Lots of homes for sale in TRNC!

[Fiona Macaulay]

Looking at taking early retirement to North Cyprus.... There seems to be lots for sale. When we last looked a few years ago there wasn't so many.

Is there something going on that we aren't aware of?

Hoping this is just coincidence. TIA

[Wight]

They're not making it easy for us her these days and every month seems to bring a new issue.....
Online Residency
Residency for over 60s
Government health insurance
Phone Tax
Sim Registration
Water meter issues
Variable electric Tariffs aimed at swallows Border closed
Property purchase issues
Brexit
Unequal quarantine requirements
All night Raves / Music
Boy racers
Strays dogs
Hi Inflation
Etc etc
Plus a general feeling of not being valued or welcome anymore.
People are voting with their feet.

[frontalman]

I hope you are aware that there is, and has been, a global pandemic going on, Fiona. Hence very few buyers about, from abroad anyway. It is a buyers market, but buyer beware is especially important here in Cyprus. Look before you leap. There is plenty of good advice to be had on this forum if you dig through the archives. If you do buy, it is a good policy to buy a property which has the deeds in the name of the current seller (owner). Get independent legal advice either way before committing yourself. We rented for six months before buying a plot of land, then instructing our own builder to provide plans to build us a house on that plot. We had an independent lawyer check everything out as we went along, in fact he advised against a few projects, before giving us the green light on what is our current home. Even so we were very lucky, as with the best will in the world things can go awry. We bought in 2005 so things have changed a lot since then. Just don't rush into anything. Take your time.

[IPMAN]

They're not making it easy for us her these days and every month seems to bring a new issue.....
Online Residency
Residency for over 60s
Government health insurance
Phone Tax
Sim Registration
Water meter issues
Variable electric Tariffs aimed at swallows Border closed
Property purchase issues
Brexit
Unequal quarantine requirements
All night Raves / Music
Boy racers
Strays dogs
Hi Inflation
Etc etc
Plus a general feeling of not being valued or welcome anymore.
People are voting with their feet.

Bet you're a laff a minute in the pub

[Wines Of The World]

They're not making it easy for us her these days and every month seems to bring a new issue.....
Online Residency
Residency for over 60s
Government health insurance
Phone Tax
Sim Registration
Water meter issues
Variable electric Tariffs aimed at swallows Border closed
Property purchase issues
Brexit
Unequal quarantine requirements
All night Raves / Music
Boy racers
Strays dogs
Hi Inflation
Etc etc
Plus a general feeling of not being valued or welcome anymore.
People are voting with their feet.

Bet you're a laff a minute in the pub

I was thinking the same then I thought he might be barred

[Wight]

I'm wrong then ?

[Maisiemoo]

I'm wrong then ?

No!

[Wight]

Maisiemoo and me are off to the pub
Then I'm off somewhere to North of Gibraltar where the welcome is warm and living is easy
I know you won't miss me. It WAS fun once.

[kerry 6138]

I'm wrong then ?

No!

No

[Up the Reds.]

Sadly Wight you are right on all counts ..It could so easily be different but it isn't !!

[IPA]

Well if you feel so unhappy, vote with you feet...

[waddo]

It’s the same old story, in search of the grass that is greener on the other side of the fence! Of course once you get to the other side, when you look back how green is the grass?

You can only do what your heart tells you if you wish to be happy, stop reaching for the stars and try make the best of your future, then you will find peace!

There are many places in the World far worse than here and of course there are some that are better - depending on what you want and are willing to give up to attain. Be happy people and stay safe.

[sophie]

Fiona, I'm not sure whether you are naïve or what, but please go back and read peoples opinions of the pro's and con's of living in the TRNC. Your question "Is there anything going on that we are not aware of?" somewhat disingenuous. There is masses of stuff on the web to read (please sort out the messages from down South first before you do) and then you will have a much better idea of what is "going on". Good luck.

[Fiona Macaulay]

Fiona, I'm not sure whether you are naïve or what, but please go back and read peoples opinions of the pro's and con's of living in the TRNC. Your question "Is there anything going on that we are not aware of?" somewhat disingenuous. There is masses of stuff on the web to read (please sort out the messages from down South first before you do) and then you will have a much better idea of what is "going on". Good luck.

