1. McLaren for Taste in Property
C yp rus

2. All year round sunshine
Relaxed and healthy
lifestyle Low living costs
Safe environment Pensions
taxed at 5%
David and Maria McLaren
Come to Cyprus,
and fall in love
your property friends in Cyprus
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.
We want you to feel what we feel. The endless sunshine, the fascinating
variety, and the sense of timelessness that pervades everything in this
contents special place that’s like nowhere else on earth.
We want you to enjoy what we enjoy. The golden beaches, the cool
We’re here to make it easy 05 Ayia Napa 26 forests, and the fragrance of olive and citrus groves.
A lot to take in 06 Protaras / Paralimni 28
Here’s how we help 08 Nicosia (Lefkosia) 30 We want you to know what we know. The warmth of the people, their
spirit and spontaneity, and their contagious enjoyment of life.
Areas of Cyprus (map) 10 Beautiful new marinas 31
Pafos (Paphos) 12 Big on golf, and getting bigger 32 We want you to love what we love. The easy way of life, the stunning
Polis and Latchi (Lakti) 16 Sporty types 34 natural beauty, and the wonderful Mediterranean food.
Limassol (Lemesos) 20 Nature lovers 36
We want you to go to this magical island - like we did - and fall in love.
Larnaka 24 Info 38
3

3. We’re here to
make things easy
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.
We know, because in the year monopolise your time, overload
2000 we were in the same you with information, or pressure
position. We wanted to buy, you into buying a particular
and didn’t find the experience property.
particularly easy. But having
succeeded, and lived in Cyprus We know that everything is
for two years, we decided to do down to location and budget.
something about making it easier So we’ll only take you to areas
for other people. That’s why we and properties that will fit your
set up McLaren Properties – needs and circumstances. We
with offices both in the UK and know the realities too – like how
in Cyprus. you might feel about retiring and
moving away.
We’ve also set up McLaren
Investments, with properties And we know Cyprus inside
worldwide. This is now run by out. From all the individual
McLaren immediately made us feel other members of the McLaren developments in every region,
comfortable and not pressured at all. family, enabling David and Maria to to everything else you need to
I really felt I could trust them, and the way look after their Cyprus clients. know about - like financing, car
hire, lawyers, banks, schools, pets,
they explained the financial side of things Since setting up our Cyprus removals, healthcare, jobs, and the
was straightforward and clear. When we company, we’ve helped hundreds island’s tax system.
of clients to find the property that
visited Cyprus we were really looked after suits them, in the location that So we’ll always give you straight,
and had the opportunity to meet all the they want. And we’ve helped them honest information and advice.
people we would be doing business with. through the whole process of
buying, from starting to think about And as a small, dedicated company
Being able to speak to them in person, and what they might need, all the way with family members both
the fact that everyone we met with spoke through to taking delivery. in England and Cyprus, we’re
perfectly placed to provide you
English, made the process very simple. Unlike other companies you with personal service and expert
might come across, we’re not help at every stage.
Eileen Smith trained sales people who want to
5

4. A lot to take in
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.
You’ll see tiny villages where the Troodos Mountains in the So there’s a lot to see, and a lot to
roads are still for donkeys. At the morning, and swim in Coral Bay think through before you make
same time, there are new modern in the afternoon.) any decisions. Don’t let anyone
motorways linking the major rush you, or push you into
centres. And the international Do you want to buy off-plan, buying whatever they happen to
airports in Larnaka and Pafos or go for something that’s have for sale.
have been extended to meet the completed?
needs of the airlines and flights Our job is to help you to ask all
now going to Cyprus – seven Have you thought through your the right questions in the first
million people in 2012. budget, and taken into account place, get the answers, find the
all the costs (like lawyers, cars property that’s really right for
New golf courses are planned or and furniture) that might affect you, and then to support you
underway – and new marinas – what you actually have available until you take delivery. Even after
adding to the great sporting and to spend? that, if you need it.
leisure facilities that Cyprus
already enjoys. Then you need to know your way
around the banking, legal,
You’ll want to think about your property transaction and land
property location really registration systems.That means
carefully. Small town or rural? having friendly, expert people on
Seaside or mountains? (You your side that you know you can
might even get both – it’s trust.
possible to ski in the
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
7

