CYPRIOT CLIENTS WANT QUALITY IN PAPHOS


Local Cypriot people are very keen to buy property in Paphos as well as British, Russians and expatriates from many other countries. Fitzgerald Estates are getting lots of inquiries from local people, not only in Paphos but also Nicosia and Limassol, to buy all types of properties from 2 bedroom apartments to 4 bedroom villas, and selling these at very good prices for the seller and the buyer as well. People like the fact that they can see all about each resale property and the price on Fitzgerald’s website www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com



Of course everyone wants a reasonable price but in the end people will remember the quality and location are the most important factors. So there is actually strong competition to buy the best as many people need property right now to live in or they can see that this is the bottom of the market and the best time to buy for investment. 

 To capitalize on the market situation now the buyer needs to be fully prepared. The market will not remain at these levels for much longer because of pent-up demand from all sources.

Many people come over to Cyprus are of course ‘fishing’ and do not even qualify to put down a deposit but the serious buyer is seeing an unprecedented opportunity. There has also been a tendency for buyers to make offers, often ridiculously low on several properties to ‘test the market’. We advise everyone who wants to make a serious offer to firstly come to see the properties that they like, choose the best for their needs and be prepared to put down a deposit. Unless this happens the property is still available and may be bought by another buyer. Fitzgerald Estates works like the Scottish work in that:

• Once the buyer says they will do something the seller expects them to do it.

• When a deposit is paid then the property is taken off the market and there is no ‘gazumping’ as is done in England.

Most people ask Fitzgerald Estates, with their excellent experience and reputation to arrange everything so the conveyancing of the property is a smooth and happy experience.

http://www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/ask_contact

Title Deeds

There is so much demand for property with Title Deeds that Fitzgerald Estates markets only those properties that either have the Title Deed or where it is imminent. What does imminent mean? This means that the developer has submitted the application for the issuance of a separate title deed for the property at the local land registry office. After accepting the application, the Land Registry will give an AX File Number to the developer. This means that the Land Registry Surveyor will prepare the final drawings for the plan for the Title Deeds, and in cooperation with the developer, the separate property Title Deed will be issued and the title transferred to the name of the purchaser. The whole process usually takes 1-2 years, provided the developer has carried out all building works according to the approved plans and has secured all necessary permits regarding the property from the authorities. Our panel of lawyers who do the conveyancing for our clients will find out about the status of the issuance of the separate title deed for the relevant property and will give an indication on when the processing will be finalized – often in only 2-6 months. This gives the purchaser peace of mind to buy the property of their dreams through us.

Demand For Villas

At Fitzgerald Estates we have reacted quickly to buyer demand for quality villas in Paphos at reasonable prices and we now have an unprecedented number of outstanding villas which are receiving lots of viewings from our demanding clients:

Tala

Coral Bay

Aphrodite Hills

Anarita

Armou

Peyia

Kamares

Chlorakas

Mandria

Kato Paphos near the Lighthouse archaeological site.

Buyer Interest

In this buoyant market during February we have seen strong interest in 45 of Fitzgerald Estates 79 resale properties on offer. Prices for apartments and townhouses are still soft because there is a big over-supply however for property in good locations and with Title Deeds, either issued or imminent, the prices are solid. Villa prices have stabilized at very reasonable levels for buyers and sellers and many people have viewed them all during February.

The following apartments and townhouses have also received lots of viewings:

Kato Paphos a very spacious, elevated, top floor 2 bedroom apartment with outstanding sea views in Kato Paphos.

Kato Paphos a top floor 2 bedroom apartment in Kato Paphos with lift and great sea views.

Peyia a spacious 2 bedroom townhouse in peyia with mountain and sea views.

Kato Paphos a spacious 2 bedroom town house in Kato Paphos in a quiet location close to all facilities.

Chlorakas a one bedroom apartment with an extra room, fully established on the ground floor with sea views to the south-west.

St Michael’s Hospice

 Project

This very large 9000 sq mtr building is being erected in Mesa Chorio close to Paphos to cater for anyone in Cyprus who needs this facility. Many 1000’s of people have contributed a total of Euros 1.3 million so far, however more is required to fit windows, doors and tile the main floor before the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Paphos in June, all donations will be gratefully received to achieve these aims. To find out more about how to help this worthy cause that has no overheads and no paid help of any kind please look at the link http://www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/hospice



Help For Heroes

Members of the expatriate community in Paphos organised a fundraising event in aid of Help for Heroes Charity at the Capital Coast Resort on the Tomb of the Kings Road in Paphos. The event was hugely successful with 400 people attending and being entertained by many of the British entertainers based in Paphos who all gave their services for free. There was a draw and an auction after the dinner with many unique items that had been donated. The organisers had hoped to raise somewhere in the region of €10,000 but the night was such a success that the final amount was in excess of €20,000.

Celebrations in the Fitzgerald Family

This will be a great year for Daryl and Anna’s son Terry who will be married here in Paphos at the St Paul’s Pillar Church on Wednesday 18th August to his lovely bride Mingqian. Terry is a project manager working in Shanghai and Mingqian is completing her postgraduate studies in constitutional law.

2010 - a Great Year Ahead


2010 is shaping up to be a great year for quality resale property. So don’t miss out!

We would like to thank all our clients and friends for all your loyal and valued support. We have always aimed to be No 1 and to do this we have continually improved our world class web site, presentation, marketing and customer service. Thankfully ‘It’s Working’ and getting excellent results for our buyers and sellers.

Come and celebrate our 7th Birthday with us in our offices with tea, coffee and cakes in Kato Paphos opposite the ‘Wishing Tree’ - http://www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/ask_contact We are open 6 days a week Monday to Saturday from 9am right through to 5.30pm without breaking for lunch!

The Title Deed system in Cyprus is based on the British system so that the issue of a Title Deed certificate clearly shows that the owner is entitled to the property. Unfortunately in northern part of Cyprus ownership may not be clear as in Orams case. Because we only sell resale property most of the property that we market has the Title Deed or there is clear evidence that the Title Deeds are imminent. This gives the purchaser peace of mind to buy the property of their dreams through us.

Fitzgerald Estates has a list of recommended solicitors of ‘proven ability’ and are always working to very high standards. This is not just in order to protect the client or clients, but also to protect our integrity as a business. As reputable Property Marketing Agents we take pride in our service, part of which includes the service provided by one of our recommended solicitors. If a problem becomes apparent they ‘touch base to keep us in the loop’, so we are informed and can be professionally ‘pro-active’ and help to solve any issues that may arise.

There are very few ISO9001 system qualified companies here in Cyprus and fewer who obey ISO quality control rules but this is the closest we come to creating it. In the UK, where most of our client base comes from, companies or organisations will recommend and only deal with individual companies who have a proven track record and are ISO accredited.

In short we do all we can to help our customers. Most customers have a solicitor that acted for them when they purchased a property from a developer but after a while they are not so sure who the solicitor is really working for.

Our company offers guidelines, but we recognise that clients have the right to make their own decision. In no way does our company receive any financial benefit from recommending a solicitor. Our only aim is to achieve the smooth and happy conveyance of the property for the buyer and seller.

We are seeing lots of sales at the start of 2010 so it is looking very positive for resales in this mature Paphos property market where we are meeting buyer’s demands for quality property at reasonable prices.

Generally, prices for apartments and townhouses are still soft because there is a big oversupply however for property in good locations and with Title Deed the prices are stable.

Resale villa prices have consolidated and are stable now because there are lots of buyers at these price levels. Realistically, there are not so many excellent villas in the desirable Paphos area at reasonable prices and these are being snapped up by ‘canny buyers’ who can see that the market will nudge up soon. www.fitzgeraldcyprus/buyers_market

If you have a 3 or 4 bedroom villa or bungalow with the Title Deeds and want to sell then please let us know. contact@fitzgeraldcyprus.com

Recent sales include:

A 3 bedroom luxury villa in impeccable order with swimming pool on medium sized land has been sold for €240,000 (close to the asking price)

A spacious 2 bedroom penthouse apartment with huge balcony in Kato Paphos with a lift in the building has been sold for €150,000 (close to the asking price)

A spacious 3 bedroom semi-detached bungalow with communal pool on large land in Chloraka has been sold for the reduced price of €165,000

A lovely 2 bedroom townhouse in the Universal area of Kato Paphos with communal swimming pool has been sold for €120,000 (near the asking price)

A 1 bedroom ground floor apartment with sea views and communal pool has been sold for the reduced price of €67,000

In this buoyant market we have also seen offers for the following resale properties:

http://www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/properties/1118 a spacious 3 bedroom villa of 200 sq metres with large swimming pool, views on large plot in Peyia

http://www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/properties/1114 a 2 bedroom townhouse just off Tombs of the Kings Road, Kato Paphos

http://www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/properties/1056 a 3 bedroom villa with swimming pool in Peyia

http://www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/properties/1022 a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom village house in Marathounda

Our ‘Resilience Quotient’ (see the Cyprus Sunday Mail 24th January 2010), (the ability to stay focused, resolve business problems and be ‘on track’) is very high and we look forward to consolidating our progress and outstanding business model for the next decade. We will offer you more quality properties at reasonable prices from our family based Fitzgerald Team in Paphos and our children Andrea, Terry and young Daryl will be able to attract more buyers from London, Shanghai and Melbourne where they are located! http://www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/about

We would like to tell you about Lucy our little Cypriot dog we rescued some time ago. Firstly owned by our daughter Andrea who has gone to London to study we were recently ‘officially’ informed that Lucy is ours. Lucy is the 7th member of our team and is our successful guard dog residing in the office every day with us. She is very keen on being patted, made a fuss of and loves sweets!

Looking back on 2009 there have been lots of changes.

There has been a lot of publicity and focus on Title Deeds in 2009 and the government is finally moving in the right direction. The government has employed more people at the Land Registry in Paphos and they have bought more sophisticated equipment to facilitate the issue of 10,000 title deeds by June 2010 to help clear the backlog. The government is looking at rationalizing their bureaucratic procedures too!

If you have a 3 or 4 bedroom villa or bungalow with the Title Deeds and want to sell then please let us know. contact@fitzgeraldcyprus.com

As many customers are British, many people are interested in the ‘exchange rate’. For the British who are selling, the lower Sterling rate means that most people will do well out their sale because they will take a lot more Sterling back to UK. For those people who are buying, the purchase prices are down by as much as 40% so it is a great time to buy, not only for the British but also for Cypriots, Russians and Continentals. www.fitzgeraldcyprus/buyers_market

We are seeing lots of sales toward the later part of the year, so much in fact, that 2009 for resales will be even better than 2008 for us. Amazing really, when you consider the world situation.

