprus for the 2004 games, especially in Peyia stadium and Coral Bay. They’re still coming here to train, thanks to the glorious weather.

Inland, you can hike or cycle along endless nature trails in the Akamas Peninsula, the Troodos mountains, Pafos Forest and Cape Greco. There’s horse riding, tennis, and even bungee jumping. In winter you can snowboard or ski on the slopes of Mount Olympus in Troodos. And if it’s dry speed you’re after, there’s the Pafos Karting Centre with its 1.6km track, bridges, tunnels, and electronic timing.

Sporty typesInternational facilities are growing all the time for every possible kind of sport, and without bad weather to spoil it.

Cyprus was rated by A Place in the Sun magazine (March 2007) as the best place anywhere in the world to invest in property

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If you’re brave enough to want to see these close up, go to the Reptile Park in Kouklia where children can hold the non-poisonous local Whip Snake and marvel at other reptiles including chameleons and lizards. The Paphos Zoo is a good day out with plenty to do.Along the Akamas conservation area you will find the logger head turtles sanctuary at Lara Bay.

Cyprus is famous for birds – especially the flocks of migrating species like flamingoes, cranes, ibis, pelicans, sandpipers and turners who stop off on their epic journeys north and south. The Kensington cliffs at Episkopi are home to hobbies, falcons, vultures and buzzards. The pools and wild macquis around

Asprokremos Dam host waterfowl, owls and lapwings. Pafos Bird Park has a fantastic and noisy selection of tropical birds. Then there’s the Geronisos wildlife and bird haven near Peyia. In all there are twelve special protection areas – one of the reasons why rare and treasured species such as the Imperial Eagle continue to thrive here.Donkeys have been man’s best friend in Cyprus for centuries. Trusted as calm, loyal workers, and once the only means of transportation, they’re still seen everywhere on the island. One of the best ways to get to know them better is at the Donkey Sanctuary in the village of Vouni.The moufflon is another of the island’s national treasures, and is unique to Cyprus. A shy wild

sheep with the beauty of a deer and the agility of a goat, it’s thought to have lived in large numbers as far back at 6000 BC. Once close to extinction and fighting for its survival, it’s now a protected species with numbers restored to over two thousand.The island’s old and rare trees are protected by the Forestry Department. Forty seven individual trees and eight groves have special designation. The oldest in Cyprus is a 1500 year old Pistacia tree which stands in the mountain village of Apesia, near Lemasos. The stoutest is an olive tree in Xyliatos with a perimeter of 13 metres. Large areas of coastline, Pafos Forest and the Akamas Peninsula remain natural and safe habitats for the island’s amazing wildlife.

Nature loversCyprus is an absolute joy for anyone who loves nature. Sitting as it does at the crossroads of three major flora zones – Europe, Africa and Asia – with unspoilt habitats and a varied micro-climate, it has no less than 1800 different plant species. On top of this there are 357 species of birds, nearly 200 types of fish, and 26 different amphibians and reptiles including six types of snake.

Public holidays

January 1: New Year’s Day

January 6: Epiphany Day

Variable: Green Monday (50 Days before Greek Orthodox Easter)

March 25: Greek National Day

April 1: Greek Cypriot National Day

Variable: Good Friday (Greek Orthodox Church) through to Easter Monday

May 1: Labour Day

Variable: Pentecost-Kataklysmos (Festival of the Flood)

August 15: Assumption

October 1: Cyprus Independence Day

October 28: Greek National Day (Ochi Day)

December 24: Christmas Eve

December 25: Christmas Day

December 26: Boxing Day

stability, sounder public finances and lower interest rates. Economic growth and employment should both improve.

Healthcare

Cyprus has a very high standard of medical services. Public and private healthcare are available to all. Hospitals, private clinics and medical centres are equipped with the latest facilities. Most Cypriot doctors have qualified abroad. EU citizens who live permanently in Cyprus can get a medical card from the Ministry of Health. Depending on what you earn, this will entitle you to free or subsidised healthcare.

Education

The education system on Cyprus is also of a high standard, and available to all. There are a number of private schools which cost around 7,000 euros per year. In addition to international schools, colleges and academies, there are university in Nicosia, Limassol and Pafos.