Hi Sophie,

Certainly NOT Disingenuous or Naive!!!!!

I don't want to read about old issues or problems, just current ones as the old issues may well be ironed out. I didn't ask for a lecture just asked a question as I noticed lots of property for sale which would ring alarm bells for anyone looking to move over.

I got an honest opinion from a few people so this helps us make a collective decision so I thank them for this. Thanks for the advice

[Fiona Macaulay]

They're not making it easy for us her these days and every month seems to bring a new issue.....
Online Residency
Residency for over 60s
Government health insurance
Phone Tax
Sim Registration
Water meter issues
Variable electric Tariffs aimed at swallows Border closed
Property purchase issues
Brexit
Unequal quarantine requirements
All night Raves / Music
Boy racers
Strays dogs
Hi Inflation
Etc etc
Plus a general feeling of not being valued or welcome anymore.
People are voting with their feet.

Thank you for your honest opinion - this was exactly the reply we were looking for. Someones own perspective of current life there. It gives us more of an idea of what's currently happening there. Thank you

[Fiona Macaulay]

I hope you are aware that there is, and has been, a global pandemic going on, Fiona. Hence very few buyers about, from abroad anyway. It is a buyers market, but buyer beware is especially important here in Cyprus. Look before you leap. There is plenty of good advice to be had on this forum if you dig through the archives. If you do buy, it is a good policy to buy a property which has the deeds in the name of the current seller (owner). Get independent legal advice either way before committing yourself. We rented for six months before buying a plot of land, then instructing our own builder to provide plans to build us a house on that plot. We had an independent lawyer check everything out as we went along, in fact he advised against a few projects, before giving us the green light on what is our current home. Even so we were very lucky, as with the best will in the world things can go awry. We bought in 2005 so things have changed a lot since then. Just don't rush into anything. Take your time.

Thanks for the advice - very much appreciated. We are definitely looking at a resale with Individual Deeds. I understand about getting a good Lawyer but where does one start to find a decent honest one ? Thanks again for your advice, much appreciated

[Fiona Macaulay]

Thanks everyone for your input, much appreciated

[mrsgee]

They're not making it easy for us her these days and every month seems to bring a new issue.....
Online Residency
Residency for over 60s
Government health insurance
Phone Tax
Sim Registration
Water meter issues
Variable electric Tariffs aimed at swallows Border closed
Property purchase issues
Brexit
Unequal quarantine requirements
All night Raves / Music
Boy racers
Strays dogs
Hi Inflation
Etc etc
Plus a general feeling of not being valued or welcome anymore.
People are voting with their feet.

Thank you for your honest opinion - this was exactly the reply we were looking for. Someones own perspective of current life there. It gives us more of an idea of what's currently happening there. Thank you

Have to say, and shoot me down if you like, have lived here for 12 years.... yes there are some issues but some people are more negative and make things out to be worse than they really are.... on the positive side, compared to the UK for example, crime hardly exists, your car will not be stolen off your drive, you will not be mugged in broad daylight, stabbings very rarely if ever occur, yes, some people are annoyed because they can no longer have the benefit of the so called gentleman’s agreement for over 60’s not to do residency..... and so, yes, maybe these folk should return to the UK, pay huge amounts for council tax, risk cars being nicked, put up with local gangs, drugs etc. as they say, you pays your money you take your choice, we choose to live here, sleep safely at night, enjoy the beautiful country and make new friends...

[Fiona Macaulay]

They're not making it easy for us her these days and every month seems to bring a new issue.....
Online Residency
Residency for over 60s
Government health insurance
Phone Tax
Sim Registration
Water meter issues
Variable electric Tariffs aimed at swallows Border closed
Property purchase issues
Brexit
Unequal quarantine requirements
All night Raves / Music
Boy racers
Strays dogs
Hi Inflation
Etc etc
Plus a general feeling of not being valued or welcome anymore.
People are voting with their feet.

