The local press is abuzz with the pros and cons of the proposed “amnesty” to solve the Title Deed saga. It is reported that there are over 130,000 outstanding title deeds and the long debated ‘town planning amnesty’ legislation proposed a whole host of measures. The need to give better protection to buyer’s rights and to end the negative impact that the Title Deeds issue has on property sales in Cyprus, the amnesty covers the town-planning and building irregularities. Some of those are developer related but some are owner generated, if for example, the owner made extensions, etc, without getting relevant permits. Measures include the new Immovable Property Sales (Specific Performance) Law which gives land contracts power over any mortgages owed to the banks by the seller.

So slowly but surely, news on property matters is becoming increasingly positive. More and more information is being given by the Authorities and the Land Registry has become a beacon of free and friendly information. There is much demand for properties with Title Deeds already issued and Fitzgerald’s market only those properties that either have the Title Deed or where the title deeds are ‘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. Fitzgerald’s 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.

There is an old saying on the lines of “You shouldn’t believe everything you read in newspapers”! Well, two items in the local newspapers caught our eye this month. The first stated that “Property Sales Slump Further”. Figures from the Land Registry Department show that March 2011 had the largest decrease in sales for nearly 18 months across the Island. Larnaca and Famagusta were the worst affected, with Paphos coming out best.

The second newspaper article stated “House Prices Down Across The Board”, with a sub heading that apartments were 10.8% down and houses 7.4% down, year on year. Both statements are painfully true. Today the demand for Cyprus properties has slowed down substantially. Buyers want more value for money, are far choosier and they are a lot more informed. For the sellers the most important factor is the recognition that the property heady ‘hey days’ are well and truly over and that they have to cope with the limitations of the ‘buyer’s market’. Buyers know it, and if they did not, a visit to any ‘popular’ seaside village or suburb with ever increasing numbers of ‘for sale’ boards will soon convince them that property sales are sluggish at best. However, this is a very painful reality check for the sellers, especially those who bought their properties between 2003-2007.

In that period the developer property price hikes seemed unstoppable, partly fuelled by increased demand and partially attributed to less than accurate market information given to the buyer. For the seller adjusting the price to reflect the present market conditions is anything but pleasant. For those who bought before 2003, it means that their profit on selling will be less, but should still be a profit. For those who bought property after 2003 and are trying to sell now, they may find that they receive less than they originally paid. The one saving grace for many people is that those who convert their Euros to Sterling get much more for their money than they did 3 years ago. The Cyprus Property Price Index report covering 2010 shows that there are ‘signs of price stabilization’ for holiday and permanent homes and Cypriots as well as foreigners are slowly returning to the market taking advantage of lower prices.

Bucking the trend How can we explain that Fitzgerald’s have had the best first 3 months of a year since we opened 8 years ago? Quite simply put, it is the intimate knowledge of the local market, keeping a keen eye on the local and global market trends and appreciating changing consumer behaviour. Customers are important in any market environment, however in the buyer’s market customer expectations and demands are far more pronounced as the buyer has the luxury of many choices. From the marketing perspective, Fitzgerald’s position their range of properties to make them ‘stand–out’ in the crowded market place. Daryl says “We offer a whole bundle of benefits to the global client: fabulous range of properties, realistic market prices, superior photography and presentation, Google mapping, daily reporting and real-time communications. Add to this package a continual investment in advertising, promotion, web support and constant research”, he adds. “With our knowledge and experience we have built a reputation for being honest, fair, reliable, hard-working and efficient. All of which together adds up to the value added customer service that clients appreciate and value giving us the opportunity to succeed”, says Daryl.

In fact Fitzgerald’s actively advertise for more properties as with our record number of sales, we need to replenish our “stock”. If you are serious in selling your property Fitzgerald’s is your next stop. The interest in Cyprus properties is there provided a) properties for sale represent good value for money, location is favourable and there is ‘wow’ factor to grab your attention.

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) has said that there are positive indications for the Cyprus tourist industry in 2011. April has been a good month so far due to the Easter holiday coinciding with Christian Orthodox and Catholic Religions this year. Hotels were kept particularly busy over the Easter long weekend. There have been increases in visitors from the German, Russian and Scandinavian markets making a good start to the summer season. Although fewer Britons visited the island in March compared to the same month last year, things are looking better for the summer months with UK bookings up 3% from last year.