Social security

Agreements with many countries including the UK may allow the transfer of accrued benefits when people move to their new place of residence.

Opening hours

Most shops are open daily from 9am until 9pm during the summer, and until 7pm in winter. Some only open in the mornings on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Office hours are typically from 8am until

1pm and 4pm to 7pm in summer, and from 8am until 1pm and 3pm to 6pm in winter.

VAT

The VAT rate in Cyprus has recently been brought in line with EU guidelines and is currently 18%.

Doing business Companies registered on the island get all the benefits of full EU status as well as the lowest national taxation of any member

state. Net profits are taxed at 10%. Dividend income and profits from the sale of shares are tax exempt. There is no withholding tax on dividend distribution, interest or royalty payments. There are double taxation treaties with nearly forty countries. Interest from foreign capital deposited in Cyprus banks is exempt from income tax. Bank accounts can be held in any currency and funds can be transferred anywhere in the world.

InfoGrowing in popularity

Cyprus is increasingly popular as a retirement destination and for investment in holiday homes. The growth in demand is due to a unique combination: the relatively low cost of living, the high quality of lifestyle, the hospitality of the local people, the glorious climate, and the very low level of crime.

Legal system

The legal system in Cyprus is based largely on the British equivalent. Purchasers’ rights are protected in many ways. For example, once the sales agreement has been signed and a deposit has been paid, the Land Registry in Cyprus provides a “Specific Performance”. This is a simple but effective legal procedure which protects the purchaser’s ownership rights until the title deeds are issued and transferred to their name.

The contract in the hands of the Land Registry can’t be withdrawn by anyone. This means that the property cannot be leased, sold, transferred or mortgaged. Only the purchaser can change this status.

Stamp dutyA one-off stamp duty is levied by the tax authorities in Cyprus on the purchase of property. The amount payable by the purchaser, relative to purchase price, is:• Up to €171,000 0.15%• Over €171,000 0.20%

Transfer fees

The purchaser is liable for the payment of transfer fees for the property acquired, when this is registered in their name at the Land Registry Office. These fees are charged on the market value of the property at the date of purchase:

• Up to €85,500 3%• €85,501-€171,000 5%• Over €171,000 8%

Inheritance tax

Local authority tax

Property taxes which are levied by the local authorities range from €100 to €250 per annum, depending on the size and location of the property. They cover services such as rubbish disposal, street lighting and so on.

Allowances

The following allowances

are available to individuals:

• The first €17,100 of gainsarising from the disposal ofany property

• The first €85,500 of gainsarising from the disposal of ahouse used by the owner fortheir own habitation

Anyone claiming a combination of these allowances in only allowed a maximum of €85,500.

Capital gains tax

Capital gains tax is levied at 20% on gains arising from the disposal of the property, however, if it is foreign-owned. The first €17,100 to €85,500 in a private residence sale is exempt and there is also an indexation allowance.

Communal expenses

Communal expenses may be required by property owners to contribute to the cost of cleaning and maintaining communal areas, gardens and swimming pool, as well as management fees and repairs.

Currency - Euro

As of January 2008, the currency of Cyprus is the Euro. Price transparency in the EU single market helps price comparability, encourages competition and leads to lower prices. Travelling and buying goods and services are easier. There are better opportunities too for savings and investment. The economy stands to benefit from greater price

Cyprus has a very high standard of medical services. Hospitals, private clinics and medical centres are equipped with the latest facilities

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Inheritance Tax was abolished on 1st January 2000, and is no longer imposed.

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email: maria@mclarenproperties.com

www.mclarenproperties.com

www.mclarengroupcyprus.com

McLaren Group

The materials and information contained herein are provided for general information purposes only and are accurate to the best of our knowledge and belief at the time of writing and are/may be subject to limitations, exclusions, modifications, legal notices and/or amendments without notice and are subject to legislative amendments and changes to the current legislation. The materials and information herein do not constitute legal or any other professional advice and we accept no responsibility for any loss that may arise from reliance placed on information contained in this brochure and make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information.**

CyprusMcLaren for Taste in Property