1st December 2008 Property Warning.

Beginning to look a bit more like a Villa !


1st December 2008 and counting !!




Weather in the UK is 6 below today with the promise of snow tomorrow. Whereas our friends in Northern Cyprus are basking in Temperatures in the early 20's and having lunch around the pool. The lira is constant again today. £0,.414. It has been that for several days.

Our house in the UK is up for sale and no takers, nor even enquiries. Very scary, seeing as we need to sell it before we go, if possible. Nobody could have envisaged 'the credit crunch' and the global financial damage that has followed in it's wake.

If you are thinking of purchasing property in North Cyprus, please make sure that the developer/builder has other properties to show you that he has completed, on time, that there are people living in the properties. with mains water and mains electric. Ensure that your developer is not struggling for cash and that there is no mortgage on the property. If you are interested in a resale, then make sure it has a damp course, that the deeds are in place and there is no mortgage against the property. Be wary of anybody offering a low price for a quick sale, they maybe genuine but there maybe an ulterior motive. This also applies to the South of Cyprus .

Also be very wary, if you are out in North Cyprus on an 'Inspection Trip' or even a property buying holiday. First of all, an 'Inspection Trip' is a huge carrot, that is dangled at the prospective housebuyer (This applies to any Inspection trip anywhere in the world). In most cases, a subsidised trip means that expectations of a sale will follow. No matter how much a Company will deny it Inspection Trips are high pressure under many guises.

If you are hell bent in purchasing a property that you have seen on the Internet, then an Inspection trip will work for you, but you have to be prepared to run the gauntlet of"'I have a friend, who knows someone... or my cousin has a beautiful house for sale etc; etc; and ignore them all for this to work.

However, don't expect the company that has subsidised your flight and accomodation to be very happy, if you go off with a string of other Estate Agents/ Developers at their expense and purchase elsewhere.To you it maybe just a free or cheap holiday, to them you are a major investment. It is really best to fund your own trip and come to an agreement with the vendor to re-emburse travel expenses should you purchase from them.

One other warning (again it happens everywhere, not just North Cyprus) just be careful of people already living in North Cyprus. It is a friendly place and the Turkish Cypriot people are naturally friendly, in fact everybody is friendly, beautiful place, fantastic weather, it is easy to be off-guard. Remember though, at this stage of the development of North Cyprus , it is obvious, that most people who just visit, are on a property buying mission and they usually have cash in the bank, because at the moment it is still really is a 'cash buyers' market.(a few mortgages about, ask us about them if you are interested). To be able to purchase a property, gives some people the impression that you are mega-rich, (even though this is your pension and your life-savings. ) Beware of over friendly people, whatever nationality, they may have hidden agenda's. Do not trust anybody with your life or lifesavings whom you have only known a very short time. It happens!!

North Cyprus is probably the only place left in the Mediterranean, where ordinary people can 'buy a lifestyle' that they could only dream about.

If you are aware of all the problems, pitfalls etc; Northern Cyprus is a truly, beautiful place, nearly everyone who visits.....falls in love with it. We did !!!

www.letz-go.co.uk

Taking your Pet to North Cyprus

Tigger says - I've said I'm coming but how do I get there?

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS
1) Export Health Certificate issued by DEFRA UK
Accompanies all dogs and cats exported from the UK. Contact the Animal Health Divisional Office (AHDO) that covers your area, for an application form. When you return it they will send out a certificate to your nominated “official veterinarian” who will complete the certification.
NB. Only an “official veterinarian” can issue the Export Health Certificate. Your local AHDO can advise on who they are. The next four medical procedures can be carried out by any registered veterinary surgeon

2) Microchipping

This is done at the same time as or before the rabies vaccination. It provides positive proof of your pet’s identity and medical record.

3) Rabies Vaccination

A rabies vaccination must be given not more than twelve months prior to export, and a Rabies Vaccination Certificate completed by the veterinary surgeon.
Make sure you arrange the vaccination early enough to allow time to complete the rest of the procedures (a minimum of two months before departure).