5. Here’s how we help
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
The first thing we do is listen to you. Carefully.That way, we can be sure of unproven, or because they don’t
really understanding what you need and want. provide the right quality.
Using an enquiry checklist that’s Client's usually have an idea of The full-time staff in our office in
proved its value many times, we what they want. But we often Pafos will help you to follow a
go through everything you need find that after a lot of talking, and simple itinerary.You don’t have
to think about to make sure you thinking through the finances, to stick to it, but we’ve found it Putting you in touch
end up with the property that’s they buy something quite really helps. The visit is normally
exactly right for you. different. When this happens, four/five days, of which two
they’re happy. They’ve made the include travel.
We’re honest and open with you. right decision.
We want you to know what it’s all
about. If there are any negatives
Arranging your visit When you arrive, we’ll meet you
we’ll tell you – and suggest ways at the airport and take you to your
to get round them. By the time you’re ready to accommodation.The following
make the trip to Cyprus to take a day we’ll start showing you the
Our reputation matters look at some possible properties, sights, and the locations of the
enormously to us. We see our the filtering we’ve done upfront properties you might be If you do decide to buy, we’ll put
clients regularly when we’re out will make your visit and decision interested in.You’ll be able to see you in touch with a specialised,
and about. Our children and process much more focussed developments from any number experienced and reputable lawyer
grandchildren are in Cyprus. So and productive. of different developers – and if who can handle the property
we have as much of a long term you decide you want to go ahead transaction process for you.
interest in getting everything with one of these, we’ll introduce Although it’s based on the British
right as you do. you. 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
Everyone was so kind and helpful during our stay, and we
can’t believe how smoothly this purchase is going. We’re We’ve set up an independent
company, JMS services, to make
sure this is down to the help of all the people you’ve put sure that our clients continue to
us in touch with, and we are so pleased that we stopped be well looked after. They can help
by your stand at the NEC. Our only regret is that we with everything you might need
including property management,
didn’t meet you sooner. Julianna couldn’t have been more letting, snagging, choosing and
helpful, and her knowledge and guidance have given us arranging furniture (including
delivery and installation), interior
confidence that the venture will be a great success for us. design, landscaping and all other
Thank you both for all that you have done for us. property needs.
Tracey & Paul
9

6. More than 40 airlines operate over 260 flights weekly to and from Cyprus
11

7. The Land Registry system in Cyprus is
one of the most advanced and reliable
in the world
Pafos
The island’s former capital, Pafos is a beautiful historic
town and a popular tourist destination. Listed by
A game of golf and a swim around the rock –
UNESCO as a World Heritage site, new archaeological
stay forever young.
treasures are still regularly discovered here.
Its cultural and historical riches professional services and medical
include the intricate and colourful centres. An ideal place to live, work
floor mosaics of the House of and relax, it has a reputation as
Dionysos, preserved after sixteen environmentally friendly area.
centuries under the soil. You can
also see the Christian Catacombs, Surrounded by majestic scenery
ancient Byzantine churches, castle, including banana plantations
mediaeval fort, and the Tombs of and the Akamas Peninsula, its
the Kings – set on a rocky ledge nearby hospitable villages of
overlooking the sea and spanning Kathikas, Arodos, Droushia, Mesa
six hundred years from the third Chorio, Tremithousa, Konia,
century BC. The Odeon Theatre, Chloraka, Mandria and many
built in the second century, is more retain their traditional
still used today for summer folklore, architecture and alluring
performances. atmosphere of the past.
Modern Pafos is the fastest
growing town on the island,
with many fine restaurants,
sandy beaches, excellent leisure
facilities and amenities including
12 Irini Gardens: Two and three bedroom townhouses set in beautiful landscaped gardens with a communal pool - your first starter home in Cyprus