People are certainly catching on to the fact that resales have everything, you can see what you are buying and the prices are the lowest they will ever be! www.facebook.com/pages/Fitzgerald-Estates-Ltd/76883299556

Recent sales include:

1 A 2 bedroom luxury apartment at Aphrodite Hills for a reduced price of £250,000 (it is perfectly legal to make an agreement in Sterling so long as the exchange rate is agreed)

2 A spacious 3 bedroom detached bungalow with pool on medium sized land in Peyia for €285,000 (close to the asking price)

3 A spacious 3 bedroom detached bungalow with pool on large land at St.George, Peyia for €345,000 (very close to the asking price)

4 A large 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom detached villa with pool, on large land in Mesogi for €330,000, (very close to the asking price)

5 A 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom semi-detached house in Chloraka for $135,000 (very close to the asking price)

Many developers are promoting their ‘reduced’ prices, however, given that they were galloping full speed ahead with price increases, the 30% discount means very little. Developer’s resales are over-priced to the hilt and there are many examples in the market whereby a low fixed price is agreed with the owner which is then ‘topped up’ to staggering amounts. The margin, of course, goes to the developer in the event of sale and the owner still pays taxes on the total price!

The sentiment in the market is changing though. A lot of buyers are more informed and far more ‘savvy’. The local press has opened up a new chapter of openness with their reporting on property market issues, a theme picked up by the international press as well. We have a whole range of exceptionally fabulous properties on offer at prices that reflect a fair market value in the local market place, a principle that guides our work ethics and practices at all times.

We specialise in re-sale properties and the property market for us is very buoyant even in the present climate with offers on the following - just click on the pictures to see more information.

The Paphos property market has quickly matured in 2009 to the point where there are many resale properties to choose from. The developers building programs have come to a standstill and house prices look to consolidate in 2010. As more people become aware that property prices are low, realistic and affordable then many more people will buy in Paphos. We are already seeing the evidence of this ‘trend’.

Of course there are other advantages too: the Greek Cypriot lifestyle motto to ‘live and let live’ welcomes everyone, and the weather is so wonderful that it puts another 10 years on your life! Where else in the world can you enjoy a secure Mediterranean town on the coast with all available facilities, a proper infrastructure and a modern lifestyle for the reasonable prices that exist now? http://www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/galleries/main_gallery

From the Fitzgerald Team we wish you a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year and look forward to seeing you in Paphos. Pop in for tea or coffee in our office any time! www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/about

The British are back! Many properties are being sold to ‘canny’ Brits. Low interest rates and a better property market in UK are setting the scene for buyers to escape the British ‘system’ for holidays or for good! The continentals, Russians and Cypriots are making great buys with us too!

Our resale property website has established a strong following for several reasons. Firstly it has lots of quality pictures of each property. Secondly it has all the details so you can see what you are buying. Thirdly, it has a beautiful description and ‘lifestyle’ narrative. And fourthly, it has the market price, often including fixtures, fittings and furniture - with no VAT to pay!

To put you in the picture, some people, who were fully prepared and could respond quickly to market opportunities, have recently made exceptional resale buys from our website www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com These outstanding buys include:

• Two bedroom village house in Peyia with a ‘granny’ flat for the asking price of €150,000,
• Spacious 3 bedroom detached villa with pool on medium sized land in Emba for €244,000 (very close to the asking price)
• Spacious 3 bedroom penthouse with huge balcony and communal pool in Chloraka for €163,000 (very close to the asking price)
• A large 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom detached villa with pool, on very large land in Peyia for the asking price of €349,000
• Two bedroom 2 bathroom terrace house in Tala for €135,000 (very close to the asking price)

The best buys by far are resales where you can see what you are buying, the title deeds are either there or imminent and there is no VAT to pay. Many developers have had to reduce their prices.

It certainly is a buyer’s market and prices for resales have dropped across the board. We only list property that is reasonably priced and reflects the market value of the property. Some acutely savvy buyers expect even lower prices however the re-sale property market continues to be very buoyant for Fitzgerald Estates:

Some examples of outstanding value properties

http://www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/properties/1046 http://www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/properties/1114 http://www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/properties/1119 http://www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/properties/1139 http://www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/properties/1109

We are experiencing great weather in November and, according to predictions, December should be similar. A lot of sunshine and a little bit of rain make Paphos a quality destination for people who want to spend their Christmas Holidays overseas.

Generally, the weather is very good for December and early January. Of course it is cooler 18-21C but usually the majority of days are sunny. For most places in Northern Europe, including Britain, Cyprus winters are a lot better than their summers!

EasyJet Flights - Low cost Air fares for January, February and March 2010. Pick a bargain flight for Paphos! A great time to come and look at properties! Have a look at www.easyjet.com Or maybe check out a Late Deal holiday:

• London Gatwick to Paphos
• 12th January Tuesday £45.99 return on 23rd January Saturday £19.99
• 22nd February Monday £34.99 return on 7th March Sunday £23.99
• Manchester to Paphos
• 27th January Wednesday £32.99 return on 7th February Sunday £35.99
• 18th February Thursday £43.99 return on 3rd March Wednesday £28.99

2009 has been a difficult year for many people but in the last few months the world is seeing a dramatic improvement in finances and well being for most people. The general feeling amongst the leaders in most nations is much more cooperative than ever before and they seem to be much more aware that we are all dependent on each other for a better world.

• Christmas Opening Times: Yes, we will be open each day except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and 2nd January and only for half a day on 24th and 31st December. www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/about

“Благоустройте свою семью в доме на Кипре”

It is happening! In the last month we have seen a dramatic increase in sales driven by lower prices and pent up demand for quality property.

Most people are not sure when the market will ‘bottom out’ and many are not yet prepared to buy even if they find the property of their dreams. For those lucky people who have their finances prepared and can understand the prevailing conditions in the local market place, there are wonderful buying opportunities now. People from UK, Russia, continental Europe and local people are finding our world class website www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com immensely helpful to click and pick excellent property.

The types of property being sold now spans the whole range – apartments, townhouses, bungalows and villas – large and small. People want quality first followed by a strong focus on price, of course. Lovely 2 bedroom apartments are being sold for €120 -130,000, stunning 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom terrace houses for €125 -145,000, 2 bedroom 2 bathroom bungalows with separate kitchens from €200 – 240,000 and spacious villas from €245,000 to larger examples with big plots from €298,000.

The market is staging an ‘L shaped’ recovery which began very recently. This means that the market will stay flat at these outstanding buyer’s prices for a few months more and then, as the number of buyers increases, prices will steadily rise. The days of high priced property and arbitrary pricing from developers is definitely coming to an end.

The market has quickly made the transition to a ‘mature’ market where people have enough choice among the resale market to buy the finished product ready to move into when they want. Indeed, the days of developers as we have known them for the last 10 years are finished, unless they have a very special project that is really world class.

With the government at last stepping up their push for title deeds to be issued quickly the buyer is in the best position to make secure purchases. The Central Bank of Cyprus has also just brought in new rules that stop developers from getting loans after a project is started.

Fitzgerald Estates carefully chooses the property that we market so there are no encumbrances on each property, the title deeds are already issued or they are will be issued very soon.

Some people talk incorrectly about ‘buying the title deeds’. If the title deed has been issued then the purchaser has to pay the Title Transfer Fee. This is a government tax in a similar way as there is ‘Stamp Duty’ in the UK. If the title deeds are not yet issued, as soon as they become available the owner will need to pay the Title Transfer Fee.

You don’t ‘buy’ the title deeds, it is a government tax everyone has to pay (Title Transfer Fee). http://www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/buying

As most people in Paphos know, the St Michaels Hospice is nearing completion in Mesa Chorio, a charming village just north of Paphos. This is a large 9000 sq.mtr. building that will cater for the needs of all people in Cyprus and especially the Paphos District.

Father John Sansour began the project over 10 years ago and with members of the parish and the community, has gathered €1,200,000 to bring it to this stage. To complete the St Michaels Hospice another €400,000 is needed to finish it. Well done Father John! See the latest series of photos of the hospice on the http://www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/hospice

Following on from a joint formal invitation from the government of Cyprus and the Archbishop of Cyprus on behalf of the people of Cyprus and the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, His Holiness, Pope Benedict will visit Paphos in early June next year.

One of his visits on the island will be to Paphos to say Mass at St Pauls Pillar Church in Kato Paphos and to inaugurate and Bless the St Michaels Hospice at Mesa Chorio which we all hope to have finished for the occasion.

Windows and doors are being fitted in the next 2 months and the tiling and fixtures will be done in January and February.

The Cyprus Government has been encouraged by the European Union to abolish the import duty on motor vehicles for some time now, and finally this is going to be achieved. Cyprus will come into line with the rest of the European Union and we, as everyone in Cyprus, is eager to have this implemented.

This new development will make the cost of new cars here in Cyprus significantly less than it is at present. Of course, if the government would add the extra “incentives” to replace the old ‘bangers’ that clog our roads, it would be even better. Everyone would be happy driving their eco-friendly and cheaper versions and the whole community will benefit. It is not clear however, whether replacing the by-gone era buses so popular with several segments of the tourist industry (belching fumes and all), is an achievable undertaking. Some things we do like to keep traditional, price and all.

Fitzgerald Estates were the proud sponsors of the Jersey Leonis Boxing Dinner Club amateur boxing tournement on Thursday 8th October where 6 time champion Sugar Ray Leonard Evening was guest of honour. Jersey Leonis boxers came so close to a whitewash victory over a South of England Select last night as they stormed in to lift the Fitzgerald Estates Gold Cup.

Organised as part of the Sugar Ray Leonard evening at the Hotel de France, coach and cornerman Tony Burt was understandably delighted with the 4-1 victory over strong amateur opponents.

Leonis lightweight Boyd Munroe, in the third bout, won the Boxer of the Night Award for his excellent show in a unanimous points victory over the all-action Shane Western. The winners were presented with their medals by the star of the night, boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, who delighted an audience of around 500 sports fans at the Hotel de France with a talk and question and answer session.

Fitzgerald Estates representative, Eddie Kirkup, a long time resident of Jersey and now happy property owner in Paphos Cyprus (bought from Fitzgerald Estates) presented the Fitzgerald Estates Gold Cup to the winning team. Thanks Eddie!

http://www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/about

Our Kato Paphos office is very busy with lots of people looking to buy and sell. People are realizing that these low prices cannot continue much longer and there are exceptional buys to be had at the moment.

Take a look online, our website www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com is updated daily and you will see several properties have been reduced slightly to be realistic in the current market but overall we can see the property market is now stabilizing.

Buyers are looking at the full range of small to large properties of all prices. Of course properties with that ‘wow’ factor and great location remain at the top of the list. This includes apartments with sea views from €120,000, town houses close to everything from €129,000 and substantial 3 bedroom villas on large plots of land for space and privacy from only €375,000.

In the past week we have had buyers from UK, Russia, Cyprus, Romania and British expats from the Arabian Gulf looking for retirement homes, investments, residential and holiday homes. All have seen our website and were very impressed with exciting pictures, lifestyle story and the comprehensive details.