4) Blood Test
Must be done one month after the rabies vaccination. A “pass” means the vaccination has given sufficient protection against rabies, and a Rabies Diagnostic Test Report will be issued. Allow at least a month for these results to come back. In a small number of cases, the animal will “fail” the test, which means both vaccination and test will have to be repeated.

5) Examination by a Vet 48 Hours Before Travel
Required by the airline to confirm that your pet is fit to travel

6) Import License for North Cyprus
This must be obtained from the North Cyprus Veterinary Authorities, and accompany the animal.

7) Statutory Declaration

Owner’s declaration stating that the animals are intended for export from the UK and have not been imported into the UK during the past six months.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
You will need to obtain a travel box, the size and construction of which must conform to IATA standards. Seek advice from your airline or the official veterinarian.
Contact Turkish Airlines regarding air freight of your animals. All flights to North Cyprus arrive at Ercan Airport.

QUARANTINE IN NORTH CYPRUS
Currently, when you bring your dog or cat into North Cyprus, it will have to go into quarantine for three or four weeks. (This applies EVERY TIME your pet re-enters the country). This also applies even though your pet may have a Pet Passport as North Cyprus is not able to participate in this scheme.

The only quarantine premises in North Cyprus are the government run Lefkoşa Quarantine Kennels. When you arrive at Ercan airport, Customs will phone through to the Veterinary Department and they will send someone from the Veterinary Department to escort your animal to the kennels. (They have staff on duty 24 hours). You may accompany your pet to the kennels and settle them in. Owners are advised that they will have to provide all food for their animals and may need to clean out their pet’s quarters themselves. We have been told that staff at the kennels will feed animals if food is left, provide water and do cleaning, however, it goes without saying that owners should regularly visit to check on their pets. Most owners go daily. Dogs may be taken out for exercise within the quarantine area.

COSTS IN NORTH CYPRUS

At the time of writing, the costs within North Cyprus are as follows:
- Airport charge on arrival TL 17 lira (about £6.60)
- Veterinary Department transport TL 18 lira (about £7.00)
- Quarantine TL 2 lira per day (about £0.78p)
(based on an exchange rate of £1.00 to TL 2.563)

HAVING SOMEONE ORGANISE IT FOR YOU
Companies in the UK which specialise in pet travel, such as Airpets, will make some of the arrangements for you, primarily UK documentation and travel arrangements. However you will still have to arrange the veterinary procedures yourself. Costs vary according to animal, location and so on, but you can expect to pay a minimum of £400 - £500 for this service. Always get a personalised quote which clearly shows which activities will be carried out by the company.

THE PET TRAVEL SCHEME (PETS)
Unfortunately North Cyprus can no longer participate in the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) after the 30th September 2004, following a ruling by the European Commission.
All animals therefore that return to the UK from N. Cyprus will be subject to six months quarantine.

MOVING TO NORTH CYPRUS
Although the quarantine situation is not ideal, many people moving here do bring their pets with them and experience no problems. (Some new residents have commented that if you are having building work done, it may be better for your pets to be in the quarantine kennels during this time).
If you are moving to North Cyprus but intend spending some of the year in the UK, you will need to think about how your pets are going to be cared for during your absence. Several small private boarding kennels are available for dogs for around £5.00 per day but places may be limited at popular times. Only limited short-term accommodation for cats is available at the moment, however a purpose built cattery will shortly be under construction. Various “housesitting” services are available which may include pet feeding, and many residents rely on family members or friends.

NOTE: It is now illegal for any animal to cross the border from South to North Cyprus and from North to South Cyprus.