This masterly designed villa represents everything you love in an ideal home: superior setting, flair of design, ideal lifestyle ambiance, tranquility and comfort.

Peyia Villa Vogue - The villa is almost hidden behind the colourful shrubs and trees spanning the extra generous frontage, assuring you of utmost privacy. Here you enter into a secluded world that’s full of colour and tranquility, a ‘heavenly’ Mediterranean garden enriched with a myriad of colours, shady retreats, and relaxing alcoves which surround the villa.

The villa facade features graceful arches which extend the open plan living room outwards to a beautiful garden setting with views to the pool area and the sea. The setting of the pool area is picture perfect too. Bathed in all day sunshine and enjoying the backdrop of the vibrant bottom garden with a good stretch of lawn, towering pine and palm trees, it’s a wonderfully private leisure and entertainment area.

To the back of your home, is a restful outdoor lounge area, cooled by westerly breezes and shaded during the long hot summer afternoons. If you are planning a dinner party for a large group of friends you’ll head to the east side of your home where you have a purpose-built outdoor dining terrace. Surrounded by trees and colourful shrubs it’s a well-screened picturesque setting where you can entertain in perfect privacy.

The villa interior is no less impressive. The L shaped open-plan interior is light and airy and designed for those who love to entertain. Cool crisp architectural lines embrace the Mediterranean flavour of the indoor/outdoor living environment with every window enjoying a garden vista.

The vast living room flows seamlessly to the front garden terrace through two sets of wide patio doors. At the far end, is a custom-designed gourmet kitchen with granite inlaid work areas, an elevated breakfast bar, generous storage and the convenience of a nearby utility/pantry room.

To the right of the kitchen, an idyllic formal dining room is surrounded by a gallery of bay windows and patio doors leading to the garden terrace. The setting is breathtaking! On the first floor there are three very generous bedrooms with graceful pitched ceilings and lots of wardrobe space. All bedrooms open to a stunning large balcony where you’ll be dazzled by the views to the sea and the expansive views of the countryside. The Master bedroom enjoys the privacy of a stylish private en-suite, whilst bedrooms 2 &3 share a generous family bathroom. It is hard to imagine a more idyllic setting – the elevated location, beautiful gardens, tranquil surroundings and a supremely comfortable interior await the new owner. First person to inspect will claim it!

Ref: 1226 - Peyia Villa Vogue

If you would like more stories and pictures why not take a look at the Fitzgerald’s Paphos Digest. It is published each month along with the Newsletter in an online magazine format, you can find it HERE.

Being a family business we have one office centrally situated close to and in walking distance of both the Harbour and the Tomb of the kings Road. Office hours are 9am to 5.30pm 6 days a week with no break for lunch. So if you are working and only have your lunch break to come and see us, you are welcome! If you have a property of any kind to sell in the Paphos area with Title Deeds in your name please come and see us also.

During the month of March, Fitzgerald Property Marketing has seen a substantial increase of inquiries from Russian clients besides a big increase in property purchases from British buyers. Overall the number of Russian visitors to Cyprus has risen from 165,000 in 2009 to a staggering 325,000 in 2011 and a substantial number will spend their holiday in Paphos not only relaxing but actively looking for property investment opportunities.

With Paphos bearing the brunt of the property slump, this is indeed very good news for the Paphos property market and the local tourist industry. “Russian buyers are very ‘canny’ and very choosy. They are significant competition for the British, Continental and local buyers for a full range of quality properties,”said Daryl Fitzgerald.

Many enquiries are web generated, where we cater to the Russian market through our featured properties translation facility and www.fitzgeraldprestige.com website. We have a permanent presence in the popular Russian lifestyle magazine – Moi Ostrov, (My Island). Moi Ostrov is also accessible via our website and www.moiostrov.com which is very popular in Russia.

We are also receiving many inquiries from clients (of all nationalities) who choose to explore for themselves and follow a Google Map tour of Fitzgerald’s range of properties. The map shows the exact location of each property, making it super easy to locate the property and experience first-hand what the property has to offer. The opportunity to privately survey the surroundings, check out the aspect and the overall appeal saves time and empowers the buyer, helping to make the right buying decision.