We launched our latest Podcast on Sunday last and more and more people are listening. You can click on the Podcast symbol on the front page of the website. You’ll need the latest Quick Time program which can be downloaded for free, then just click on the arrow on the ‘player’.

The Hellenic bank has just announced that they have lowered their interest rates across the board. The new base rate is 3.5% plus a margin of 1.3% for down payments of 20-30% on the property. We have just had a case where a young couple wanted to buy a lovely villa and the bank valuation was substantially lower than the market value. That bank didn’t want to lend so the couple changed banks and were successful in obtaining their loan! The lesson to be learned is shop around, not all banks think the same.

Transport and Works Minister has said they will establish an intercity bus system – to go between Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca and Nicosia for a standard fare of Euros 3.50, also the local bus route is to be expanded with a maximum fare of only 80 cents! Good news for the people of Cyprus and also good news for the environment too.

The Mayor of Paphos, Savvas Vergas, has said he wants to extend the opening hours of shops in the Kato Paphos tourist area. In the daylight saving months of the year, the shops are open on Sundays but everyone can see that they, including the large supermarkets, should be open all year round. Bravo Savvas!

With the weather becoming cooler it has been a busy time here in Cyprus, with lots to do and see.

Paphos Tigers Rugby Club had their annual fun day recently with the team playing the Akrotiri Air Force team ‘the flamingos’. It was well supported as always and it was good to see our local team beat the Flamingos who blew it on that occassion.

The fun day has become a bit of a tradition around Paphos with people coming from far and wide to join in the fun with plenty of activities, stalls and of course the big match in the afternoon. Neil Jenkins and Scott Gibbs, former Welsh Internationals were guest stars and Young Daryl was happy to join in the spirit of things becoming a ‘Tiger’ for the day.

It was a fine photo opportunity.

With England winning the Ashes and the Ozzies winning the One Day series the game is enjoying a much higher profile here in Cyprus. Happy Valley at Episkopi was a super venue for the recent cricket tournament involving teams from Cyprus, Austria and Switzerland.

It was all part of the ICC European Cricket Championship 2009. Cricket could well go national here in Cyprus like the rugby which is enjoying a much higher level of interest! The question is will they start to play on rugby or football pitches to start with? Yes, it’s possible, there are many changes happening here in Cyprus. There are lots of English and South Africans here that need more sport and are willing to get involved – why not!

On the football front the Cyprus national team played Ireland in Nicosia recently and lost 1-2 but hey, wait a minute, there were a lot more Irish supporters at the game than Cypriots, which is hard to fathom considering football is extremely popular here at club level. Come on Cyprus, the standard of football has improved so much in the last few years that a local team will soon be beating Ireland regularly!

The ripple effect of the world-wide recession is also felt in Cyprus and we are experiencing our biggest ‘buyers market’ on record after many years of robust growth.

Many people are taking advantage of the situation to ‘Click and Pick’ resale properties they want to buy on www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com

By having the courage to remain firmly focused on Fitzgerald Estates core niche of resale homes and in conjunction with the success of our global marketing ‘reach’ we are realising an increased interest in Paphos properties from international as well as local buyers.

Fitzgerald’s has increased the range of properties to include the high-end of Paphos real estate. The buyer’s interest in Paphos finest homes focuses mainly on the ‘good value’ that the market is offering. We have seen very spacious 3-4 bedroom villas being snapped up for €350-550,000. Of course, the location and the land size are very important for the price and the sale of the property.

We have a gracious 5 bedroom villa coming up at Sea Caves standing on 3199sqm of land, and with space to build another villa – that is fantastic value for €3.95million.

In a market that is largely transaction driven Fitzgerald Estates service remains discreet and client focused and we understand that you and your aspirations are very personal and unique. To that end we always place the client at the centre of the process.

We take responsibility to buyers and sellers very seriously: the buyers can be assured they have all the information needed to make the right purchase decision. The sellers enjoy the real time feedback on their property performance and can see our multi faceted marketing efforts in presenting it to the international and local buying audience.

At Fitzgerald’s, business is buoyant, driven by the successful real estate marketing solutions and the global appeal of our user friendly and informative website www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com , dynamic property presentation and importantly, in today’s market, priced to reflect local market conditions.

Daryl Fitzgerald, the owner of Fitzgerald’s recently celebrated his 60th birthday and used the occasion to raise €1000 to go towards new, EU approved, rubberized floor tiles for the Latin Parish Kindergarten. The EU has had a positive effect on standards of all kinds here in Cyprus.

We have several clients from Jersey in the Channel Islands and many people over there are looking at www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com to make excellent investments, so we have decided to sponsor an amateur boxing competition for the Fitzgerald Estates Gold Cup on 8th October at the Hotel de France where ex-champion (6 times) Sugar Ray Leonard will be guest of honour.

Only the best agent will win here in Paphos. Fitzgerald Estates has what it takes to win just as the best boxer will win in Jersey.

The government has hired more people and is also buying better machines for the Land Registry Department here in Paphos.

This will allow 10,000 title deeds to be issued before 30th June 2010.

You may have noticed a new icon “Daryl’s Podcast” on the front page of our website. Click on it and you will be able to hear Daryl’s latest podcast talking about Fitzgerald’s and the property market here in Cyprus. Have a listen, it’s actually very interesting and will only take 4 mins. It will give you a bit of an insight into what’s happening with property here in Paphos. It’s in 2 halves with a bit of twiddly music in the middle, so don’t switch off half way through! To listen to the podcast, you will need Quicktime installed on your computer. If you get a big question mark where Daryl should be, click on it and download the plugin. After rebooting your computer, you will be able to get the podcast.

Lakme – Presented by Sofia National Opera at Pafos Castle 8.00pm on the 4th, 5th and 6th September For more information call free 8000-8005

The Annual fun day is to be held on the Sunday 13th September 11am start.

Kiniras playing fields.

Fun for all the family: Over 70 stalls, bouncy castle, BBQ and refreshments available throughout the day. Grand prize draw, over 40 prizes to be won. Top prize of €300 cash. Rugby match between the Paphos Tigers v Akrotiri Flamingo and also parachute display. A great day!

The Paphos Tigers make up a large percentage of the Cypriot national side, which has recently been promoted eleven places in European rankings. They now rank 12th in European Division 3, between Holland and Sweden.

Entry for Adults €2 and Children Free!

For all you ‘budding’ Tiger Woods a new driving range is opening in September near to the Azia Hotel on the main road to Coral Bay.

We may not notice them while we relax in the sun, but watching over us are Cyprus’ lifeguards. The Cyprus Life Saving Federation (CLSF) is a non profit making organisation that helps ensure safety and security on our beaches. Major training takes at least two years, with an exam every six months, so rest assured they are more than qualified.

Lifeguards can be of any age, as long as they are fit, of good character and have a good understanding of first aid. Admittedly, safety at the beach can be a case of common sense for the majority of situations, but in times of need – our lifeguards will be there!

The island’s education system is going through a major reform that will see its result improve no end. A new curriculum system will come into play this September, vastly updating it since independence. The new system will also give secondary education to nearly everyone, and provide 75% of the population with university education.

The keep standards high, a new method of appointing teachers will see them being chosen on the basis of their studies, backgrounds, and expertise in their field.

Have you heard that Halloumi Cheese is now being exported to America.

Demand for this tasty Cyprus cheese is very high. They ‘just’ love it

cooked on the barbi. They have even named it ‘squeaky’ chicken! Maybe

the next addition will be the McDonald Halloumi Beef Burger- watch

this space!!

Each day Fitzgerald Estates updates www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com so our buyers and sellers can see the latest properties with the latest information.

Our world class website ranks No 1 on Google for ‘Paphos Resales’ and more and more people are looking at us to see ‘the best value for money’ property that the local property market has to offer. The ripple effect of the world-wide recession is also felt in Cyprus and we are experiencing our biggest ‘buyers market’ on record after many years of robust growth.

The good news is that the ‘buyers market’ presents golden opportunities and if you visit our website regularly you will see that many properties have been reduced in price to meet the market, so stay in touch by visiting www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com

We have many irresistible market ‘gems’ so by investing now you’ll be congratulating yourself in the future for an investment well made.

Also, our new Podcast feature is now on www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com home page so now you can hear the latest news as well as see our newsletters.

If you see a property on our website that you like you can ‘Click and Pick’ and arrange to see and buy.

Buying from Fitzgerald Estates is a smooth and happy experience so you can make an appointment to see us in our office where we listen to your requirements and go to view the property that suits you.

Wherever you come from - Glasgow, Leeds, London, Oslo, Moscow, Nicosia or Paphos - Fitzgerald Estates offers you the respect you deserve when you ‘Click and Pick’ to buy property here in Paphos, Cyprus.

At last it looks like things are moving and the Government is finally realising that the delay in the issuing of Title Deeds is not just angering those people who have yet to receive the Deeds, but is also not bringing in the millions of Euros to fill the coffers that will be payable from Title Transfer Fees.

The Ministry of the Interior has announced a series of measures aimed to facilitate the issuing of Title Deeds. These measures include a Town Planning amnesty, a new system for the issuing of the Deeds and a “name and shame” policy for developers who delay the Deed application.

August 17 is the date when the Bank of Cyprus is going to reduce the cost of a range of existing loans. The reductions will be between 0.75% and 1.25% and the base mortgage rate will be cut to 3.50% (from 4.25%).

Existing private borrowers who are permanent residents have the option of switching to the new rate, by completing a “very simple” form without the need for further paperwork and with no extra costs. The new mortgages with an APR of 3.60% are as cheap as anywhere else in Europe, according to the BOC Group, General Manager, Domestic Banking.

Businesses can also benefit from new loan rates – 4.25% and to complete the range, the base rate for personal and car finance loans are down to 2.50%.

The works on the road to Coral Bay, you know the one, where the road is level and the sea runs at the side with the fantastic colour changes, well these are the start of providing the infrastructure for the new Marina. At the moment they are constructing a sea-line defence using huge boulders as a water break.

The Thames barrier it isn’t, but don’t forget – this is the Med. Then, a dual carriageway will be built to improve the flow of traffic and to cope with the expected increase of traffic for the Marina. This dual carriageway will continue through to the airport along the coast – not sure yet what happens to the Atlantida Beach Hotel at the end of the hotel strip in Paphos, maybe the road will just bend a bit there.

So, good news for all in the Peyia area. At long last, something is now happening and for those who are looking to sell, the marina will be an added area attraction for your property. Those of you wishing to buy – don’t leave it too late, prices will start to increase!

Finally on roadworks, all around Paphos roads are being re-tarmacced, drains at the sides of the roads are being cleared. As Cyprus takes over the EU presidency in 2012, maybe we’re starting to prepare to show where all the money that Cyprus has received from the EU has been spent.

The Paphos-Polis highway has been on and off for the last few years. Now, the Ministry of Transport has announced that they will push though final plans. Having not been bothered one way or the other, I visited Polis last week and was surprised at the increase in traffic, though I’m still not sure whether it warrants a new highway.