Salamis

Tigger says- there are lots of interesting historical sites in North Cyprus

The city of Salamis was founded during the migrations that started towards the end of the Bronze Age by the tribes that came from Anatolia, and Akas who came from Greece and joined them in Kilikya.Salamis, Famagusta, Northern CyprusJust north of Famagusta at the base of the Karpas Peninsula lie the remains of the city of Salamis. The capital of Cyprus as far back as 1100 BC, Salamis survived the successive occupations of the Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, and Romans but eventually succumbed to the forces of nature.The site extends over an area of one square mile extending along the sea shore and inland. Much of the area still awaits excavation and this is forested with mimosa, pine and eucalyptus trees. The finding of important relics and gold coins dating from 411 to 374 BC, was the was the first genuine evidence of the city's archaeological importanceA severe earthquake destroyed the city in 76 AD, after which the Gymnasium with its colonnaded Palaestra was built by Trajan and Hadrian. This is the most monumental part of the site but columns differ in size because after the second great earthquake of 331 AD, the Christians set up new columns which they dragged from the Roman theatre. The theatre with 50 rows of seats and a seating capacity of 15,000 is the second most spectacular sight. All around the buildings that have been excavated are many niches which contained marble statues, and those that can be seen are headless. When Christianity was adopted as a state religion, all these nude statues were to them an abhorence, and were thrown into drains or were broken up. In fact, any indications of Roman pagan religion such as mosaic pictures were effaced or destroyed.

Ozankoy

Tigger says. Can I sit under the tree of Idleness?

The poets village’ named in honour of a famed Turkish Cypriot poet who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. A popular village with Europeans and Cypriots alike.
Situated just 3 miles East of Kyrenia, Ozankoy is one of the prettiest villages in Northern Cyprus and is home to a small but truly multi-national population!The residents of the village, which was previously called Kazaphani, have been drawn by the attraction of the peace and tranquility of Ozankoy’s setting, the beautiful and preserved natural environment around the village and the friendly welcoming nature of the local Turkish Cypriot people.The village itself is interwoven with olive, carob and lemon trees, for which the area around Ozankoy is famous, and any new development in and around the village is required to respect the natural surroundings and build not only sympathetically but also carefully so as not to disturb the ancient trees and the natural habitat of the many flora and fauna species.

Nicosia

Tigger says- that's a big city

Nicosia, Lefkosia or Lefkosa… all names for the last remaining divided city in the world. The unchanged and timeless Turkish Cypriot Northern half of the city is in direct contrast to the busy, sophisticated Greek Cypriot Southern half, yet both sides have a charm and attraction of their own. The fact that since 2004 EU citizens are free to cross from one side of the city to the other means that we can now all enjoy Nicosia as a whole and get a better understanding of the Cypriot people and a wider appreciation of Cyprus.If you travel from the South on foot you can cross at Ledra Palace which is centrally located for the main city shopping areas on both sides of the Green Line. Alternatively, if you prefer to cross by car, then the Metehan crossing is now fully open with two lanes and passport control on both sides to reduce waiting times. To cross you will need a valid passport and you will also need to fill in a short visa form which is available from the passport control offices on the Turkish Cypriot half of the border. You will also need to take out Greek Cypriot car insurance if going from North to South and Turkish Cypriot car insurance if going from South to North. Don’t worry you don’t have to buy annual insurance; you can buy it on a daily or monthly basis!North Nicosia has really changed little over the years. The back streets are ramshackle reminders of a time gone by and there you will still see people living very simple lives. Travelling away from the city centre, especially in the direction of Kyrenia, you will see some sophisticated developments taking shape and some stylish homes springing up, but the true heart of the city is where you will find the most interesting and historic features.The city has been divided effectively since 1963 when separate Greek and Turkish areas were identified; the Green Line was firmly established by a British Military Commander who famously took a map and drew a line with a green pen to divide the city for the sake of peace. The name for the border that divides the two Cypriot communities has been known as the Green Line ever since. The division became absolute and formalized in 1974.

Lapta

Tigger - says Lapta looks purr-fect

Lapta known as the biggest village in north Cyprus. Renowned for its fresh water springs and laid back way of life, It is a sprawling village approximately 9 miles west of Kyrenia. Perched on the northern slopes of the Be_parmak Mountains, facing down towards the Mediterranean, this rather large village has been blessed with such pure water and fresh air that locally produced fruit, vegetables and meat cannot help but be delicious.
Lapta was saved from the forest fires that ravaged parts of the island back in the 1990s and so it remains not only physically intact, but its spirit and history have been untouched for generations.

