Anna, how did you come to the decision to move to Cyprus? What happened before - moving or buying a property?
My husband and I have lived in two cities for a long time - Moscow and Sochi, but my husband is a foreigner, a European, and the international company he worked for left Russia due to sanctions in 2022. The decision to move came by itself and very quickly, literally in 5 minutes.
We've vacationed in Cyprus resorts before, but I couldn't imagine that I'd ever live here. My husband often visited Cyprus on business trips, and he liked being on the island.
It was also influenced by the fact that I speak Greek fluently. Thus, there was a choice between Greece and Cyprus. My Greek friends advised me to prefer Cyprus for economic reasons.
At first, immediately after moving, of course, we rented a house - it's not known whether you can live in the country or not. But I don't like rented apartments, although ours was quite good, and after 3 months it became clear that I needed my own apartment.
Have you considered other cities besides Limassol?
We originally settled in Limassol, and we liked it here. Plus, when the question of our own housing arose, our Cypriot friends said: "only Limassol!». Although, of course, compared to Paphos or Nicosia, it is more expensive here: buying, renting real estate, and everything else.
Which areas have you considered? Was the area important to you?
We looked at the coastal areas near the center. The apartment we liked turned out to be in Agios Athanasios. This is a fairly long area running along the sea. In my opinion, the part of it that reaches the highway, closer to the beach, is preferable. Although there are those who are purposefully looking for houses beyond the highway, as there are higher ground and more typical apartments.
How did you choose the apartment you eventually bought? Have you considered many options? What was crucial in your choice?
I already had experience buying and selling apartments in Moscow and Sochi, so I had a good idea of what I wanted. My criteria are: viewable, close to the sea, spacious, modern, with supermarkets and all necessary infrastructure within walking distance.
At first, I was looking for options myself, but I didn't come across a suitable one. And in the end, I decided to contact the agency. Literally the first apartment from them, and right to the point. We didn't even watch anything else.
The apartment has not disappointed us so far: sea view, spacious, with Underfloor heating. The complex itself has a garden, well-kept grounds, and a swimming pool. Although you only use it for the first year, then it turns out that you work on weekdays, and on weekends you want to go to the beach or drive somewhere.
The only unpleasant thing is that the sea view was partially blocked by other new buildings, by 40 percent. Otherwise, there are only advantages.
Prices on the market are rising, and now such an apartment is about 30% more expensive than in 2023, when we concluded the deal. The neighbor is just selling his apartment, so I'm judging by the price he's asking for it.How did the apartment purchase deal go? Was it the primary or secondary market? Were there any difficulties?
According to the documents, the transaction took place as a sale from the owner, but in fact the apartment was brand new, no one lived in it. Real estate in Cyprus is rented with finishing and, most often, with built-in wardrobes and appliances. All we have to do is order a sofa, a bed, and some small things.
The calculations were quite easy and smooth. The money was transferred to the seller by bank transfer to another European country. By the way, we became friends and are still in touch.
The preparation for the transaction took 5 months. Of course, this sounds unusual for us - in Moscow and Sochi, we processed everything in 3 days, but for Cyprus such a period is considered the norm, the procedure can last a year. Such time intervals are also not new to sellers, and after receiving a deposit, they are ready to wait until a foreign buyer receives permission for the transaction from local authorities. Cypriots are generally never in a hurry, and the local custom of taking everything a long time is especially evident in the bureaucracy.
Title (certificate of ownership) We are about to receive the title, which usually takes 2 years to complete. There is nothing to worry about, since the purchase and sale agreement, executed by a notary, is already a confirmation of ownership.
As buyers of the first property in Cyprus, in which we planned to live ourselves, we paid VAT at a reduced rate of 5% (full rate - 19%).
Are you happy with your life in Cyprus now? Did you manage to continue to engage in the activities that you were engaged in in Russia? Or have you changed your profession?
I worked in Russia as a representative of Italian and Greek textile factories that specialize in interior fabrics. It was not possible to continue doing the same in Cyprus, as the field is too specific and narrow.
For the first two years after moving, I just looked around, until finally I found the activity I dreamed of back in Moscow and Sochi. Now I'm a realtor - a profession just for an extrovert like me. In my previous job in Russia, I often looked at houses and apartments when I visited textile customers, and I wanted to try myself as a real estate salesman. It turned out that immigration helped me realize these aspirations of mine.
It seems to me that self-realization is very important abroad. Interesting work distracts you from problems and inconveniences.
As I understand it, have you had any problems with legalization in Cyprus?
No, it wasn't, because the spouse is an EU citizen, and Cyprus is a member of the European Union. We can live here, travel around Europe without visas.
Russians without European residency need to obtain a residence permit on some basis. One of the main problems is still opening an account at a local bank. It is quite difficult to do this with only a Russian passport.
Let's summarize. In your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages of Cyprus?
Cyprus is usually chosen due to its climate, low taxes, and large Russian-speaking community. It's all true.
The Cypriots themselves are very welcoming. I also find it easy with them because I speak their language. But English and even Russian are so common that you may not even know Greek. This distinguishes Cyprus from many countries where it is necessary to learn the local language for integration. You will be quite comfortable here with English only. And even with Russian alone, many services are actually available in our native language.
Medicine, as far as my husband and I have come across, is at the proper level.
There are many good schools, both public and paid.
Of the features, public transport is poorly developed, so it will be difficult without a car. All the locals drive their own cars.
One of the disadvantages is that everything in Cyprus is quite expensive: rental housing, services, schools. I compare it with many European countries I visit.We are used to the local rhythm of life. Everyone here lives "in a stadium", there is no eternal race. Now we have adapted and no longer perceive this as a disadvantage. On the contrary, there is something in such relaxation, less stress, more enjoyment of the moment.
Are you happy with your life in Cyprus?
I almost had depression for 3 years, but about three months ago I finally began to feel like I was at home, and it's wonderful that this is my home.
We have already made a lot of friends here. We always have some interesting trips, concerts, presentations, and games.
So you don't agree with the opinion that the island is boring and has little entertainment?
To be honest, I have never had such an intense social life in Moscow! October, for example, is already all scheduled. In addition to the sea and yacht trips, you can go to the mountains or to the northern part of the island. There are always people coming to give concerts.
Thank you Anna Booth for sharing her story with our readers!
Thanks to the company's manager MySpace Real EstateVictoria Yatsyuta for her help in preparing the material!
Sources: Cyprus Mail