With all the ‘progress’ on the island it is easy to ‘by-pass’ many charming and endearing qualities that the rural Cyprus has to offer. The present Paphos-Polis road meanders between quaint old villages that in themselves are a lesson in Cypriot history.

You may have noticed a new icon “Daryl’s Podcast” on the front page of our website. Click on it and you will be able to hear Daryl’s dulcet tones talking about Fitzgeralds and the property market here in Cyprus. Have a listen, it’s actually very interesting and will only take 5 mins. It will give you a bit of an insight into what’s happening with property here in Paphos. It’s in 2 halves with a bit of twiddly music in the middle, so don’t switch off half way through!!!

6 weeks ago a rare albino wallaby was born at Paphos Bird and Animal Park, but nobody knew until now as the “joey” only emerged from Mum’s pouch very recently. It weighs about 5kg, (11lb) and we have to wait another month before the sex can be determined.

The Park is between Coral Bay and Agios Georgios and is well worth a visit. Giraffes, zebras meerkats, birds, snakes (ugh), all feature at the park and is a good ½ days excursion. You can adopt a pig, (some of you may have your own already), have a meal at the restaurant/taverna, watch a parrot show, or just meander through the gardens on a steady stroll.

• Paphos Aphrodite Festival - Sep 4,5,6

This year the production is the opera Lakme by Leo Delibes, being held at the Castle in Kato Paphos. Peformed by the National Opera of Sofia, the story is set in late 19th Century India at the time of the British Raj and features amongst many, the famous Flower Duet which some of you will know as the old British Airways theme.

• Sep 12 The Manfreds with Paul Jones and Mike d’Abo are performing at the Coral Beach Hotel & Resort. So, Do Wah Diddy you Pretty Flamingo and go and listen to the Mighty Quinn!!!

Daryl Fitzgerald is at the sharp end of property marketing for several reasons: his company Fitzgerald Estates markets only resale property at realistic prices, he is a straight talking Australian and he is right in touch with what property buyers and sellers feel, want and decide.

In the past few months we have seen property markets around the world bottoming out. Some people are sceptical about this but if they are serious investors or have been thinking about getting a property in Paphos, they will miss wonderful opportunities if they don’t act now.

Here in Cyprus the market has started an ‘L’ shaped recovery. This means that we have also bottomed out, but the recovery will be gradual and of course it is calculated in Euros. For our Sterling investors this is very good news as the Sterling Pound is generally appreciating, despite Mr Brown and his best efforts.

For the British sellers the hard reality is that if they do not have a special property that has great features, it will be difficult to sell unless they are very pragmatic about the price. Consequently there are more and more ‘canny’, focussed property buyers now than there have been for 7-8 months.

Many people have cash and are purchasing a second or third property here in Paphos, Cyprus.

In our 6 years of property marketing here we have seen many of our customers buy 2 or 3 properties when the price has been right and there has never been a better time than now! They come from everywhere – local people, continental Europeans, Russians and of course the British.

The cost of money is crucial. If you are only earning 0.5-1.0% on your money as most people are then buying a great value property in Paphos makes sense for the future capital gains and income it will bring.

Also, the cost of loans in the UK and continental Europe are the cheapest on record, particularly when you can buy excellent resale property with all the ‘snags’ ironed out, at realistic prices and including the fixtures, fittings and sometimes the furniture.

You can also buy property with title deeds that avoids all the problems associated with developers and most of Fitzgerald Estates property is in this category.The rest of our property is at the last stage of the application for the Title Deeds with the Land Registry.

When you buy through Fitzgerald Estates you will be assured of a smooth, happy and satisfying purchase.

Should you have any questions please have a look at our website www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com or pop into our office on Apostolos Pavlos Avenue, opposite the ‘Wishing Tree’ in Kato Paphos to see Daryl Fitzgerald’s team of professionals. They are open 9am -5.30pm six days a week

Long awaited bus route servicing Paphos International Airport and Coral Bay commenced on the 29th June, 2009. The general manager of Alepa Ltd, Mr Chrisostomos Chrisostomou, says the daily route will take approximately 1 hour and all the existing bus stops along the Route 12 can be used as pick-up points.

Starting from Coral Bay the bus will take the coastal road through Kissonerga and Chloraka where many major hotels are located. Then taking the seaside road of Kato Paphos, Kato Pahos central through to Geroskipou Municipal Beach, again past the numerous hotels and hotel apartments, the bus will take-in Geroskipou Village before finally arriving at the airport. The route timetable is coordinated according to the flight programs and timetables of airlines maximising your opportunity to use the bus service should you wish to.

Adult ticket is €3 and children under 12, only €2. Alepa is providing an additional service to the travelling public with its live program of flights including arrivals, departures and delays, via link ‘Find your flight’ from the Alepa’s home page http://www.pafosbuses.com

The bus service is a welcomed new service offered to the visiting public and many hotel managers have praised Alepa’s initiative. Many visiting guests had to rely on the local taxis and while offering a valuable service, taxis transport costs are very high.

There have been reports that some taxis set arbitrary charges. A stream of complaints from the public targeting the taxis’ stranglehold on the transport to and from the airport has been reported in the local press of late which makes the start of a regular bus service especially welcomed. Now we can offer a viable alternative, according to the marketing manager of Aquamare Hotel, it’s something extra for the guests. It’s cheaper and easier to get to and from the airport when you are travelling and this is a major plus for the thousands of tourist that visit Paphos every year.

Swiss Airline Flybaboo S.A. (Trading as Baboo) will start operating flights to Cyprus as from 6th of July, 2009. Baboo is a regional airline based in Geneva and operates from Geneva Cointrin International Airport. In Cyprus Baboo is represented by Amathus Public Ltd.

The company will fly the 100seat Embraer E190, and will leave Cyprus at 18.45 (flight BBO705), returning to Larnaca at 13.00 the next day. The airline operates scheduled services as well as seasonal summer flights and charter services. The regular flights operate to Venna, Nice and Toulouse, Athens, 4 regional destination in Italy, Bucharest, Valencia with Larnaca being the latest service offered. According to the reports the Swiss are increasingly interested in Cyprus for their holidays and at Fitzgerald’s there is a greater interest in Paphos properties from the Swiss nationals. We believe that the focus on property is largely driven by low interest rates on savings and investments and Cyprus appears to be regarded as a good investment.

The cost of return fares start from €330 Larnaca-Geneva and €364 for code-share flight through Greece, including taxes and fuel surcharge.

Visitors to the Louvre during 2012 will be treated to a special exhibition in Honour of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. Cyprus Antiquities Department confirmed that Louvre’s Henri Loyrette is coming to Cyprus this November to view the cache of artefacts and will also hold discussions with the Director of the Nicosia Museum where many important pieces are held.

The whole of Cyprus is abuzz at the announcement as it will also coincide with the Cyprus’s EU Presidency. The Cyprus’ ambassador in Paris, Mr Periolis Nearchou sees the exhibition as very important for Cyprus.

The ‘Aphrodite’ underpins Cyprus’ tourist industry but the fascination with Aphrodite goes further than that, it is universal, “Visiting ‘Aphrodite’ at the Louvre, it will be an experience not to be missed”.

It is expected that many will also visit Cyprus to explore Aphrodite myth further and follow Aphrodite ‘footsteps’. Later, the exhibition will be transferred to Cyprus where it will be on permanent display.

Last week saw a day that many people thought would never happen in Cyprus. Just before the Government finished for the Summer Recess, it passed a bill banning smoking in all public indoor places, which will come into effect on 1st January 2010.

The long list of places where smoking is banned includes cinemas, hotels, restaurants and bars. Smokers will still be allowed to light up in all external open areas except school yards and medical centres and in the internal courtyards or gardens of buildings.

However, this being Cyprus, a clause states that the bill can be amended before the 1st January 2010 and the feeling is that some sort of relaxation may happen as apparently, this new smoking legislation is one of the toughest in the EU.

Public opinion is split at the moment and the next few months will see lobbying from many sides before the legislation comes into force, so watch this space.

Daryl and Anna Fitzgerald and their children, Andrea, Terry and Daryl came to Cyprus in 1987 from Adelaide, Australia.

Daryl loved Cyprus so much he became a citizen in the year 2000.

After working with a major developer in Paphos for 11 years Daryl and Anna saw the huge potential of the property market in Cyprus and and the opportunities that it presented.

Convinced that the future of the property business will increasingly be centred on the resale market in Cyprus and in 2003 they opened their own property marketing agency in Kato Paphos.

We had to make sure that our listings and marketing was better than anyone else and we had to work very hard’, says Daryl and with the Irish roots and Ozzie determination and focus we had no problem there.

The Fitzgeralds decided to forge ahead with cutting edge technology and establish creative ways to market property. They established a world class website, www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com which features 70-80 properties with professional photographs and life-style stories about each property.

Our sophisticated sales and marketing techniques are about connecting discerning people with premium, top value places. It’s a ‘basket’ of marketing effort that reaches out to people in real time. The buyers are intelligent, sophisticated and knowledgeable and they expect immediate response within seconds.

Daryl, Anna together with Lynda, Sue and Eamon, who make up ‘the team’ which makes sure that all parts of the business delivers high levels of excellence to all its customers – buyers and sellers. At Fitzgerald Estates we do this with insight, innovation and integrity.

If you are passing Fitzgerald Estates in Kato Paphos opposite the ‘wishing tree’ and would like to ask about the property market please drop in. Realising your dreams is at the heart of everything we do.

Wet May...at last At last, long awaited wet May to end the drought. After years of hardly a sprinkling, voluminous rains during May have averted a major water crisis facing the island. According to the latest figures, the reservoirs now hold 104million cubic meters which equates to 35.6% of total storage capacity, a vast improvement on last years’ capacity of a mere 9.9% . The good news is that, whilst still concerned with the 65% shortfall to the dams full capacity, the Ministry of Agriculture plans to relax water restrictions and water cuts to households this summer. To minimize risks of water shortages in the future the government is seriously focussing on finding water supply alternatives. The proposal is to construct two new desalination to service Limassol and Paphos (Larnaca has operational desalinations plant already). The government initiated the tender process which awaits the green light from the Tenders Review Board. It is projected that the plants will be operational in two years time. On the positive side, the continual focus on water conservation has made everyone on the island a lot more responsible regarding water consumption and usage. By the time we get the desalination water flowing Cyprus just may be weaved off the daily ritual of hosing down the pavements and the streets in the name of tradition.

A welcome move by the Mayor of Paphos, Savvas Vergas, has seen the promenade revert now to its original pedestrianisation for 4 months in summer. We can all now safely(ish) wander the full width of the promenade, with only the occasional glance needed for the odd motor bike. Together with the Police cracking down further on the time-share touts, the Sunday stroll along the front has become even more pleasant. With the restaurants and cafe-bars vying for business, prices are very competitive now.