Most of the Russian buyers are professional or business people who appreciate our low key professional approach. They like the Cyprus welcoming way of life and prestige is an important factor in buying decisions. The ‘must have’ is a safe secure environment for the family and realistic prices come as a very positive bonus. To help deliver a top quality professional service to our Russian clients, we are in the process of securing a full time Russian speaker. Rivalry between Limassol & Paphos to attract Russian tourists is very keen and Limassol has been the city of preference for many a Russian buyer. Today, Paphos has a lot to offer too and many Russian families like the quiet beauty of the Paphos area. We have a number of excellent English schools as well Russian institutes, Russian bakeries and other shops to help service a growing Russian population.

Google anything to do with making a will in Cyprus and you will come up with many conflicting answers, ranging from “NO” to “DEFINITELY” and anything in-between. Ask 20 people here in Cyprus and you will get probably 20 different answers.

Wills are an emotive subject at the best of times and when you need the least hassle, you do not want to be confronted with Cyprus “red tape” which will almost certainly conflict with the UK “red tape”. If you are domiciled here then your entire estate is liable to Cyprus law, if you are domiciled elsewhere, then it is only your immovable property that is subject.

At the moment, the majority of people use a solicitor to draw up a Cyprus will and then use them as an executor/administrator. This is perfectly acceptable BUT, although the Cyprus Bar Association sets a minimum fee, it does NOT set a maximum. “Over-enthusiastic” lawyers may charge a lot more than you ever expected.

If you look on our website at the information pages, we have a list of lawyers who we use regularly for both business and personal matters. www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/finance_and_legal

Also, we have listed our chartered accountants, Y.Lazarou who have offices in both Paphos and Polis. They can act as administrators for your estate for a more than reasonable cost, of course depending on your circumstances. Contact then for a discussion on how they can help you.

Whatever you decide, you MUST do something! Without a will, Cyprus law states that your estate is divided between all your heirs as in some other European countries. Your spouse could be left with less than ½ of your estate.

So, don’t put this off – do something NOW!!

Orthodox and Western Easter celebrations coincide only every fourth year, but on this occasion, the heavens intervened and we celebrate the event together for the second successive year; a rare occurrence indeed in the church calendar.

Easter is the greatest holiday in the Christian Orthodox Church calendar and it all starts with Green Monday (or Clean Monday) which heralds the coming of Easter in 50 days time.

On Green Monday the entire Cyprus population is on the move, meeting up with extended family and friends, and heading for the Great Cyprus outdoors. Every green patch, seemingly, of the seafront, parks and valleys, brims with people and tables laden with delicious ‘green’ food. Children’s laughter echoes in the air whilst everyone catches up with the latest; then comes the universal kite flying, (something about freedom of breaking free and sailing high up to heaven).

The fast continues until Easter Saturday when at midnight a very special church service is celebrated. During the ceremony all lights are extinguished momentarily with the celebrant dramatically lighting a single candle. The flame is then progressively passed throughout the church, normally packed to the brim, and each person receiving the flame exchanges the greetings, “Christos anesti,” (Christ has risen) to which the reply is, “Alithos anesti,” (Indeed He has risen). It really is a beautiful sight and ceremony and the contrast between the utter darkness and the light of the thousand candles is an awesome and memorable sight.

Tricky bit comes next though: how to get the ‘Light of the Lord’ home where the flame will be kept burning throughout the year! To coincide with the church ritual, huge bonfires are lit and fireworks light up the night sky.

For a visitor, the extraordinary Easter festivities are a sight worth seeing and joining in is very exciting. So make your travel booking early!

Beach Villa for sale - Absolutely stunning, this beach front property is everything you have been waiting for. Wonderful open coastline at the bottom of your garden and a 7 roomed home where everything is possible. Situated within an exclusive luxury development and located at the end of a cul-de-sac, it has its own off road parking. This fabulous home carries a nautical flavour in its sprawling split-level design, accentuated by a clean white palette, textured walls, high ceilings and polished timber stairs. You’ll be instantly charmed as you take in the generous open plan living-dining room from the small hallway. Full of light and dominated by the priceless Mediterranean vista with its palm studded garden and the shimmering azure sea few steps away…. It’s a privileged setting few people are lucky enough to secure ……..Make sure it is you!

The entire living room flows to the expansive sea-front terrace. Partly covered and glassed- in on the western side, it is a perfect venue to relax, unwind and immerse yourself in Champagne-flowing al-fresco entertaining.

The garden extends some 50m to the beach and nearby, a newly constructed breakwater ensures you enjoy the sea in a safe and secure environment. A graceful archway to the left of hall leads to the galley-design kitchen. The kitchen is well appointed and functional, complimented by an expansive archway over the elevated breakfast bar overlooking the dining area.