Lapta manages to represent the best in coastal towns and mountain villages and it offers some of the best scenery on the island with stunning mountain views from the old town and beautiful and peaceful Mediterranean views from the coast.Visiting the town you’ll find it’s divided into two distinctive parts, each offering the visitor interesting alternatives for entertainment. Firstly, ‘Lapta strip’ as the main road through the town is known, is home to a number of bars, restaurants, pubs, cafés and hotels. You have casinos, water sports, beach access, live music and a really good holiday feel along the strip. Tourists of all ages are very well catered for and Lapta in this respect offers a lot of entertainment options. During the main summer season the area triples its population such is the popularity of the resort.The old town is a popular retreat for expatriates and has been for many years; initially they were attracted, among other things, by the town’s excellent and pure water supplies! It also enjoys a protected micro-climate and it’s where Greek and Turkish Cypriots lived peacefully and happily side by side for generations. Lapta is historically one of the richest and most historically interesting areas of Cyprus. From the 8th century when Phoenicians settled in Cyprus, Lapta or Lapithos as the area was known then, became one of the city kingdoms in Cyprus, then later, when Cyprus was under Roman rule, Lapta was a regional capital.

Kyrenia - Girne

Tigger says- I want to go there the scenery is breathtaking

Take time out to explore the back streets from the harbour to the mosque and then if you fancy some shopping the main shops are all fairly centrally located with a few more springing up on the main Lapta road in recent years. You’ll find banks, money exchange offices, souvenir shops, pharmacies, clothes shops, taxis, estate agencies, the odd pub, bar, cafe and restaurant all located in the centre of the town, and if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for just ask one of the many friendly shop keepers for directions.
Kyrenia’s harbour area is a natural draw, it’s so picturesque and viewing it and strolling around it for the first time is an unforgettable experience. The harbour side cafes and bars are great places for whiling away sunny hours and the visitor is afforded a great view of the small fishing vessels, tourist boats and occasional yachts that vie for position on the overcrowded quays.

Karsiyaka

Tigger says - Looks like home to me !

Located west of Kyrenia and approximately 20 minutes by car the area affords stunning best views of the highest mountain in the Besparmak mountain range in northern cyprus.

Karsiyaka is blessed with stunning views to the mountains, and a flat plain between the mountains and the crystal clear sea beyond. In Karsiyaka, you get a real taste of true Cypriot life, unhurried, untouched by hotel complexes or overdevelopment, encouraging you to simply relax and go with the flow in this quiet corner of Northern Cyprus. Not that quiet means no facilities; there are markets, a butcher, bakers, a barber and even an internet café all in Karsiyaka.

karaoglanoglu

Tigger - I want to go there but I can't say the name

A completely unpronounceable name!!! After the events of 1974, Ayyro_i was renamed Karao_lano_lu in memory of Col. Karaoglanoglu who was one of the first Turkish soldiers to fall during the peace mission of July 1974.Once a small sleepy village, Ayyrogi (Karaoglanoglu) has grown to be a sought – after suburb of Kyrenia, about 5km to the west of the town..The village is famous for its lemon and olive groves which sprawl the hills and the fields. In the recent years, with the popularity of the area both with locals and with tourists, several hotels and restaurants have emerged on the coastline with extra care taken not to overdevelop the area to the detriment of the environment.. It is an up and coming resort, the village does have commercial shops and supermarkets, the restaurants are excellent and there are many picturesque beaches and coves , in particular Kervansaray Beach, where you will see the most spectacular sunsets

Famagusta

Tigger - letz-go to Famagusta

The Turkish name for Famagusta is Gazimagusa or Magusa and the town, located on the far East coast of Cyprus, has experienced extremes of fortune throughout its long and fascinating history.
Today visitors to Famagusta’s old town will be struck by how ramshackle and ruined it appears... and yet it was once the most lavish and richest city in the Eastern Mediterranean.