April saw a mass clean-up effort of local beaches in readiness for 1st May opening of the Swimming Season. The clean-up was a community effort with schools and charity groups supporting the cleaning activities. It is important for everyone to understand the responsibility to keep beaches clean and safe belongs to all of us in the community, according to Mr Similides, the president of the beaches committee and Paphos councillor.

Paphos region is aiming to receive Blue Flag Award for eleven local beaches with six being awarded to Paphos Municipality, one to Geroskipou, two to Polis Chrysochous and two to Peyia. The cornerstone of Paphos’ tourist industry is the sun and the sea so receiving the coveted (and widely recognisable) Blue Flag award is of utmost importance. We have been testing the water quality on our beaches every two weeks during winter and will continue checking once a week during the summer season, Mr Similides added. The testing follows the strict criteria. dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, safety and varied additional criteria.

With Paphos enjoying a more temperate climate during winter which is a very significant factor for the winter tourism to the area. Pachiamos beach in Kato Paphos (better known as SODAP beach), the lighthouse beach, Pharos, and the newly upgraded public beach just off the Poseidonos Promenade were opened way before the opening season. The fanfare of the Blue Flag award ceremony is set to take place some time during the first 10 days in June.

At long last, the revamping of the centre of Yeroskipou is nearly complete. Anyone coming from or to the airport in the last 18 months has been faced with diversion after diversion, but no longer.The main road (B6)has been widened and the new village “square” will soon be ready. A little road train is going to be running around the village, don’t know if it will be called Thomas???

Saturday 20th and June 21st June 2009 at Melanos Chloraka 12pm till 9pm Fun for all the Family FREE ADMISSION FREE PRIZE DRAW

At the Paphos Harbour 20th June 2009 7pm Tickets €10 on sale at Fitzgeralds Office

‘MY MALL’ is the name of the new shopping mall in Limassol. The biggest shopping complex in Cyprus! Currently 80 stores now open with another 30 coming soon. As well as the Brand Named stores there is also entertainment venues such as Ice Rink, Restaurants and cafe bars. They will be operating from 10am till Midnight seven days a week. Retail Shops – Summer Schedule Monday to Friday 10.00 to 20.00 Saturday 10.00 to 19.30 Sunday Closed.

The Eleouthkia Traditional & Botanical Park is not just a botanical garden. It’s a themed garden park that recreates a Cyprus village from over 200 years ago, complete with authentic Cyprus architecture and carefully selected flowering gardens. The park aims to present the Cyprus nature as well as the culture and the customs of Cyprus. You will find yourself travelling to the past: watching the park villagers either dressed in native costumes (e.g. men wearing vraka’s) or demonstrating the crafts and life in those olden days. For more information on this great day please telephone on 77771960

PEYIA PARCANIMAL RESCUE CLUB ( Cyprus registered number 01257) ARE HOLDING A ‘CAR SCAVENGER HUNT’ PEYIA ANIMAL RESCUE CLUB ( Cyprus registered number 01257) ARE HOLDING A ‘CAR SCAVENGER HUNT’ ON WEDNESDAY 24th JUNE. THIS PROMISES TO BE GREAT FUN. STEVE AND TERESA HAVE SPENT MONTHS PREPARING FOR THIS DAY. THEY HAVE WORKED OUT ALL THE CLUES AND ARE THE ONLY TWO WHO KNOW THE ANSWERS. PLEASE TRY AND COME ALONG. YOU WILL HAVE A GOOD TIME AND YOU WILL ALSO HELP US TO HELP HOMELESS ANIMALS THAT BECOME SICK OR INJURED. WE ARE MEETING AT PEYIA MUNICIPALITY CAR PARK AT 9.30 am. YOU CAN HAVE TWO THREE OR FOUR PEOPLE IN A TEAM. AFTER COLLECTING THE CLUES YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY TO WINNING ONE OF THE THREE PRIZES. THE COST IS ONLY 12 EUROS PER PERSON AND THIS INCLUDES LUNCH AT HOLLY’S RESTAURANT, KISSONERGA. PLEASE TELEPHONE STEVE ON 97727635 TO BOOK YOUR PLACE AND GET YOUR TICKETS. BOOKING ESSENTIAL.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU.

Local news broadcast for daily news from Paphos.

Please go to www.lintv.eu

Please feel free to email us with any events that you may wish to be included in our monthly Newsletter. Email to contact@fitzgeraldcyprus.com

Skype Address: daryl.fitzgerald.com Email: contact@fitzgeraldcyprus.com Tel: UK Tel: ++ 44 (0)845 688 8380 Tel: Cyprus: ++ 00357 26 930945 Address: 4 Ap. Pavlos, Kato Paphos, 8146.

Агенство недвижимости “Fitzgerald Estates” специализируется в сфере продажи вторичной недвижимости на Кипре в Пафосе

It’s already mid May 2009 and property forecasts continue to be gloomy. Many developers in Paphos have been affected severely and whilst the building activity has not ground to a complete stop, many leading firms have downed tools, retrenched personnel and have battened down the hatches to wait out the slowdown.

However selling and buying property continues in a certain niche market. After many years of healthy growth in the property market the resale market has finally come into its own. Fitzgerald Estates are re-sale specialists and according to Daryl Fitzgerald the owner, ”We are very busy at the moment with people wanting to buy or sell their property. In fact, in the 6 years that we have been in business, we are the busiest we have ever been”.

British nationals are still by far the largest group of foreign property owners and buyers. Buyers seem to think that prices will reduce even further and are keen to get the most for their money. Most sellers have realised that the Cyprus property bubble has come to an end, but some have to accept the reality that they paid too much for their properties in the first place and therefore need to adjust their prices accordingly.

As a successful property marketing company, we know the ‘pulse’ of the market and have the ‘know-how’ to achieve excellent results for clients in the Paphos area. We can see that the Paphos property market has bottomed out and will slowly increase in the months ahead.

Why? There are two main reasons for this.

Firstly, the housing market in the UK seems to be picking up because of low interest rates. This has a knock-on effect here in Cyprus as many people are leaving the UK to live in sunny countries and we are now seeing a big increase in serious enquiries, viewings and sales.

Secondly, the property market in Paphos is remarkably stable because most people do not have to sell. Of course, some people who bought from new in the last few years, with the promise of “good rental returns” and “high resale values” and who borrowed heavily to finance their purchase, may have to sell.

As resale specialists we know that there are great opportunities in the market place for both sellers and buyers. Developers may be facing a tough year, but interest in re-sales is increasing from all quarters.

“We are looking for another good year”, says Daryl.

Imagine a backdrop of green hills on one side, a brilliant blue Mediterranean on the other and more than 7km of meandering coastal pathway that will set your heart racing. No, don’t think that we speak of an arduous journey facing you!

Stretching from Paphos’ Saint Georges Bay to the Kato Paphos historical harbour, it is a route of exceptional natural beauty that the Paphos district coastline is famous for. Sandy beaches, rugged coves, mini lagoons and idyllic azure pools pop up along the way inviting you to stay a while, relax and enjoy the scenery.

You can even catch up with history along the way! The path skirts by the famous Grivas landing point, the instigator breeding insurrection against the English in the seventies. Further along, the stranded shipwreck, a favourite with pub storytellers, claiming sightings of the drunken captain still roaming the ship.

Next, you will be passing an expansive Tomb of the Kings archaeological site, a Necropolis dating back to the 3rd century BC. The site is worth exploring, so pencil it in your ‘must do’ list.

Taking your bearings from the Lighthouse, you will be approaching the fabled Acropolis of Nea Paphos which supposedly was built on the rocky outcrop where the lighthouse stands now. Skirting the length of the peninsular you will be circumnavigating the old city walls in fact, which is still largely unexplored and contains many ancient treasures!

Finally, you turn east approaching what is known today as the Paphos Castle guarding the harbour. The square fort was built by the Lusignians in the 13th century replacing an earlier Byzantine castle which served as formidable protection for the port.

The culmination of the track is the picturesque harbour which is a pure delight. The sheltered harbour is home to private yachts and colourful fishing boats, outdoor cafes, expansive restaurants, an art gallery exhibiting local artists and many historical tourist attractions. Paphos is a UNESCO heritage site and Kato Paphos boasts enough ‘treasures’ to keep you busy for weeks. The harbour teams with visitors and locals alike any time of day. It is a place to see and be seen, so rest a while and watch the world go by. Besides, after all the exercise, you deserve to be pampered.

Whilst the route is nothing less than exciting there are stretches of it still not paved so be prepared to climb over some rocks here and there and wade through a sand dune along the way. The Cyprus CTO has fully completed the walkway between the castle and the Elysium Hotel due west (St Georges way), and the Amathus Hotel due east of the harbour.

As you can see from the photo, we have a new member of staff – Eamon, who is our computer expert and boy, do we need one. With a history in the aerospace and nuclear industries, (he says he doesn’t glow in the dark very often) and a Diploma in Microelectronics, it’s a good job he was here yesterday when one of our computers literally blew up!!! It’s a less one-sided look with the staff at Fitzgeralds now and gives us “girls” someone else to blame!

The saga continues – the momentum is building for the speed up of the issuing of title deeds. Nearly every day in the local English speaking paper, there is some mention of the Title Deed issue. Whether it’s the Cypriot Government deciding to put through a Bill in Parliament or British MPs issuing statements, it will not go away. So, as usual here, everything takes time, but there is no hiding it under the carpet now and hoping it will go away. Don’t forget the famous Cyprus saying that we all learn when we live here – siga, siga – slowly, slowly.

As we move to the end of May, the sun is shining, the temperature is rising and the visitors to the Island are arriving. People complain about the price of flights, but cheapies are available IF you are not restricted to school holidays. For example, on a couple of days last week, Thomson flight only prices from Doncaster to Paphos were only £89 + taxes and that included the return flight!

We can tell it’s the holiday season as the roads are busier and the bars and restaurants are filling up. There are some great deals around on meals and drinks, so don’t think that Cyprus will be expensive because of the Sterling exchange rate. At the moment, a 3 course meal at a couple of restaurants on the promenade just costs €8.50, (approx £7.70) and a pint of Stella Artois is €2, (£1.80). Of course, as the pound is now creeping up in value, these prices will work out even cheaper.

Electricity prices are coming down yet again, this time by 4%, which makes a total reduction of 36% since October 2008. (Bad news – its got to go up by 3% due to failing the emissions target). However, the Government is trying to stop the Electricity Company from imposing this charge.

From 1st June 2009 the Paphos area Municipalities have decided to instigate a recycling programme for all households. This involves sorting waste into 3 categories, (paper, glass and PMD which includes plastic, metals and drinks cartons) and collections will be made at numerous kerbside designated points. The first bins are already being delivered and we are really interested to see how the population copes with this first foray into recycling. A lot of British here already recycle newspapers, books, magazines by reading them and then passing them on, sometimes ½ a dozen times.