Thank you for your honest opinion - this was exactly the reply we were looking for. Someones own perspective of current life there. It gives us more of an idea of what's currently happening there. Thank you

Have to say, and shoot me down if you like, have lived here for 12 years.... yes there are some issues but some people are more negative and make things out to be worse than they really are.... on the positive side, compared to the UK for example, crime hardly exists, your car will not be stolen off your drive, you will not be mugged in broad daylight, stabbings very rarely if ever occur, yes, some people are annoyed because they can no longer have the benefit of the so called gentleman’s agreement for over 60’s not to do residency..... and so, yes, maybe these folk should return to the UK, pay huge amounts for council tax, risk cars being nicked, put up with local gangs, drugs etc. as they say, you pays your money you take your choice, we choose to live here, sleep safely at night, enjoy the beautiful country and make new friends...

MrsGee, Why would you be shot down!!!!! This is YOUR opinion and your entitled to say what you feel. This is what we are after everyone's perspective. Have to say where we live in the UK, it is very quiet, safe and low crime where we live but sadly the weather is rubbish!!!!! I get the 60 thing but that we could live with..... Your opinion is much appreciated too.... Thank you

[shotaway]

We bought our first home here in 2007 and lots of changes since then but it is still a nice place to live for us that are retired

[EnjoyingTheSun]

Maybe TRNC look after their own first but that’s an understandable trait. I’ve been here over 4 years and have no regrets about moving here. Of course there are some things that could be better and drive me mad but not as many things as in the UK.
As for it not being as good as it was 15-20 years ago, is anywhere? Also whenever people look back it is often with rose tinted glasses.

The main thing for me is it’s safe. I wouldn’t want to grow old and vulnerable in the UK.

For anyone moving here I would say do a lot of research especially when buying property and do bear in mind inflation. It is cheaper than the UK but with much higher inflation your pot of money will decrease quicker than it would in the UK so make sure you have a fair amount of fat in your budget. If you are relying on putting your nest egg in TL and relying on the higher interest rates do bear in mind that TL was 9 to the £ yesterday and exactly 4 years ago it was 3.9.

[waddo]

You asked for "Honest" opinion so here is mine: I would not wish to live anywhere else in the World! Retired to here, following seven long years of planning for every event that could happen - it all went wrong two weeks after we got here when the YTL dropped to 2.3 to the £ - ouch, but we survived and not because we had loads of money to fall back on either. Having started with nothing and still having most of it left it has been an adventure I would do again without a thought. The weather is wonderful once you understand that 3 to 4 months of the year can be unbearably hot and 2 months of the year will make you wish you had brought your UK winter clothes! The sunsets are beyond belief, the countryside is dramatic once you are out of the towns, the people are friendly and helpful if you are the same, there is little crime in relation to the size of the country - we sleep with windows open in a bungalow! We have only just taken to locking the car, not because of theft but because it's a modern car that complains if you leave the key in the car - lol. We have a little savings at last and have only just, after 13 years, opened a local bank account because now the ATM's are charging 5% to withdraw Sterling it is costing us more than we wish to afford. The local food is excellent, UK type foodstuffs are available if you want them, a few things we miss are "Shredded Wheat" McDonnalds breakfasts, not a lot more - maybe Guinness on tap would be nice - lol. The driving is "Unpredictable" so expect the unexpected and drive defensively, it's safe to wander the streets at night just exercise a little caution for holes in the road or sudden lack of pavements! The medical services are very good but remember you have to pay for them. Above all remember that your money is better spent outside of the property than inside - you will spend 80% of your life here outside after all. A swimming pool is a "nice to have" thing provided you can easily afford the £1000 a year to maintain it - we have done without one for 10 years now after we moved house and counted up the 5 times we actually used our pool in the last year in our old house! That should hold you for now and give you somethings to consider.

I wake up every morning to the sunrise, I watch a bit of TV across the Internet most nights and I sleep sound and safe every night looking forward to tomorrow and a new adventure. I am never bored because I will always go and look for something to do rather than lie in the sun and then retire to the bar every evening. Life is what you make it and in this "Higeldy Pigeldy country you can do just that, the "hoops" you have to jump through are as big and as many as you wish to make but all in all nothing is insurmountable provided you have planned for the worst FIRST. I recommend the country to anyone who wish's to try a new life!

[Wines Of The World]

Looking at taking early retirement to North Cyprus.... There seems to be lots for sale. When we last looked a few years ago there wasn't so many.

Is there something going on that we aren't aware of?

Hoping this is just coincidence. TIA

Fiona
If you will be in a comfortable position when you retire and do not need to supplement your pensions/income by working illegally here in NC , as many do then you can have a great life .

