Cyprus is one of the most popular overseas destinations with would-be British retirees searching for that perfect place in the sun. It offers a secure and laid back pace of life in an environment with a climate that is conducive to good health. What’s more, it can be far more affordable to live abroad in sunny Cyprus than to remain in the UK in retirement, because not only is the cost of living lower in Cyprus, fuel bills are much reduced and taxation on pension income is only 5% and in some cases can actually be 0%.
With Britain coming last but one in a recent survey about quality of life, it’s of no surprise that increasing numbers of us are actively planning our escape from the UK in retirement. For those serious about Cyprus, here are the top ten tips for retiring in style and comfort…
1) Get your finances in order – moving abroad can be an expensive undertaking. Most people factor in flights but what about fees associated with selling a house and buying another, moving your personal belongings to Cyprus and getting yourself established with everything from a satellite TV connection to a residency permit? It all costs money, but most people understand that it’s actually an investment in a lifestyle that you could not otherwise achieve if you stayed put. Affording the move comfortably and without worry can be achieved, one simply needs to plan in advance, understand costs and fees and get a grip on finances so that money does not run away with you. Those who think carefully about the financial elements of affording relocation are more likely to be successful.
2) Know when to get professional advice and assistance – one of the most significant and exciting aspects of moving abroad is buying a new house. Cyprus is home to some fabulous real estate from well positioned apartments on developments with shared amenities, to well appointed individual villa stock with or without swimming pools and ideally with a view to die for! Upon first inspection it’s easy to let your dreams run away with you, but as Martin Pearce, UK Sales Manager of Aristo Developers points out: “just as in any market in the world, some properties represent better buys than others. Take expert advice when examining properties available for sale in Cyprus, ensure any developer you purchase through has a good reputation, builds to the highest standards and is ISO:9001 certified. Also, look at previous examples of completed projects by the developer and always use a reputable lawyer to assist you.”
3) Consider accessibility – living in a rural idyll maybe your preference, but think about your longer-term accessibility requirements. You will certainly need regular access to facilities such as a supermarket, but perhaps when you are older you will want to be within walking distance of shops and also a community. It’s unlikely that you will want to get in your car every time you want a litre of milk or a chat with a friend – so think carefully about where you choose to buy a property and live in Cyprus.
4) Embrace the culture – there’s little point moving to a new nation and still insisting that things are done the same way as they are ‘back home’ – because invariably they will not be! So, embrace the new culture and way of life when you move to Cyprus, adapt, fit in and you will get so much more out of your new life than you would if you moved to Cyprus looking for an all day English breakfast and daily rain showers!
5) Eat and shop like the locals – Everyone knows that in popular holiday hotspots there are often different prices for locals and tourists, it’s all part of the fun! So, when you move to Cyprus and become a local yourself, find out where the locals shop and eat out and you will find better quality produce, better service, better prices and all in all, a better experience.
6) Learn the language – whilst Cypriots speak English because the teaching of the English language is compulsory in schools, there’s massive benefit to be gained if you just set yourself the task of learning the rudimentary elements of Greek. You will expand your mind, you will ingratiate yourself to people you come into contact with when you can pass pleasantries with them in their own language, and you never know, you might even enjoy the experience!
7) Become socially active – you need to get out and about and meeting new people and making new friends the minute you arrive! You need to build up a social network of friends and acquaintances who you can call on for support and friendship, advice and fun times. People will not find you unless you put yourself out there and allow yourself to be found!
Adopt a hobby – after the initial euphoria of arriving in Cyprus and marvelling at the amazing landscape and fantastic climate, hours of the day in retirement can begin to drag for some people – so adopting a new hobby will keep you mentally and physically active.
9) Have realistic expectations – just because you move to live in a new county that doesn’t mean to say your life will be fundamentally different as a result. You are, after all, the same person you were before you moved! So have realistic expectations of your new life and you will not therefore set yourself up for disappointment when you find that yes, in the winter it does sometimes rain in Cyprus and yes, sometimes you will have to make your own entertainment!
10) Relax! – Cyprus is such an incredibly beautiful and fantastic country, to live in Cyprus in retirement is to live the dream, so, relax, think about all that you have achieved and be thankful and grateful for your new life and you will begin to see things in a more positive aspect daily, which will further enhance your quality of life.
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