As you may know, Fitzgeralds are heavily involved in raising funds for building the St. Michael’s Hospice which will be open to everyone. In the last month or so, various activities have raised many thousands of Euros and we would like to thank every single person who has contributed to this success. Whether its by visiting the recent Spring Bazaar - €6600, producing an arrangement for the Annual Flower Festival - €2800, doing the Harbour Walk - €500, contributing to the donation from the Secret Valley Golf Club - €2800 or any other way – we thank you!

Большой выбор первоклассной вторичной недвижимости в Пафосе

After the success of our second newsletter and thanks to everyone for a wonderfully positive feedback we are pleased to mail you the latest news to hand. We would welcome any feedback you may have.

Paphos has many advantages compared with other cities and areas in Cyprus. The city is smaller and better laid out, the landscape is beautiful and we get more rain in winter.

British people have many clubs here and many ex-pats have established businesses, so it is easy to find friends and British trades-people. Other nationalities also have the same advantages, so it is a very welcoming place to live or for holidays.

Paphos, like anywhere, has properties that are high quality but also others that are not. It is better to buy from reputable developers and agents - looking at their website, comparing prices and asking around will help you make a good decision.

Most prices for resale and developers properties are down and this is for two reasons:

• There is a large over-supply of property in the Paphos area particularly for one and two bedroom apartments.
• The British are still the biggest market for property and the British Pound has lost 25% in the last 16 months.

If the property price is realistic then it may sell at a reasonable price, sometimes at the list price but often at up to 10-15% less. Resale properties are generally much better value for money. They are often more spacious, have the furniture, fixtures and fittings included and of course you can see what you are buying and what surrounds it.

The fact that the British Pound is down means that sellers are taking more back to the UK for the Euros they receive from the sale of their property. Provided the sellers have not originally paid too much for their properties, selling can be a very happy experience.

Unlike the UK, sales of resale properties can be completed quickly - if the agent is on the ball and the lawyers are experienced in conveyancing and are efficient, many sales are concluded in one month and if a loan is necessary then it may take 2 months.

From developers you can buy immediately and they will arrange a loan if required. You will then need to wait for completion of the property. (Try to include in the contract a penalty if the property is not completed in the time scale quoted).

Getting a loan has been a problem recently mainly because most resale properties do not have title deeds. The larger developers are reaching agreements with the major banks in the next few weeks to facilitate loans without bank guarantees from the developers. This will make selling a resale home much easier for most people as a large number of purchasers require loans to buy property.

If the property has title deeds then there is no problem getting a loan provided of course that the borrower fits the criteria.

The lack of title deeds is a long standing problem which has recently attracted a lot of publicity. There are signs that the Land Registry is trying to fix this problem but much more needs to be done.

Written By Daryl Fitzgerald

MARCH was the second wettest on record in the past 10 years, with rainfall exceeding the monthly average by almost 20 per cent, reports said recently. Last month was also the coldest in six years, with temperatures at least half a degree Celsius lower than normal.

The first month of Spring also resulted in an impressive inflow of 26 million cubic metres of water into the island’s dams, the second highest in the last twenty years.

This has given the Island lush green areas and an increase in the various dams on the Island.

The Mayor of Peyia has announced that the Municipality has received official notification from the Council of Ministers that permission has been granted to have a Post Office in Peyia. Until a new building to house the Post Office is constructed, the council is now trying to find a suitable place to rent so that the Post Office can be up and running immediately.

Remember this number – 1429. It’s the free consumer telephone line where you can enquire about prices, health and safety aspects etc. or report overcharging of goods and products. There have been recent complaints that milk is more expensive in Cyprus than most European countries – have to say that there aren’t many cows at this end of the island!!

On a personal note – please, please shop around for anything and everything. It really is surprising the disparity in prices from one shop to another. For example, in the 2 bigger supermarkets here in Paphos, the price of a 1 1/2litre bottle of milk can vary 18 cents between the 2 shops, with lots of other examples of the same sort of variance.

Another little gem – we’ve just heard about an European Commission website www.ec.europa.eu/solvit/site which can help with lots of problems regarding the misapplication of Internal Market law by Public Authorities, (their words, not mine). Hopefully you will never need them, but have a look at the website, it may come in handy.

Well, the wedding season is truly upon us and every day we see white decorated Mercedes passing the office. Nearly 40% of the British couples who come to Cyprus get married in the Paphos area. There was a worry earlier this year that numbers would be down due to the global recession, but this doesn’t seem to be the case. OK, maybe couples are not as extravagant as previous years, 24 photos in a wedding album instead of 30 and maybe a 2 tier cake instead of 3, but overall, the revenue that weddings bring to Cyprus will be similar to last year when Paphos Municipality made half a million Euros – not to be sneezed at!! If you are down near the castle and the lighthouse, you may see more weddings than usual this year as a new area for weddings is being prepared by the Municipality and should be ready from June onwards.

Last week’s Sunday Mail headline was all about the time-share “menace”. It appears that someone has now realized how annoyed, (to say the least), most tourists are when stopped by these people who can become aggressive. Its not just the tourists that keep being stopped, you can have lived here for many years but the touts still stop you and will not believe you actually live in Cyprus.

However, an emergency meeting was held recently attended by the Mayor of Paphos, the Paphos Assistant Divisional Police Commander, the CTO and various other associations, in an effort to come up with a strategy to stop this menace. The police have said to report any incidents to the officer on duty – Paphos Police station Tel. No. 26806050 – or report them to the restaurants, bars and hotels where you may be stopped at the time.

Lets hope that this will eventually help to cure the problem.

A new bill is going through Parliament at the moment which aims to standardize number plates and to also include the age of the vehicle. Number plates will have black numbers on a white background both front and back except for taxi “T” registrations which will be yellow with black lettering. Rental “Z” registrations are to be scrapped, together with changing the red background to white. Apparently, we are all going to have to change our plates and only at registered designated sites – watch this space!

• 4 x 4 Scenic Charity Day Drive Out. A fund raising event on Sunday 26th April 2009 For more information contact: Drew Elgeti, SSAFA Cyprus Branch Publicity Officer on 96573090 or ssafa@cytanet.com.cy

• St. Michael’s Hospice Spring Bazaar 16th May 2009 10am to 2pm. At the Latin Parish Hall on the Coral Bay Road. Fun For All The Family.

• BFAWS Dog Show Saturday 2nd May 2009 To be held at Dhekelia Saddle Club

• Carpe Diem Promotions Presents The Searchers and The Foundations in Concert 30th May 2009 at the Paphos Fort.

• RAF Band Concert – Paphos Harbour – 12th June 2009 7pm

• FRESH Summer 2009 Exhibitions Event.Will take place at Melanos, Chloraka on Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st June 2009. Opening times 12pm to 9pm both days.

The Paphos UKCA Club can offer this and much more. Please have a look on their website www.ukca.com.cy Membership available for both residents and visitors The UKCA has gone from strength to strength over the last 12months. With a continual increase in membership and improved faculties this is one place worth a visit.

*€10 million in state holiday vouchers

THE CYPRUS Tourism Organisation (CTO) is to dish out €45 per person per night, plus €23 per child or dependent per night for hotel rooms in a new €10 million scheme being launched from the beginning of next month, Director General Phoebe Katsouri said recently.

Full details of the application process and the basis for qualification for the holiday vouchers will be announced by the government before May 1, Katsouri said.

“This year, domestic tourism will be a great support and shield for our tourism industry, especially the hotel sector. We are all working well together – government, the relevant authorities and social partners – to ensure that every euro is put to good use”, she said.

Out of the €10 million, some €4.5 million will be disbursed by the Labour and Social Insurance Ministry through an expanded version of the current holiday grants scheme. The existing scheme provides subsidised holidays for low-income earners who are registered members of the Social Insurance Fund, and normally runs for six weeks in July-August. The new expanded scheme will begin in June and run to the end of October.

“More members of the Social Insurance Fund – maybe double the current number – will be able to use the new scheme,” said Katsouri.

The remaining €5.5 million will be disbursed through the CTO using a voucher system, and will encourage the use of hotels all year round. Amounts have been earmarked for specific groups of people receiving benefits such as pensioners, the disabled and others, with the rest being made available for middle-income groups such as the self-employed, professionals and farmers. The government will announce the criteria for deciding who will qualify.

Katsouri said that the CTO aims to get a database of those eligible from the Labour and Social Insurance Ministry, and will ensure that they are informed of the wide range of hotel availability – including agrotourism establishments.

Those who qualify can choose where to go, and then apply to the relevant government offices [to be announced] for a voucher. They will then book their preferred hotel. At the end of their stay, they will present their voucher to hotelier in payment, and then the hotelier will apply to the CTO for reimbursement. The vouchers will cover the hotel bill up to a maximum of €45 per person per night, plus €23 per child or dependent per night. Anything over the maximum allowance would have to be paid separately. The programme allows a maximum of five nights per person, but these do not all have to be taken together.

The new CTO programme does not involve a limited amount of hotel accommodation available on a “first come, first served” basis. Rather it will be available for all hotel accommodation until the allocated funds run out. If the government finds that the available funds are not being used up, it may decide to reset the qualifying criteria or increase the allowance per person.

In addition to the new €10 million programme, the CTO is also extending its “Cyprus Short Escapes – Great Discoveries” programme by popular demand. Katsouri said: “This was very successful over the winter, with demand exceeding supply, so we are extending the programme to June.” A total of 18 hotels and 27 restaurants across Cyprus are part of the programme, and prices start from €50 per person in a three-star hotel, €60 in a four-star hotel and €75 in a five-star hotel.

This programme offers low-cost weekend packages, based on accommodation in a double room from Saturday noon to a late Sunday afternoon checkout. They include dinner at the hotel with entertainment, breakfast and a Sunday lunch at a choice of restaurants in the surrounding district. With each package comes a complimentary CTO guided tour from the relevant local list covering a range of themes – for example, wine routes, churches, nature walks – designed to provide an “enriched experience”.

• Bookings for the “Cyprus Short Escapes” programme can be made through Top Kinisis Travel’s webpage http://www.cyprusshortescapes.com Copyright © Cyprus Mail 2009

After the success of our first newsletter and thanks to everyone for a wonderfully positive feedback we are pleased to mail you the latest news to hand. Please keep the feedback going.

• EU Presidency
• Re-sale or off-plan?
• Good news on the horizon
• World Rally
• Sexual Chocolate
• News Flash

Preparations are afoot for a date with history – Presidency of the EU in 2012. With figures such as €73 million funds allocated for the Czech Presidency (January 2009 to June 2009) and a whopping €190million price tag by the French for the previous term, there is a lot at stake.

Prestige has costs too. In preparation for the big day, Nicosia’s Conference Centre will receive a €10.5million makeover and the nearby Philoxenia Hotel renovations will cost an estimated €1.5 million.

The icing on the cake goes to the chosen co-ordinator for the period from March 15, 2009 to 15 March 2013 (appointed by Cyprus’s own council of Ministers) who will be responsible for overseeing the work carried out by six working groups handling topics related to the presidency. The co-ordinator will be supported by civil servants and technocrats who, we hope, will leave room for independent thought by the president.