Suppose you can also have a great life if you become one of the many illegal workers also !

Yes there are many many properties for sale and some real bargains to be had.
Rent for 6 months or a year and have a good look around.
If you have done your homework its a great place to live

Waddo hits the nail on the head

[Eric7622]

Waddo hits the nail on the head

I agree 100%

[Chriswright03]

Waddo as ever the voice of reason.

Fiona many people have stated they are leaving the TRNC because they are disgruntled and feel badly treated by the Govenment here. This is mainly due to the fact that they are now having to jump through a few hoops to obtain residency because of a change in the rules. They then will cite stories of how everyone here is taking advantage of the poor Ex Pat. Once these people sell their homes for much less than they want because if they are right everyone else will want to leave then they will find out just how expensive life is in the UK once more. They will also realise that crime in the UK is a very real factor of life.

We have only been here a little over two years but we love it and have no intention of returning to the UK although we do also have a property there as a bolt hole should it be needed.

As others have already said if you decide to come over rent for 6 months first which will give you the opportunity to see if you do like it enough to make the decision to buy. Buying here is not the same as in the UK but there is plenty of advice on the forum about it. There are horror stories about buying but if you do your research thoroughly you should avoid adding to those.

I could add more but Waddo as ever has summarised it pretty well. He is spot on about security and safety. Driving here can be daunting but if you keep your wits about you you can see what the others are doing before their poor decisions involve you.

TRNC is a fantastic place to live and our lifestyle is much improved since we came here. It won't suit everyone and it does take a little adapting to but once you have done that life here is good.

I think the quote of the week has to be this from Waddo.

"the people are friendly and helpful if you are the same"

[Wight]

Some interesting points of view both for and against.
I wouldn't decry anyone's honest opinion and in return I expect the same common courtesy.

They'd do well If they said:
"Come, Your Welcome, How can we help you contribute and live life easily in our beautiful country".

Currently it feels like:
"If you must come watch out because we'll be thinking up the next trick to make you pay for it!"

[rowan]

I have lived here since2007 and would not want to live anywhere else. No, it is not perfect, where is? Some of the pros and cons have been said on here. My advice is be like a traffic light, firstly stop before doing anything, next proceed with caution and do your homework thoroughly, then you can go. Renting first is a good idea. On a lighter note, they do not take much notice of traffic lights out here!!

[Wines Of The World]

Some interesting points of view both for and against.
I wouldn't decry anyone's honest opinion and in return I expect the same common courtesy.

They'd do well If they said:
"Come, Your Welcome, How can we help you contribute and live life easily in our beautiful country".

Currently it feels like:
"If you must come watch out because we'll be thinking up the next trick to make you pay for it!"

It sounds like the holiday period is over for you ?
What is it that has sort of pushed you over the edge?
There are many things here that i could go on about and complain but i try to not take much notice of the negative aspects of day to day life here and stay positive ,it makes a little bit of difference.
Do you think its sell by date has arrived for you ?

Could it be middle age crisis ?

I respect your opinion,although many here might not and you know that when you see your posts get deleted by nomarks!

Im very interested to know whats brought you to this stage as I'm sure its not always been this way for you ?

[Hector]

Unfortunately, I have to agree with wight. As a (currently lesser spotted) 'swallow' we feel the same and on our next visit, we know not when (BA has just cancelled our September flights) will be to put our villa on the market. Yes, we are 'voting with our feet.' Oh, and where we live in the UK "crime hardly exists, your car will not be stolen off your drive, you will not be mugged in broad daylight, stabbings very rarely if ever occur.."

[jimm]

I love the TRNC but unfortunately as a swallow, we used to come out twice a year for 3 months at a time, now because they have changed the visa regulations we cannot do that so we have sold up. I think a lot of us swallows feel that the government have made a mistake going to a 30 day visa instead of the normal 90 day

[Keithcaley]

I love the TRNC but unfortunately as a swallow, we used to come out twice a year for 3 months at a time, now because they have changed the visa regulations we cannot do that so we have sold up. I think a lot of us swallows feel that the government have made a mistake going to a 30 day visa instead of the normal 90 day

jimm, when this whole debate started, I thought that people were being a little 'over sensitive', - as a full time resident, we've applied every year (or 2) for the past 14 years or so, and not found the procedure to be particularly onerous, but as time has gone on, and I sense the number of people affected by this change, I can see the effect that it is having - a vast amount of Properties were constructed and offered for sale specifically as 'Holiday Homes' with the expectation that you would not need to apply for a 'Resident or Visitor' Visa in order to use the Property as a Holiday Home....