8. 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 marina – one of the biggest in
the Mediterranean – with new
A picturesque fishing harbour commercial areas, more shops and
shadowed by an ancient fort, more restaurants.
Kato Pafos is the focal point
of the tourist area. Open air Peyia
concerts – from famous operas to
Russian ballets – are staged every One of the biggest in Cyprus, Peyia
September in the amphitheatre is a delightful and self-contained
by the fort, overlooking the sea. village where the Cypriots and
As well as having some of the British come together. Built high
best hotels on the island, there are up in rugged hills, it offers amazing
many open-air cafes and tavernas views of the surrounding hills
in Kato Pafos where you can sloping towards the sea at Coral
sample a fish meze fresh from the Bay and all along the coastline
morning’s catch. You can go on to Pafos. It’s also a great starting
a sunset cruise, or hire boats for point for exploring the Akamas
parties. Peninsula, local historic sites and
museums, walking trails, wineries
Plans have been announced to and natural springs.
upgrade Pafos harbour with the
construction of a new marina. Two Set around a traditional village
separate areas will be created – square it has fragrant municipal
one to service large yachts and the gardens, tavernas serving the best
other for fishermen. Work starts Cypriot and international cuisine,
in 2009. and a brand new sports stadium.
The original village jail is now a
Coral Bay charming pub – you can still see
the iron bars in a small window
A popular Blue Flag sandy beach tucked high in the corner.
with a two km stretch of sand,
Coral Bay is the best natural beach Aphrodite’s Rock
in the area. With a gentle breeze,
shallows where children can play Five thousand years ago, the
safely, and pleasant swimming in a mythological goddess Aphrodite
calm sea that remains warm until was born here as she emerged
early December, it’s also perfect from the foaming sea into legend,
for all kinds of water sports – propelled to shore on a seashell.
from snorkelling, pedaloes and A place of worship for centuries,
water skiing to banana boats, the hallowed ground of Petra
wetbikes and windsurfing. Tou Romiou (Venus Rock) stands
unchanged and impervious,
Lined with palm trees, and with retaining its magic and mystery.
lovely views back to the hills of Legend says that if a woman
Peyia, the Coral Bay Strip has wishes to discover her one true
many high quality restaurants love she must swim naked around 1: Two and three bedroom luxury apartments with a host of facilities near many amenities – an all-in-one resort.
and tavernas, as well as mini-golf 1
the rock three times at midnight. 2: Beautiful townhouses where you can sit on your verandah, and enjoy a glass of wine under the stars.
and a variety of shops. It’s also 3 4
3,4,5: You can customise your own villa with large plots in various areas of the Pafos region
the planned site for a 1000 yacht 2 6 5 6: Townhouses and luxury villas with communal pool, as well as golf and spa facilities.
15

9. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxYLiTR-AGs
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.
Thank you for all your help during our time in
Cyprus. It was very much appreciated and we
found your help invaluable.
Julia Roberts
Built on the ancient city of Latchi Its excellent beaches are cooled by
Marion in the seventh century a welcome summer breeze -
BC and overlooking the beautiful A tranquil coastal fishing village and a new marina is home to
Chrysochou Bay, Polis has sweeping with a picturesque harbour, Latchi sailing, touring and fishing boats.
bays, a marina, azure blue waters, is an ideal retreat that’s renowned
all kinds of water sports and the for fresh fish and seafood The surrounding unspoilt
freshest fish meze you can get. specialities. Many of its old stone countryside and villages of Argaka,
carob warehouses have been Prodromi and Neo Chorio are a
Its relaxed lifestyle, natural converted into inviting restaurants delight for walking and enjoying
surroundings, forest walks and and fish taverns. nature.
proximity to the wild fascination
of the Akamas Peninsula make it a
haven for nature lovers.
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10. Akamas peninsula Thank you for all the help you gave us in buying
our property in Cyprus. We very much appreciated
Akamas is a natural conservation
area, and a special place of wild your help and advice – and never felt we were
and incredible beauty. With the under any pressure.
breathtaking Avakas gorge, deep
forests, spectacular coastlines
and unspoilt nature trails, it’s John & Paula Woodhead
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
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11. Limassol (Lemesos ) Halfway between Larnaka and
Pafos airports and just a short
It’s also a centre of learning with
a wide variety of international
drive away from the Troodos schools, colleges, academies, art
Mountains, Limassol has a ten- galleries and theatres.
Limassol is the island’s main port, its second largest town mile sandy seafront lined with
and one of its leading holiday resorts. A lively, fun-loving luxury hotels, restaurants, bars, an Limassol is renowned for its long
and bustling cosmopolitan place, it stages some of the impressive yacht marina and many cultural tradition. Born out of two
exclusive residences. ancient city kingdoms, Amathus
island’s best known street celebrations and festivals - and Korion, the old town is
including the annual wine festival in September, and the Home of the island’s wine overlooked by its castle. It’s said
industry and a thriving business that King Richard the Lionheart
colourful ten-day pre-Lenten carnival with masquerade centre, its shopping facilities range married Queen Berengaria here in
parties, balls and grand parades. from modern boutiques and 1191 on his way to Jerusalem, and
showrooms to traditional and crowned her Queen of England.
handmade shoes and clothes.
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
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12. In winter months you can swim
in the sea and on the same day
ski in the mountains
Pissouri Troodos
Just down the coast from Designated one of ten best
Aphrodite’s legendary birthplace is rural tourist destinations under
Pissouri - a delightfully traditional the “European Destinations of
Cypriot village that’s famous for its Excellence” (EDEN) award,
abundant grape, olive, carob and the Troodos Mountains are
almond harvest, and where the truly stunning.
charm of rural life co-exists easily
with new development. Escaping into cool pine forests
and gentle hills, you can walk and
Set among terraced mountains, cycle along nature trails to your
lush green valleys and rolling hills heart’s content. In winter, skiers
rich with pine trees and wild can slalom down the snowy slopes.
flowers, Pissouri is perched high If you want something more
up with a panoramic view over sedate, there are monasteries
Episkopi Bay. and Byzantine churches to visit,
52 beaches in Cyprus have been awarded Blue Flag status including the famous Kykko
Thoughtfully developed into an monastry.
exclusive, five star resort, it enjoys
a reputation for gourmet food, Overflowing with vineyards,
authentic arts and crafts, a well almond groves, banana plantations
maintained beach and a relaxed and fruit orchards, each of the
lifestyle. picturesque villages in Troodos has
its own speciality: cherries, apples,
Souni peaches, lemons, olives, avocadoes,
pottery or zivania – a potent and
Drive just ten minutes from aromatic drink made from pomace
Limassol through a string of and dry wines.
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.
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13. Larnaka
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.
The heart of the town is Kition And not far away on a rocky peak,
– an ancient city-kingdom and 750 metres up from sea level, is
birthplace of the philosopher Stavrovouni Monastery. Founded in
Zeno. The streets are full of the fourth century by Saint Helena,
colour: blue jacaranda trees, purple mother of Constantine the Great,
bougainvillea and scarlet hibiscus. its monks are still famous for their
Away from the beach and the iconic painting.
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.
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
25

14. Ayia Napa
There’s far more to this place than the clubs and discos - although they’re At no stage did we feel we were being
certainly there. Originally a small fishing village, Ayia Napa is now a forced to purchase a property. In fact it was
major tourist resort, full of tavernas serving fresh fish. There’s a medieval the opposite – we were left alone to make
monastery with a stunning octagonal fountain, a 16th century church our decision, and having made that the
that’s cut into a rock and built partly underground, and a tree in front of support and help we’ve been given have
its south gate that’s said to be over six hundred years old. been excellent.
Graham Cooper
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.
27