EU Presidency is an enormous responsibility: international forums, plenary sessions, informal gatherings, summits and mini summits. No doubt our Presidential Tenure will touch each and every one of us in Europe and beyond. And what a wonderful opportunity we have in Cyprus to get serious about lobbying....gay issues, Cyprus recycling fiasco, state monopolies, to name a few. Even the title deeds issue shall be solved well before the time the EU President has to answer any criticism of lagging his feet on the right of ‘his’ citizens to get the title deeds for their ‘long paid for’ property!

Fitzgerald Estates will be celebrating the good news of nearing the date when Cyprus is propelled, well and truly, to international fame and...... scrutiny.

Owning a home in Cyprus is a rewarding experience. For many, the sun and the sea are irresistible, for others living in a world heritage town holds that special fascination, and there are those who find the prospects of Cyprus’ free and easy lifestyle tantalisingly appealing.

With the abundance of lifestyle qualities one enjoys in Cyprus the decision to buy property is the first step in the property purchasing journey. The major consideration is whether to buy an existing property or venture the off-plan way. There are numerous pros and cons either way.

Off-Plan route

• The greatest appeal of buying off plan is that you have some influence over the design, choice of materials, type and quality of fixtures and fittings. You’ll have the shutters you like, the kitchen you always wanted and finishes that perfectly complement your interior decor.

The financial considerations can also be of importance. The off-plan enables you to have stage payments thus spreading your financial commitments over time. The undeniable appeal of moving into a brand new home especially when you can see your own ‘stamp’ on it, is hard to beat.

• The other side of buying off-plan is equally powerful. Whilst all things look perfect on paper, the realities on the ground can throw up any number of complications for you to deal with. Late deliveries are rampart in the industry as are poor finishes.

Whilst you spent huge amounts on ‘extras’ to personalise you home, many projects end up with an impersonal ‘cookie cutter’ living environment. Invariably your wish for individuality and privacy is often well and truly lost.

The promised ‘green areas’ have evaporated and the only remnant of the flamboyant landscaping of the communal areas is the brochure. As developers deal with a myriad of agents to sell their properties, a high percentage of commission is built into the prices for off-plan. Anywhere between 10-15% is the norm, so you may have handsomely overpaid to start with………

• The most powerful plus for resale is that you know exactly what you are getting. You know in advance what is around you, which way it faces and how it makes you feel. You can make as many visits as it takes to soak up the atmosphere, plan your life there and to ‘sus’ out the neighbours. No guessing, no worries, no hassle.

It often comes furnished but more importantly it has the fixtures and fittings, the shutters, air con units etc., the garden is done and the pool works. There is no VAT (saving you 15%) and there is greater likelihood that they (the owners) are willing to negotiate on price.

The property may even come with title deeds, but if it does not, Fitzgerald’s take steps to lead you to a happy and rewarding home ownership. It takes a few quick simple steps to complete the purchase and with total peace of mind you can start enjoying your new home in 30 days, if you wish.

• The ‘Cons’. You are essentially looking at someone else’s home and some mental acrobatics are required to see past it. In essence it’s an ‘adoption’ process. You may want to give it a fresh coat of paint, make some repairs, or replace the gas cooker with a contemporary ceramic hob, for example. With Resale the buying process is a lot shorter and your financial outlay happens much faster, much as it would in the UK – but then you get to enjoy your new home sooner.

Buying property abroad has enormous lifestyle consequences. Buying property in your home town can be stressful but buying overseas can be more difficult so it is vital to get it right. Off plan or Resale is ultimately your decision, a decision that meets your requirements and one that you are comfortable with.

Because commission is much higher on ‘off-plan’ purchases, many estate agents handling developer properties are most likely to encourage you to make the off-plan purchase decision.

With developer off-plan sales falling, they have started concentrating on the re-sale of properties from their older projects. And the system goes like this: firstly they offer a current owner a fixed selling price, then add another 20-25% commission for themselves (in many instances, they don’t tell the owner what price they will be selling the property for!) and the ‘new owner’ will be paying a heavily inflated price.

So if you have heard that Resale properties are much cheaper than off plan, this very much depends who you buy from. Essentially, resale offers best value, but not ‘developer’ resale. Find an estate agent with impeccable credentials and you are well on your way to the best possible purchase for you.

With the unprecedented decline of building activity on the island, the mantle of silence that protected the developer firms seems to be cracking. More and more, the print media ventures far more freely into subjects such as the title deeds shambles, developer abuse of power and the government inaction.

Emergence of organisations such as Cyprus Property Action Group (CPAG) has polarised the discussion with citizen’s rights and entitlements in line with European Union directives. The single majority with second homes on the island are British expatriates and they have also enlisted the help of the most powerful figures in British politics to break the status quo.

British Home Secretary David Miliband and the Chancellor Alistair Darling are taking the ‘hands on’ approach in the matter with the result that the British Government is demanding urgent action on, among others, the title deeds issue.

The receipt of Title Deeds (officially referred to as the Certificates of Registration of Immovable Property) are the most important evidence of property ownership and it is indeed staggering that the matter as important as this is being totally ignored by the Cyprus government, according to Mr Miliband.

The much awaited ‘tough talk’ from the British High Commissioner has the power to impact not only on British citizens, but on other nationals living in Cyprus as well. The High commission has received assurances that the bill to address the situation will be discussed by parliament, however as of 18th February, the source at the Ministry of Interior (Cyprus) said that he was unaware of any new legislation being drafted!

Denis O’Hare from CPAG is working in close cooperation with British MP’s, and is monitoring the situation. If the latest event endorsed by CPAG is any indication (placard-waving public demonstration - mostly foreigners -venting their displeasure and grievances in front of a Paphos lawyer’s office) the power of collective action has arrived in Cyprus, promising many changes. The future of the ‘dream home in the sun’ looks very bright indeed.

The World Rally Championship circus comes to Cyprus this week. Will it be the British Fords or the French Citroens that will come out on top? Will Sebastian Loeb the ace French driver win a record 50th WRC rally or will Hirvonen upset the French apple cart?

It will be a jamboree for the petrol heads here in Cyprus. Starting on Friday 13th on asphalt in the mountains near Limassol many locals and expatriates will be following the race. On Saturday and Sunday the races will be on gravel. Using the same tyres – I don’t think so!

Perhaps you are able to visit the tracks or become a base site ogler of these gleaming racing machines at their bases or watch the endless replays of highlights on TV but it surely is a big event in Cyprus.

Taking a leaf from Obama’s book, the Nicosia ‘Think Tank’ discussion on the financial crisis come up with a suggestion to ‘Buy Cypriot’. And if you think that is a daft idea to begin with, we have searched high and low to tempt you with more than just local potatoes and halloumi.

• How about Sexual Chocolate? Nicosia based Andre and Kristian will stir you right up. In a exciting blend of hard rock, funk and hip hop their unique music is much sought after. Let their hypnotic sounds carry you away with infectious raw rhythms and their very own special beat. If this is just what you want for the grand seasonal gala event, call 22,670843.

The inspiration behind the band? Eddie Murphy’s film ‘Coming to America’.

• Local designers to the fore

The Greek idea to establish a Tell a Story, a fashion and trade industry trade show aims to strengthen designer presence within the Greek market. The first show opened in Nicosia and will run till 11th March, 2009. Over 40 Cypriot and international designers are taking part covering all aspects of ‘progressive design and evolutionary fashion’. The show covers everything from clothes, accessories, jewellery, art objects and even the humble T-shirt has its exciting innovative ‘twist’.

With a total focus on young, progressive and emerging design talent you are invited to spot the next generation fashion icons……. and for a fraction of the price. What better way to beat the credit crunch and still look good! Inquiries on 99 433077 99 644954

Cyprus Airways has recorded a profit in 2008 for the second consecutive year! A remarkable achievement amid global financial crisis and almost on-mass bankruptcy filings in the airline industry. The good news comes with a warming form the company Chairman, Kiki Lazarides however. The forecast for 2009 is gloomy with projected 7% drop in passenger traffic. Cyprus receives 2.4million visitors per year and Cyprus Air accounts for 1million passengers and the indications show 10% downturn for the airline.

• Electricity prices fell by 7.5% this month! The latest reduction means that the price of electricity has dropped 31% since October 2008

Happy New Year to all of our readers. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for visiting our website and for the steady and enthusiastic flow of inquiries, comments and feedback. Upheavals on the international financial scene have made us more determined than ever to bring you a range of properties at market prices representing the realities on the ground. Not living in Cyprus should not preclude you from paying a fair price for your new home and we are here to help you do it.

• Old Team - New Team
• Truth is stranger than fiction
• Property Industry and the ‘overpriced’ factor
• Value packed weekend breaks
• Paphos Municipality gets tough
• High level satisfaction with Paphos New International Airport

At Fitzgerald Estates we love what we are doing. We started as a family concern but success brings its own price. Andrea inspired by the success of her projects in Cyprus decided to join the prestigious Chelsea School of Art, London, to further her career.

Our youngest, Daryl, passionate about the world of architecture is busy studying for his masters at the UCL London. He needs to spend a year working ‘in the field’ and is actively searching for employer worldwide.

Terry has graduated with positively ‘flying colours’ from Warwick with Master of Manufacturing Engineering & Business Management and at the end of his Asian Odyssey gravitated to China where he has secured a position and will also be embarking on an intensive course learning Mandarin.

We love to introduce you to two professional and very special ladies who bring with them a world of experience and expertise as well as good humour to Fitzgerald Estates.

Sue Broadley comes from the field of quality assurance, project management and customer service. In UK she was a Quality Manager for a Food Manufacturing Company (home made style biscuits for Fortnum & Mason & Harrods, among others!) in the North of England till her move to Paphos in April 2007.

In pursuance in quality excellence the job took her throughout Europe on Supplier Visits and Hygenie and satisfaction Audits covering both supplier base and the clients side. Needles to say Sue’s minute attention to detail and excellent communication skills have been applied at Fitzgerald Estates in the name of superior customer service whether you are a buyer or a seller, o whether you post on inquiry or come to visit.

Lynda Hall is a specialist accountant taking care of Fitzgerald’s accounting and financial matters and is instrumental in business analysis and planning and is a brilliant mathematician to boot! (So, if you’ve any maths homework to do, she’s the one to see)!!!

Lynda was a financial controller and accountant for a medium sized clothing firm in the UK specializing in top quality menswear, but involved herself in all aspects of the company as she does for us here at Fitzgeralds. Lynda came to Cyprus in 2005 and is well versed in Cyprus property matters, not least the emotional side of buying or selling property in Cyprus.

She is extremely proactive and her effervescent personality makes the serious business of buying property here in Cyprus a pleasant and happy experience. She’s always available to lend a hand from writing interesting articles or property descriptions and is an avid photographer as well, (though in her own words, “its just a case of point and click”). If you need to know anything at all, ask Lynda – what she doesn’t know, she’ll find out!!