To understand the Famagusta of today it is important to look into its past. In the 3rd century BC the town was founded by the Egyptians and it was indeed a town of some significance, but until the abandonment of the city kingdom of Salamis in AD648 its population was not great. It wasn't’t until around 1291 that the town became particularly prosperous. Following an influx of Christian refugees from the Holy Land the town benefited from this demographic lift and grew to become the most wealthy and successful city in the Eastern Mediterranean, as previously mentioned. It also became an important trading centre because it benefited from a harbour with naturally deep waters.

Esentepe

Tigger says Esentepe looks cool !

When translated into English the name Esentepe means "The Breezy Hill". Esentepe is one of the most beautiful villages of Northern Cyprus, located just 16 kilometers away from the eastern shores of Kyrenia. It is famous to have an unspoiled nature with panoramic mountain and sea views.
Esentepe is located on a hill next to the peaks of the Kyrenia, Five Finger Mountain Range, overlooking a coastline made up of natural sandy beaches of the Mediterranean. Esentepe is an old settlement with a broad view of the sea specially chosen to be also close to fresh water sources and a plentiful supply of firewood.

Edremit

Tigger says I would love to go to edremit and Karmi village

Set in the low hills of the Girne mountains behind Karaoglanoglu below karmi village, Edremit is also approximately 10 miles West of Kyrenia. The lowest part of Edremit, called Çiçek Mahallesi (the flower district) has become quite popular over recent years with a good mixture of old and new properties and still plenty of undeveloped land amongst the rolling hills.

It is a typical Cypriot village where after Sunset the locals gather together to catch up on the days gossip. Edremit is famous for its absolutely stunning views of both the sea and mountains.The larger village of Karaoglanoglu is approximately 1 mile down the hill with supermarkets, restaurants and sandy beaches. Karaman being situated over 1000 feet above sea level has outstanding panoramic views from almost every property and has been popular with British people for many years.

Dogankoy

Tigger says Dogankoy is on my list !!

Doganköy – A small sleepy hillside village just east of Kyrenia neighbouring Bellapais. Magnificent views of the sea and the Besparmak Mountain range. Picturesque properties are dotted along the mountainside. Only five minutes from all the amenities available in Kyrenia as well as being close to the new harbour.

Bellapais

Tigger says I would like to visit Bellapais Abbey

Bellapais, unchanged and unhurried since its colonial days, this enchanting village has been immortalised in the book "Bitter Lemons" by Lawrence Durrell. The centre piece of the village and its main attraction is Bellapai Abbey.

Perched precariously on a natural terrace, the abbey stands guard over the whole of the northern coastline, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful and indeed most important Gothic buildings in the Near East.
Here, you can while away your days exploring the impressive remains of the abbey, or simply relax with a during under the "Tree of Idleness", an ancient mulberry made famous in Durrell's Bitter Lemons, and let the world pass you by.



Ancient folklore suggests that those seated beneath this famous tree, become lazy and unwilling to work! The views from the village are superb, and from every vantage point, the plains of Kyrenia and the azure blue Mediterranean beyond, beckon and invite.Above the abbey lies the charming village of Bellapais. Tiny lanes and narrow streets, cris-cross haphazardly away from the main square, and scattered amongst the whitewashed buildings are many excellent and surprisingly inexpensive cafes and bistros. Bellapais is an ideal haven for those seeking a calm and relaxing opportunity to sample the Cyprus of a bygone era.

Bogaz

Tigger says I would like to visit Bogaz fishing Village

Bogaz is a beautiful sleepy fishing village on the southern edge of the Karpas peninsula with a small population of approximately 6800 people . Fishing boats sail in and out of the harbour all day and the day's catch is sold on the quayside to the local restaurant owners and locals hence there are several good fish tavernas from which to choose between many offering the catch of the day. There are also several bars, supermarket and shopsThere are a number of lovely sandy beach here and all along the coastline going up to Famagusta . Bafra beach, just outside Bogaz, is one of the best beaches without a sign of a hotel and hardly of any houses.
Bogaz is well situated to explore the area as it is only a few miles north of Iskele and 25km north of Famagusta and is on the edge of the Karpas.