...now, if you can't use the Property to take a holiday because your Visa won't allow it, then what use is it?

I can quite understand owners voting with their feet!

[BILLYBONDZ]

Swallows.........have always been like marmite..........love em or hate em......they always used to seem Hollier than though......always a little bit smug.........now it’s the time to get real..........been here over 14 years......have worked for many swallows.........seem to moan about everything.....how dare the Pakistani charge 15 tl an hour for doing the garden.......they employ people to clean the house before they get here.......even employ a window cleaner............ok I understand a pool cleaner is required if they are not here.........but they are now in the real world.....no coming or going as you please.......get in the system....like the rest of us........pay up, and look happy...........plenty of hoops to jump through..........or can’t be bothered....it’s your choice....l.......sorry don’t mean to be a bit of a git........but it a fact now...............it’s not like it was.......,,FACT....get used to it.....all I can say is......,,,,I love it hear....warts and all.............don’t panic.......keep calm.....think about it..........and enjoy your life here......if you can handle it...............it’s not what it was............but it’s still enjoyable.........if you can hack it..........I know plenty of swallows...........,,who will hate this current situation..........TUFF........ get used to it..........TADAAR....

[Brinsley]

I couldn't find ''TADAAR' in the Chambers dictionary, am I missing yet another brain cell before real amnesia sets in?!

[Keithcaley]

I couldn't find ''TADAAR' in the Chambers dictionary, am I missing yet another brain cell before real amnesia sets in?!

It's probably the alcohol, all those visits to the grog shop, like a steady drip, drip, drip - or should I say glug, glug, glug

[frontalman]

To me Tadaar is goodbye in cockney speak - easy peasy. Funnily enough I agree with Waddo too, they must have changed his medication.

[Chriswright03]

I love the TRNC but unfortunately as a swallow, we used to come out twice a year for 3 months at a time, now because they have changed the visa regulations we cannot do that so we have sold up. I think a lot of us swallows feel that the government have made a mistake going to a 30 day visa instead of the normal 90 day

The rules state you can stay 90 days in 180 so that means you can still come for three months twice a year. All you have to do is find a way of showing the Border Control that you own property here and you should be given 90 days.

[Keithcaley]

...they must have changed his medication.

Yeah, it's Peculier stuff!

[RAZR63]

Swallows.........have always been like marmite..........love em or hate em......they always used to seem Hollier than though......always a little bit smug.........now it’s the time to get real..........been here over 14 years......have worked for many swallows.........seem to moan about everything.....how dare the Pakistani charge 15 tl an hour for doing the garden.......they employ people to clean the house before they get here.......even employ a window cleaner............ok I understand a pool cleaner is required if they are not here.........but they are now in the real world.....no coming or going as you please.......get in the system....like the rest of us........pay up, and look happy...........plenty of hoops to jump through..........or can’t be bothered....it’s your choice....l.......sorry don’t mean to be a bit of a git........but it a fact now...............it’s not like it was.......,,FACT....get used to it.....all I can say is......,,,,I love it hear....warts and all.............don’t panic.......keep calm.....think about it..........and enjoy your life here......if you can handle it...............it’s not what it was............but it’s still enjoyable.........if you can hack it..........I know plenty of swallows...........,,who will hate this current situation..........TUFF........ get used to it..........TADAAR....

Time doesn’t stand still. Life keeps moving. Little people don’t stay little and change is inevitable.

[Fiona Macaulay]

They're not making it easy for us her these days and every month seems to bring a new issue.....
Online Residency
Residency for over 60s
Government health insurance
Phone Tax
Sim Registration
Water meter issues
Variable electric Tariffs aimed at swallows Border closed
Property purchase issues
Brexit
Unequal quarantine requirements
All night Raves / Music
Boy racers
Strays dogs
Hi Inflation
Etc etc
Plus a general feeling of not being valued or welcome anymore.
People are voting with their feet.