15. Protaras / Paralimni Paralimni
A small rural town that still holds
its traditional magic, Paralimni is
full of picturesque narrow streets,
vine-covered courtyards and
The eastern corner of the island is full of golden beaches, We met McLaren at a local Exhibition and were local craft. This is also the fastest
crystal clear waters and water sports. Protaras is one delighted when we went on an inspection trip to growing town on the east coast,
of the most popular resorts with famous windmills and Cyprus. The house we bought was just what we had with five shopping malls planned,
and sports facilities including
magnificent views over endless blue seas – especially imagined and after a couple of years we decided to cycle paths.
at sunset. Families often come here to enjoy the many move to Cyprus Thank you McLaren for making our
The areas of Panera and Ayia
amenities and golden beaches. dreams come true Triada are also being upgraded,
with a new marina and cycle paths
Lynn & Ron 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
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16. Nicosia (Lefkosia) Beautiful new marinas
Cyprus’s thousand year old capital is its only inland city.
Cosmopolitan and European, Nicosia is the island’s centre for
for the Med
government, commerce and trade, as well as home to foreign
embassies and consulates. A major new marina is planned for Limassol –
a landmark development which will be great for the
The modern heart of Cyprus, The Chrisaliniotissa Church is the
it effortlessly combines the old oldest of many Byzantine churches city, the region and the whole island.
with the new. Right alongside the in Nicosia. The famous Famagusta
biggest global names in shopping Gate is one of the three entrances Located at the heart of Limassol Three other planned new marinas
is the compact old town with to the old city. Beyond the capital and designed to be in complete will further extend the island’s
its sixteenth century fortress lie the ancient city kingdom of harmony with the surrounding already strong nautical reputation.
walls, narrow alleys and historical Idalion, the Tamassos city kingdom area, it will accommodate up to a These will be located in Pafos,
monuments. in Politiko, and the Machairas thousand vessels. Aiya Napa and Larnaka.
monastery which dates back The marina at Latchi is also being
Visitors are spoilt for choice. to 1148. Situated to the west of the old extended.
The Leventis Municipal Museum, port, its many new amenities will
Cyprus Museum and National include restaurants, shops and
Struggle Museum all provide accommodation. A green park
fascinating insights into the island’s around the marina will preserve
Cyprus is a full Limassol’s architectural traditions.
rich cultural and historical heritage.
member of the EU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuAgokHXA1Q
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17. Big on golf,
and getting bigger
Sport 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. Minthis Hills. Elea.
At an altitude of 550m above sea Elea's course has been created to
level it’s a course for all seasons, challenge golfers of every level.
–enjoying cool breezes even The par 71, 18-hole course,
during the summer. Minthis designed by Sir Nick Faldo,
Hills is the oldest golf course in incorporates natural features to
Cyprus. The ancient gardens in evoke a truly Mediterranean feel.
which the course is set lend a The course has been created to be
unique flavour, with holes sympathetic to its stunning
surrounded by grapevines, setting, while still embodying the
walnut, almond, and olive trees. traditions of the game as one of
Few places are so tranquil for a the top golf courses in Cyprus.
friendly game, being fun to play Skill, strategy, precision – and
for all standards of player, with maybe a little luck – are needed if
great variety between holes. you’re to be victorious here. But,
Elevated tees invite everyone to win or lose, playing at Elea Estate
“have a go”, yet narrow. Golf Club promises to be a
memorable experience. Created
by a legend, cared for by a
Venus Rock. dedicated team and already
Unique, peaceful, winding attracting international interest,
through dramatic settings and a Elea Estate Golf Club is set to be
cliff backdrop with views to the not only one of the best golf
ocean - two new fantastic 18-hole courses in Cyprus, but is already
golf courses lie at the heart of winning accolades as one of the
Venus Rock. These new courses leading golf destinations in
have been designed to ensure Europe and beyond.
that, whether you are a
professional seeking to play some
of the toughest holes available, or
an amateur out to enjoy a Aphrodite Hills.
relaxing day with friends. Tony Aphrodite Hills the first ever
Jacklin, has personally helped leisure and golf development of
design the two courses at Venus its kind in Cyprus, Aphrodite
Rock, influencing every aspect, Hills Resort is home to a
from the placement of the tees, to magnificent 18-hole
the shaping of the fairways and championship golf course,
positions of the bunkers. The spreading over 6,299 metres and
new courses will be designed to overlooking the site where
compliment the natural Aphrodite, the goddess of love, is
characteristics of the area to said to have emerged from the
make the most of the secluded sea. The golf course also has a
valley setting with views over to dedicated 3-hole Golf Academy
the Mediterranean. and magnificent Clubhouse.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alhlf0FnMdw
33