There are ancient historical sites and architecture to see throughout Northern Cyprus and to name just a couple around Bogaz are:

Strongylos Castle – the foundations of a Byzantine watchtower enlarged by the Knights Templar in the 12 th century is about 5km to the east.

The Salamis Ruins - 12th century BC and approximately six miles from Famagusta

Bahceli

Tigger - Places I might like to visit - Bahceli










Situated in the Esentepe region of North Cyprus, Bahceli boasts some of the most beautiful and un spoilt scenery on the island. The area has remained untouched for hundreds of years and is still relatively undeveloped.


This is also the location for the exciting new Marina known as the Bahceli Port Cyprium Marina Project. Work is due to begin later in the year. The marina will offer safe mooring with 542 berths available and it will also feature numerous leisure facilities. There will be bars, restaurants, shops, a leisure club, dive and sailing centre that will offer full training and also pleasure boat excursions.

Alsancak

Tigger says I might want to visit Alsancak

Escape Beach Alsancak

Alsancak is located 6miles west from the Kyrenia town centre. The village, nestled in the foothills of the Besparmak Mountains, has a lot to offer everyone with its spectacular mountain and sea views, authentic village atmosphere and easy access to the Escape and Camelot beaches. There are several restaurants for you to wander to and enjoy many different types of food.. Most of the popular beaches restaurants and clubs in Northern Cyprus are based in the village but even so, Alsancak still manages to retain the authentic village atmosphere.

Villas November 2008

Tigger 'dreaming of North Cyprus'

Villas November 2008

These pictures were very kindly taken for us by our new neighbours Leslie and Patricia

The Orange Crates

Tigger (hmm not sure about those!!!!)

The Orange Crates November 2007

This is a picture of our villas in the early construction stages, at this time you have to be very brave and have a vivid imagination but with the stunning mountain backdrop already in place, the decision does not seem to difficult.

Tigger is going to the T.R.N.C.

Tigger

Welcome to my Blog

So..... it was like this ....July 2007 they packed me off to the deluxe cattery in the countryside for 2 weeks, whilst they went to Northern Cyprus.

Apparently, in 2009 I'm off to the T.R.N.C. We are all going to spend our twilight years there.

They came back and showed me pictures of my new home, they were delighted, I was perplexed, I've seen better looking orange crates. However, the views are stunning, wonderful mountains and clear blue sea and I am told, mostly all year round sunshine. They told me I can sleep on the terraces and just worship the sun. I have tried sun worship a few times here in the UK but it doesn't last long. These days I do not want to stray away from my basket next to the radiator. Correct me if I am wrong but being a creature whose ancestors were from Central or North Africa, I have real problems with the UK weather and just look grumpy all the time in the winter.

They bought off-plan. Not everybody favours this and there have been many many horror stories about buying off-plan abroad not just in Northern Cyprus. If you ensure that you find a reputable builder, who can show you finished projects and you can meet people who are happily living in the houses built previously and have electriciity and water connected, then basically it is a great way to purchase. My folks, have been involved with overseas property for a long time and introduce people to reputable builders and will never advise anybody to contact developers/builders who they have not met and vetted personally. http://www.letz-gonorthcyprus.com/

The orange crates have moved on and in their place stand 2 new gleaming villas that are beginning to take shape ) they bought 2 (1 each). Next door hopefully will be rented or perhaps sold when ready.

*****************************

We realise we are not experts on everything relating to North Cyprus because as yet we have never lived there, we have, however, been involved in selling property in Northern Cyprus for the last few years and have many happy customers who have remained friends and we are now in a position to make a a committment ourselves . We fell under the spell of this charming island, and we (and Tigger) just like many other families , whose children have moved on feel it is time for us now and we hope, a better life .This blog is to pass on advice, information and tips and lightheartedly chart our journey from now on