Thanks for replying, much appreciated

[Trigger]

To me Tadaar is goodbye in cockney speak - easy peasy. Funnily enough I agree with Waddo too, they must have changed his medication.

Isn’t ‘tadaar’ what the late magician Paul Daniels used to say when he performed a magic trick, so in other words, ‘there you go’?

[Fiona Macaulay]

You asked for "Honest" opinion so here is mine: I would not wish to live anywhere else in the World! Retired to here, following seven long years of planning for every event that could happen - it all went wrong two weeks after we got here when the YTL dropped to 2.3 to the £ - ouch, but we survived and not because we had loads of money to fall back on either. Having started with nothing and still having most of it left it has been an adventure I would do again without a thought. The weather is wonderful once you understand that 3 to 4 months of the year can be unbearably hot and 2 months of the year will make you wish you had brought your UK winter clothes! The sunsets are beyond belief, the countryside is dramatic once you are out of the towns, the people are friendly and helpful if you are the same, there is little crime in relation to the size of the country - we sleep with windows open in a bungalow! We have only just taken to locking the car, not because of theft but because it's a modern car that complains if you leave the key in the car - lol. We have a little savings at last and have only just, after 13 years, opened a local bank account because now the ATM's are charging 5% to withdraw Sterling it is costing us more than we wish to afford. The local food is excellent, UK type foodstuffs are available if you want them, a few things we miss are "Shredded Wheat" McDonnalds breakfasts, not a lot more - maybe Guinness on tap would be nice - lol. The driving is "Unpredictable" so expect the unexpected and drive defensively, it's safe to wander the streets at night just exercise a little caution for holes in the road or sudden lack of pavements! The medical services are very good but remember you have to pay for them. Above all remember that your money is better spent outside of the property than inside - you will spend 80% of your life here outside after all. A swimming pool is a "nice to have" thing provided you can easily afford the £1000 a year to maintain it - we have done without one for 10 years now after we moved house and counted up the 5 times we actually used our pool in the last year in our old house! That should hold you for now and give you somethings to consider.

I wake up every morning to the sunrise, I watch a bit of TV across the Internet most nights and I sleep sound and safe every night looking forward to tomorrow and a new adventure. I am never bored because I will always go and look for something to do rather than lie in the sun and then retire to the bar every evening. Life is what you make it and in this "Higeldy Pigeldy country you can do just that, the "hoops" you have to jump through are as big and as many as you wish to make but all in all nothing is insurmountable provided you have planned for the worst FIRST. I recommend the country to anyone who wish's to try a new life!

Thanks for replying, much appreciated

[Fiona Macaulay]

Waddo as ever the voice of reason.

Fiona many people have stated they are leaving the TRNC because they are disgruntled and feel badly treated by the Govenment here. This is mainly due to the fact that they are now having to jump through a few hoops to obtain residency because of a change in the rules. They then will cite stories of how everyone here is taking advantage of the poor Ex Pat. Once these people sell their homes for much less than they want because if they are right everyone else will want to leave then they will find out just how expensive life is in the UK once more. They will also realise that crime in the UK is a very real factor of life.

We have only been here a little over two years but we love it and have no intention of returning to the UK although we do also have a property there as a bolt hole should it be needed.

As others have already said if you decide to come over rent for 6 months first which will give you the opportunity to see if you do like it enough to make the decision to buy. Buying here is not the same as in the UK but there is plenty of advice on the forum about it. There are horror stories about buying but if you do your research thoroughly you should avoid adding to those.

I could add more but Waddo as ever has summarised it pretty well. He is spot on about security and safety. Driving here can be daunting but if you keep your wits about you you can see what the others are doing before their poor decisions involve you.

TRNC is a fantastic place to live and our lifestyle is much improved since we came here. It won't suit everyone and it does take a little adapting to but once you have done that life here is good.

I think the quote of the week has to be this from Waddo.

"the people are friendly and helpful if you are the same"

Thanks for replying, much appreciated

[Fiona Macaulay]

I have lived here since2007 and would not want to live anywhere else. No, it is not perfect, where is? Some of the pros and cons have been said on here. My advice is be like a traffic light, firstly stop before doing anything, next proceed with caution and do your homework thoroughly, then you can go. Renting first is a good idea. On a lighter note, they do not take much notice of traffic lights out here!!