18. Sporty types
International facilities are growing all the time for every possible Cyprus was rated by A Place in
kind of sport, and without bad weather to spoil it. the Sun magazine (March 2007)
as the best place anywhere in
the world to invest in property
The really adventurous can scuba Inland, you can hike or cycle
dive to explore a shipwreck or a along endless nature trails in the
two thousand year old sunken city Akamas Peninsula, the Troodos
– or paraglide 200 meters above mountains, Pafos Forest and
the sea. And with five marinas Cape Greco. There’s horse riding,
now being built or extended, there tennis, and even bungee jumping.
are lots of other water sports like In winter you can snowboard
windsurfing, sailing, yachting, water or ski on the slopes of Mount
skiing, and salt-water fishing. Olympus in Troodos. And if it’s
You can even take a speedboat dry speed you’re after, there’s
out for the day to explore some the Pafos Karting Centre with its
deserted coves. 1.6km track, bridges, tunnels, and
electronic timing.
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.
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19. Nature lovers
Cyprus 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.
If you’re brave enough to want Asprokremos Dam host sheep with the beauty of a deer
to see these close up, go to waterfowl, owls and lapwings. and the agility of a goat, it’s
the Reptile Park in Kouklia Pafos Bird Park has a fantastic and thought to have lived in large
where children can hold the noisy selection of tropical birds. numbers as far back at 6000 BC.
non-poisonous local Whip Then there’s the Geronisos Once close to extinction and
Snake and marvel at other wildlife and bird haven near fighting for
reptiles including chameleons Peyia. In all there are twelve its survival, it’s now a protected
and lizards. The Paphos Zoo is a special protection areas – one of species with numbers restored to
good day out with plenty to do. the reasons why rare and over two thousand.
Along the Akamas conservation treasured species such as the The island’s old and rare trees are
area you will find the logger Imperial Eagle continue to thrive protected by the Forestry
head turtles sanctuary at Lara here. Department. Forty seven
Bay. Donkeys have been man’s best individual trees and eight groves
friend in Cyprus for centuries. have special designation.The
Trusted as calm, loyal workers, oldest in Cyprus is a 1500 year old
Cyprus is famous for birds – and once the only means of Pistacia tree which stands in the
especially the flocks of migrating transportation, they’re still mountain village of Apesia, near
species like flamingoes, cranes, seen everywhere on the island. Lemasos.The stoutest is an olive
ibis, pelicans, sandpipers and One of the best ways to get to tree in Xyliatos with a perimeter
turners who stop off on their know them better is at the of 13 metres.
epic journeys north and south. Donkey Sanctuary in the Large areas of coastline, Pafos
The Kensington cliffs at Episkopi village of Vouni. Forest and the Akamas Peninsula
are home to hobbies, falcons, The moufflon is another of remain natural and safe habitats
vultures and buzzards.The the island’s national treasures, for the island’s amazing wildlife.
pools and wild macquis around and is unique to Cyprus. A
shy wild
36 37