In a strange twist of fate, the falling value of sterling has worked well for the UK home buyer in many instances. We have sellers who wish to repatriate sale proceeds to the UK and have reduced their prices accordingly to secure a quick sale. The seller is satisfied because he still receives a substantial amount vis-a-vis sterling and the buyer is happy because they don’t suffer any losses due to poor exchange rates and they get a property at a substantially lower price. It is a win-win situation for both buyer and seller!

Anyone who’s been to Cyprus two years running in the last 10 years would have been amazed at the growth of new properties. Paphos seemed to have spearheaded the property construction ‘gold rush’ with new developers entering the market at record speed, keen to cash in on record profits.

The global financial crisis affected the property market negatively with developers reeling at the declining sales. Much of this is attributed to the international financial and credit crisis, however, the general consensus is that property values been exuberantly inflated.

What the experts say:

• 1.Demand for developer properties has fallen by an estimated 40%
• 2.It will take the whole of 2009 to clear the unsold properties
• 3.The holiday-retirement property market will not recover till 2010
• 4.No major new project will be commenced in 2009
• 5.Properties bought from developers in the last 4-5 years have been the ones most affected by overpricing

The new strategy to attract winter tourist is all about Culture and History. And why not, Cyprus weather is absolutely ideal for the sightseeing this time of year.

UK tourists, faced with the depreciating pound and questions regarding the ‘value’ they receive for their tourist pound, have jolted the local tourist industry into action!

The CTO (Cyprus Tourist Association) in conjunction with a local travel company are offering excellent value short stays starting from a mere 50 euros a night. In Paphos we have 8 participating hotels including:

• 5*Coral Beach
• 4*Cypria Bay, Alexander the Great and Aloe
• 3*Cynthiana, Paphos Gardens, Veronica & Mayfair

Make sure you start your booking prices today, the offer ends end of March.

Offer includes a selection of half day tours accompanied by qualified CTO guides.

• 1.The Virgin Mary of the Golden Pomegranates (1, 22, 29 February)
• 2.Hidden Corners of Cyprus (8, 22 February & 8 March)
• 3.Meet the local Hermit (15 February & 15 March) (by and large they like to be left alone)
• 4.Saint Valentine’s Day Romantic Getaway- (15 February). Incidentally, the visitors will be treated with a trip to Ayios Ayapitos (Love) & Ayios Misitikos (Hate)!

For more information visit www.cyprusshortescapes.com

Mayor of Paphos, Mr Vergas, is ready to fight buearocracy to get projects under way. Mr Vergas is adamant that from the New Year, the municipality will take much ‘stronger action’ to ensure the following projects get off the ground and actually get done.

• 1.Second phase of northern ring-road
• 2.The development of design for the western ring road
• 3.Reconstruction of the inner city Elliados Avenue & Pallikarides Avenue
• 4.Reconstruction of Tomb of the Kings Road

Beautification of the Paphos harbour, shoreline and improvements in infrastructure, have been ongoing: we even have double-decker tourist buses coursing through the city, offering hop-on hop-off sightseeing routes. Not much, but it demonstrates that the city fathers are keen to make a positive impression on the Paphos tourist.

Modern, well organised, friendlier, quicker, more efficient – praise has been flooding in. However for the Paphos airport operator, Hermes, it is the culmination of painstaking planning, training, trials, research and honest evaluation encompassing many services and departments.

To ‘fine tune’ the airport experience for passengers, the trial groups have put the airport system through its paces. We tried it ourselves over Christmas and it was perfect...except that the flight left 50 minutes late....

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The following links are to our only two English language newspaper publications:

The Cyprus Weekly is the only English weekly newspaper which is published every Friday. he Cyprus Mail is the only English daily newspaper which is published every day except Monday with the Sunday Mail on, of course, Sunday.

Wish come true for UK - Paphos travellers! According to BA representative Ms Alison Nichols, who spoke about the significance and the importance of the decision, the flying schedule will be fully operational throughout the winter period. Representatives from the local chamber of commerce and the tourist board at the special function in London were especially pleased with BA’s decision given economic slowdown worldwide and its tremendous impact on the aviation industry. The flights schedule: Monday & Thursday departing Gatwick at 9am arriving Paphos 15.30. From Wednesday to Sunday flight depart Gatwick at 10.50 (arrive 17.20). Departures from Paphos: Monday and Tuesday - 16.25 (arriving Gatwick 19.10); Wednesday to Sunday - 18.15 (arrive 21.00)

The number of tourist visiting Cyprus in November increased by 3.3% softening the decline for the year. From January to November the arrivals by 0.5% from 2342338 in 2007 to 2331622 in 2008. November figures increased to 97,000 in 2008 from 97900 in 2008. The largest increased was from Russia, followed by Germany and Sweden. UK visitors fell by 3.8% for the year to November.

According to the sentiments aired by the Finance Minister, Charilaos Stavrakis, impact of the international credit on Cyprus is negligible. In case of trouble the government has earmarked €1.9 billion to bail out the economy. Presently the banking system continues to be robust and secure, he adds, and the banks operate at high level of liquidity. One of the bright spots of Cyprus economy is the influx of Russian funds and the good news is that no significant investment has left the island according to Mr Stavrakis.

An agreement has been signed by the government for the production of electricity and desalinated water with solar energy. The project will cost an estimated €18 million which will come from EU Structural funds. By building hybrid electricity - desalination plants utilising Concentrated Solar power (CSP) both the electricity and water can be produced for more economically, according to The Cyprus Institute a non profit science and technology research and eduction institute, and a partner in the project.

Annual consumer price inflation fell for the second straight month, down from 5.4% in August. On the yearly basis foodstuffs were up 9.08% higher in comparison to same time last year and house utility bills were up 6.09%. On the down side clothing showed a drop of 2.11% and alcohol and cigarettes went down by 0.15%.

With last administration adding CTO as the party co-responsible for the Paphos and Polis Ports, both the CTO and Paphos Town Council seem to be at loggerheads over the proposed upgrading of the ports. Volumes of red tape seems to be flowing between the parties with overwhelming message that the parties are not very happy to be working together. Who is ultimately responsible for the project? That has not be determined as yet! Meanwhile both Paphos and Polis towns are waiting for the ports and the port facilities to be upgraded!

Paphos lawyer who has been given 30 days in prison for repeated traffic violations has been granted Presidential Pardon. Apparently Paphos Bar Association come to the lawyer’s rescue. Attorney General was asked about the matter and he told the journalists he did not have to explain his decision.

The government approved new measures to enable foreign students to easily integrate into Cypriot school system and society with the introduction of a new fast-track Greek language learning program. The program initially will be released in 16 secondary schools with the highest number of non-Greek speaking students. Welcome guides also will be distributed to the students which will be available in 8 languages. The implementation will also cover training of teachechers on multi-cultural education.

Costing in access of 22 million the new Paphos Mall is a welcomed addition to the Paphos retail landscape. Conveniently located on the ring-road connecting Kato Paphos with Limassol Highway it is sited between McDonals and Debenham & the DIY Home Centre. The Mall covers 30,000 sqm with major retailer, Orphanides supermarket chain, offering 5,000sqm of retail space. The retail mix will cover “the total family needs” attracting retailers such as Costa Coffee, Kappa Kids, Beautyline, Eyedeal, Germanos, fashion, lifestyle, entertainment and many more.

The long awaited mall promises to inject a degree of ‘vivacious’ retailing. Most welcomed is the increased competition which will suit the end user and, importandly, Paphos finally has a dedicated ‘big city’ retail park making for super convenient shopping.

Parties from both sides of the political dived have given the President, Mr Christofias, a green light for full-scale talks on unifying the island. It was announced that “the time is ripe” to commence the talks. In the background, dedicated working groups have held ‘discussions’ in the last 4 month to bring us to the general consensus that the climate for serious inter-communal talks is favourable. Failure to bring about an acceptable solution to both communities could result in the ‘north’ demanding complete partition.

Paphos Bar Association has petitioned President of Cyprus, Mr Christofias, to pardon a female lawyer who was recently jailed for a “string” of traffic offences. Paphos Magistrate has imposed a 30 day sentence on the lawyer who, it was said, ‘continued to violate traffic offences despite previous convictions’.

We applaud the Bar Association coming to the rescue of one of the members but and A VERY BIG BUT..... Above the law, comes to mind. No wonder we have so many lawyers in Cyprus!

A consortium led by Leptos Group has been awarded the contract to build the new Paphos marina in Potima (Kissonerga-Coral Bay area). The work is to start immediately and will be completed in three years. The cost of the project is estimated at €70 million. The marina will have the mooring for 1000 boats, slipways and boatyards. There will be leisure facilities, restaurants, bars and parking. The agreement covers also annual rental of €4million to the government for the period of 19 years.

After a four year of cost cutting and reorganisation Cyprus airways has managed to thier first profit in 4 years. The airline announced that 2007 has catapulted the airline out of the red (€7.2 million) and into a €1.2 mil profit. Chairman Kikis Lazarides was cautiously optimistic and said that under certain conditions, CY Air could secure its viability and continue to make profits. Uncertainty in the market exists and between demands from varied local unions, more determined competition and surging fuel costs the position is delicate. ‘We have won the battle, but not the war’ runs the caption. Implementation of the e-ticket and introduction of the electronic check-in have been very successful and a number of innovative measures and initiatives are in the pipeline to build on the present success. Partial renewal of its ageing fleet is also on the cards.

Kouklia village (10km east of Paphos) has been given the green light to proposal for a mobile desalination facility. Continuing problems with water supply has focused all the efforts to alleviate the water problems. Initially, the water cleaning facility is on the agenda followed by full desalination process of sea water. Plant at Kouklia will be a ‘small affair’ and will service the district for three years until a larger one is in operation. The temporary system is expected to be operational by April 2009 ad will produce 50 tonnes of clean water per hour.

Organisations such a CAAMRI (Cyprus American Archaeological Research Institute) and leading archaeologist interested in Cyprus history have propelled Cyprus into the world leadership as far as Neolithic Period in concerned. Uncovering cattle bones dating from 8200BC near Parakleshia near Limasssol & Ayios Yiorkis in Paphos confirm the earliest evidence of domesticated animal in Mediterranean region. This is the time when human beings stopped being nomads and settled down and started cultivating the land. Archaeologist believe the cattle were brought on reed rafts at the time when boats were not used because people had only flint tools and could not cut trees for wood.

The tale of cattle is only a fraction of ancient Cyprus history. According to Stuart Swiny (leading expert on ancient Cyprus) there is enough material in Cyprus to keep archaeologists busy for another 1000 years. CAAMRI has a massive 13,000 strong book collection on Cyprus. Every square meter of land is one of the richest places in the world with incredible profusion of archaeological remains from all periods, he says.

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