Thanks for replying, much appreciated

[Keithcaley]

I think that we can stop posting now, we've kept this thread at the top for long enough - job done!

[Fiona Macaulay]

Unfortunately, I have to agree with wight. As a (currently lesser spotted) 'swallow' we feel the same and on our next visit, we know not when (BA has just cancelled our September flights) will be to put our villa on the market. Yes, we are 'voting with our feet.' Oh, and where we live in the UK "crime hardly exists, your car will not be stolen off your drive, you will not be mugged in broad daylight, stabbings very rarely if ever occur.."

Thanks for replying, much appreciated

[Fiona Macaulay]

I love the TRNC but unfortunately as a swallow, we used to come out twice a year for 3 months at a time, now because they have changed the visa regulations we cannot do that so we have sold up. I think a lot of us swallows feel that the government have made a mistake going to a 30 day visa instead of the normal 90 day

I thought I read on the BRS page that if you owned property you could apply for a 90 day visa! Thanks for replying, much appreciated

[Trigger]

I think expat life in general takes a bit of getting used to, no matter which country you move to. You either like the different way of life or you don’t and return to your own country.

We bought a house in the TRNC a couple of years ago. I read all of the advice, on here and other places, but ultimately, the final decision is down to you. The way we looked at it, we got our house at a really good price, so worked out that if we got 10 years use out of it we would get our monies worth out of it. If we get some cash back at the end of the adventure then that is a bonus.

Really enjoy TRNC as it is not as commercial as other countries such as Spain etc. There are frustrations with the place though, but from my experience, this is the same as living in all countries including England.

Good luck.

[Chriswright03]

I love the TRNC but unfortunately as a swallow, we used to come out twice a year for 3 months at a time, now because they have changed the visa regulations we cannot do that so we have sold up. I think a lot of us swallows feel that the government have made a mistake going to a 30 day visa instead of the normal 90 day

I thought I read on the BRS page that if you owned property you could apply for a 90 day visa! Thanks for replying, much appreciated

You can. You are allowed 90 days in 180 so you can come here for three months twice a year. Why jimm thinks you can't is beyond me. Yes you do have to get the 90 days on entry or faff about getting it extended but the rules clearly allow 90 days so all you have to do is make sure the Border Police give you that and the best way to do that is to show you own property here.

Sadly there is a lot of misinformation about it all on social media mainly due to the fact that some just don't understand and take for gospel what others say. There are many ways of verifying facts rather than relying on the friend of a friend told me. BRS is on but the North Cyprus Ex Pats Uncut facebook group is another. Many on here try to be factual but some are still misinformed and genuinely think they are helping when they post. It is a fact of life these days and it is best not to take everything at face value.

[CPFC]

We purchased a holiday home over 10 years ago and do not stay for over 30 days in one go as we are still working so the new immigration rules have not affected us as yet - much has changed in this time and in our opinion mainly for the better with more infrastructure, more restaurants and generally more to do whilst on holiday. These changes might not suit those who live here all year round?

There have been times when we have considered selling up with water issues and electric problems but these have been resolved and my children have had 12 years of magical holidays here spending a month each summer alongside half term breaks.

The other factor is the cost - for those of us holidaying here it is very cheap due to the TL exchange rate (yes prices have risen but still cheap) and we usually pay around £30 for a nice meal out for 4 of us. A day at Karpaz Marina is around £5 each (from memory) - what would something equivalent in Spain cost?

When we watch programmes like “A Place in the Sun” we compare the apartments in Spain against our own and we feel that to get the same location and size of apartment we would need to spend at least 4 times the value of ours in NC.

We also love the history and visiting sites such as Salamis and wandering around with no-one in sight is incredible, we use our local beach and most times we are the only ones there.

The service from local shops is great - we purchased a table and chairs from Shoptimum and they were delivered the same day - we have just got almost the exact set for home from M & S and we have had to wait over a month for delivery and the cost of the set was twice as much. We ordered the some new blinds at approx 4 o’clock when we driving home from Girne and the chap came and measured that evening and fitted the next morning.

The litter problem is dreadful and there are often stray dogs which is not great but in our opinion the good still outweigh the bad and this will be the first summer in over a decade that we will not be visiting due to the restrictions.

[jimm]

The villa is in my son's name so we would only get 60 days each time after going through all the hoops