The Main Difference Between South and North Cyprus

Cyprus is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. It’s also home to two completely different real estate markets, north and south, with totally different situations! What should I take into account when deciding where my next vacation will be or where to invest? This article reviews some important factors that anyone considering moving abroad needs awareness about.

Identification on both sides

There is no better way to understand the civilization’s beginning than by visiting Cyprus. This small island in the Eastern Mediterranean has a climate paradisiacal, which makes it an attractive destination for tourists from all over who want their vacation sucked away here forever! When it comes to nature, the south of Cyprus has little competition. The North is rich with forests and clean beaches.

The large island of Cyprus is home to an unusual division. The whole region falls under eight different regions (in Greek – diocese), with Limassol and Paphos belonging strictly speaking on South side while Larnaca, Nicosia (the capital) build two states each; Famagusta being divided between them as well! Northern Cyprus occupies about a third of the island’s surface area.

The most popular regions in Southern Cyprus for Russians are Paphos and Larnaca, with a close second place reserved only to Famagusta. In Northern Cyprus it’s Kyrenia that takes first place as the island has an abundance of natural beauty from its beaches all season long!

The people of Southern Cyprus make up about 800 thousand, and the Northern part only 300 thousand. With an annual 2.5 million foreign tourists coming to this corner alone, it’s no wonder that there are 40K immigrants from Russia and 17k British people!

Cyprus is a popular tourist destination in Europe. Home to two different real estate markets, north and south, with totally opposite situations! The southern part has more competition when it comes down to nature because there’s less forest compared to the northern side, which tends towards clean beaches instead. But both offer something unique that makes them worth visiting.

Location and prices

Nicosia and Limassol:

When it comes to the most expensive cities in Southern Cyprus, there is no question that both Nicosia and Limassol take top honors. And both of these cities are the capital of each part on the island. Nicosia is the largest city of Southern Cyprus but has no access to the sea. Nicosia is a bustling city of civil servants and office workers. The majority of students from local universities live in Nicosia, making it an ideal spot for those looking to rent their homes.

The city of Limassol is a good choice for those who want to be in the middle of things. It’s not too far from the airports and the mountains, while prices here tend toward being about 25% higher than other parts on Cyprus’ southern coast.

Ayia Napa:

The beaches in Northern Cyprus in Ayia Napa are worth searching for. However, there is a minus if you’re looking to find peace and silence: Most places have high prices due to the fact that it’s so crowded with tourists from around the world who are seeking fun. It could easily be compared to a Ibiza-like atmosphere: music plays all through night, cafés and bars packed full of notifications like in Wall Streets Market plunge. The summer housing here is already booked for many Englishmen and Cypriots in the winter, and the prices are also high. For families with children, there are other settlements that offer plenty to explore: Ayia Napa, Protaras or Paralimni provide great places just minutes away by car! The only downside may be a lower level infrastructure.

Water and electricity

The cost of living in Paphos, Protaras and Ayia Napa is much lower than in Nicosia and Larnaca. Prices for electricity are 0.19 euro/kWh, while water costs 3 euros per Metric cubic meter!

Water and electricity rates in Northern Cyprus are dramatically lower. The cost for a cubic meter (m³) worth of water is only €1,6, while electricity costs just €0.14/kWh, that’s less than half!

Real Estate Market

The difference in the real estate markets of these two parts is that on Northern Cyprus, you can easily and at an affordable price choose a new building for any type within walking distance from sea with title. (The prices for apartments include full decoration as well as built-in kitchen furniture; wardrobes etc.)

The property market in Southern Cyprus is also developing. Buying from developers is currently in the process and the prices were going up and down in the last years.

Importance of the title

The most serious mass problem in the local real estate market is a huge number of objects without any title.

It does not matter if you are buying or selling an apartment, house, or business location; it’s important to deal carefully with every detail so that no legal issues arise later down the line when trying to sell your property.

The first reason for not receiving a title is most often caused by the construction being done on bank loan money that was taken as security of land. If this debt goes unpaid, then you will never be able to receive your property’s ownership document. The other possible cause would have something incorrect built into it, like paperwork errors leading up until the completion date. Mortgages area a huge problem in this whole process, so be careful and get a good lawyer when buying properties.

Conclusion: One island, two realities!

Cyprus is a beautiful island that has been popular for tourists since it became the newest member of Europe. However, there are two completely different real estate markets on this island, north and south, with unique situations! It all depends on what you need and what your expectations are when dreaming on living on a Mediterranean island.