20. Info
Growing in popularity The contract in the hands of the Allowances stability, sounder public finances 1pm and 4pm to 7pm in summer, and from state. Net profits are taxed at 10%.
Land Registry can’t be and lower interest rates. 8am until 1pm and 3pm to 6pm in winter. Dividend income and profits
The following allowances
Cyprus is increasingly popular as withdrawn by anyone.This Economic growth and from the sale of shares are tax
a retirement destination and for means that the property cannot are available to individuals: employment should both exempt. There is no withholding
investment in holiday homes. be leased, sold, transferred or improve. VAT tax on dividend distribution,
The growth in demand is due to mortgaged. • The first €17,100 of gains interest or royalty payments.
Healthcare
a unique combination: the Only the purchaser can change arising from the disposal of The VAT rate in Cyprus has There are double taxation treaties
relatively low cost of living, the this status. any property Cyprus has a very high standard recently been brought in line with with nearly forty countries.
high quality of lifestyle, the • The first €85,500 of gains of medical services. Public and EU guidelines and is currently Interest from foreign capital
hospitality of the local people, the Stamp duty arising from the disposal of a private healthcare are available 18%. deposited in Cyprus banks is
glorious climate, and the very A one-off stamp duty is levied house used by the owner for to all. Hospitals, private clinics exempt from income tax. Bank
low level of crime. by the tax authorities in Cyprus their own habitation and medical centres are Doing business accounts can be held
on the purchase of property.The equipped with the latest Companies registered on the in any currency and funds can be
amount payable by the Anyone claiming a combination facilities. Most Cypriot doctors island get all the benefits of full transferred anywhere in the
purchaser, relative to purchase of these allowances in only have qualified abroad. EU EU status as well as the lowest world.
price, is: allowed a maximum of €85,500. citizens who live permanently in national taxation of any
• Up to €171,000 0.15% Cyprus can get a medical card member
• Over €171,000 0.20% Capital gains tax from the Ministry of Health.
Depending on what you earn,
Transfer fees Capital gains tax is levied at 20% this will entitle you to free or
on gains arising from the subsidised healthcare. Public holidays
The purchaser is liable for the disposal of the property,
payment of transfer fees for the however, if it is foreign-owned. Education January 1: New Year’s Day
property acquired, when this is The first €17,100 to €85,500 in a The education system on Cyprus
registered in their name at the private residence sale is exempt is also of a high standard, and January 6: Epiphany Day
Land Registry Office.These fees and there is also an indexation available to all.There are a
are charged on the market allowance. number of private schools which Variable: Green Monday (50 Days before Greek
value of the property at the date Communal expenses cost around 7,000 euros per year.
Orthodox Easter)
of purchase: In addition to international
Communal expenses may be schools, colleges and academies,
• Up to €85,500 3% required by property owners to there are university in Nicosia, March 25: Greek National Day
• €85,501-€171,000 5% contribute to the cost of Limassol and Pafos.
• Over €171,000 8% cleaning and maintaining April 1: Greek Cypriot National Day
communal areas, gardens and Social security
Legal system Inheritance tax swimming pool, as well as Variable: Good Friday (Greek Orthodox Church)
management fees and repairs. Agreements with many through to Easter Monday
The legal system in Cyprus is Inheritance Tax was abolished countries including the UK may
based largely on the British on 1st January 2000, and is no Currency - Euro allow the transfer of accrued May 1: Labour Day
equivalent. Purchasers’ rights longer imposed. benefits when people move to
are protected in many ways. As of January 2008, the their new place of residence.
For example, once the sales Local authority tax currency of Cyprus is the Euro. Variable: Pentecost-Kataklysmos (Festival of the Flood)
agreement has been signed and Price transparency in the EU Opening hours
a deposit has been paid, the Property taxes which are levied single market helps price August 15: Assumption
Land Registry in Cyprus by the local authorities range comparability, encourages Most shops are open daily from
provides a “Specific from €100 to €250 per annum, competition and leads to lower 9am until 9pm during the October 1: Cyprus Independence Day
Performance”.This depending on the size and prices.Travelling and buying summer, and until 7pm in winter.
is a simple but effective legal location of the property.They goods and services are easier. Some only open in the mornings October 28: Greek National Day (Ochi Day)
procedure which protects the cover services such as rubbish There are better opportunities on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
purchaser’s ownership rights disposal, street lighting and so too for savings and investment. Office hours are typically from December 24: Christmas Eve
until the title deeds are issued on. The economy stands to benefit 8am until
and transferred to their name. from greater price
December 25: Christmas Day
Cyprus has a very high standard of medical services. Hospitals, private clinics December 26: Boxing Day
and medical centres are equipped with the latest facilities
39

21. McLaren for Taste in Property
Cy prus
McLaren Group
00357 26343511
email: maria@mclarenproperties.com
www.mclarenproperties.com
www.mclarengroupcyprus.com
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.**