On the right, you have an elevated (4 steps-up) bedroom wing with three well presented double bedrooms and a family bathroom. The master bedroom features a private full bathroom en-suite and enjoys enviable views across the gardens to the beach. The other two bedrooms face the colourful cul-de-sac.

On the lower level (10 steps down) you have an additional three super sized rooms, an entertainment haven for the extended family. There is room for a home cinema, games room and a family lounge with its own private terrace. Here you also have a shower bathroom. The Poseidon Village community also has the luxury of the elevated communal swimming pool and is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the sea views. The property is being offered to the market for the first time in 10 years which reflects its desirability. Importantly Title Deeds are available making this a secure investment for the future. This is an exceptional property that, both inside and out, exceeds expectation. The absolute beach front villa - the location is unbeatable. It’s a privileged setting for lifestyle that’s simply perfect.

Ref:1225 (Click on pictures to view property)

For the second year running, BirdLife Cyprus set a challenge for teams of birdwatchers to identify as many bird species as possible within a 24 hour period. The challenge takes place on 2nd April and will attracte teams from across the island. The winner is the team that records the greatest number of species.

The event includes night bird spotting to enable ‘owl watchers’ to compete. As well as being fun and competitive, the challenge also provides a wealth of data for conservation purposes. The winning team will be presented with a certificate at a ‘get together’ to be held towards the end of May.

BirdlLife is dedicated to the conservation of wild birds and their habitats in Cyprus and is currently working towards ending illegal bird trapping.

A local land mark – the Honduran-flagged Demetrios II which ran aground on rocks close to Chloraka, it is reported has been ear marked to become the latest project to attract marine tourism. It is hoped state funding will be approved to scuttle the ship to create an attraction for divers from all over the world. The idea was originally suggested in 2006 following the success of a similar project at Limassol. Government Departments are working together to undertake a study aimed at finding the ideal position to place the ship on the seabed. If given the go ahead, the project should be ready for next summer.

Each year Fáilte Pafos the locally based Irish Cultural group under the patronage of the Irish Embassy in Nicosia organise a St Patrick’s Celebration in Paphos. This years event took place on the Friday the 18th march at the Paphos Gardens Hotel in Kato Paphos and was sponsored by Fitzgerald Estates.

The special guest for the night was H.E. The Irish Ambassador, Patrick Scullion who is well know to many of the Irish in Paphos.

It was a night of good food, music, dance and good old Irish hospitality which attracted a wide range of nationalities as well as the Irish who were there to celebrate their national day.

The event was a great success and raised €1,485 for the St Michael’s Hospice 400 Countdown Campaign. The campaign is aimed at equipping and opening the hospice which has been built in the village of Mesa Chorio near Paphos.

If you would like more stories and pictures why not take a look at the Fitzgerald’s Paphos Digest. It is published each month along with the Newsletter in an online magazine format, you can find it HERE.

Being a family business we have one office centrally situated close to and in walking distance of both the Harbour and the Tomb of the kings Road. Office hours are 9am to 5.30pm 6 days a week with no break for lunch. So if you are working and only have your lunch break to come and see us, you are welcome! If you have a property of any kind to sell in the Paphos area with Title Deeds in your name please come and see us also.

Carnival is a time to celebrate and Paphos, as all the other cities on the island, is determined to make a good show of it. The global crisis has hit Paphos hard, especially the tourist and the building industry, but the tide has turned and a there is a buoyant mood in the air.

The preparations for the Grand Street parade continue in earnest as various charities, NGO’s, social and sports clubs, schools and leading businesses are preparing to participate. Plans for the decking out of giant floats, designing showy costumes and street choreographic routines all started well before February’s parade. In Cyprus it is a family and community affair and the town is abuzz with activities and... anticipation!

Paphos Municipality has set the scene with many carnival decorations taking the centre stage about town and this year they are even more flamboyant than ever. The Paphos fashion retailers are satisfied as well. The Grand Carnival Dance in our most prestigious of hotels, the Elysium, on the 4th of March will be patronised by who’s who and the competition to outshine is intense. “No expense spared”, one of the retailers ventures his observation on the status of the prestigious event.

As the city celebrates, at Fitzgerald’s the celebratory mood is much evident too. “January and February have been the best start to a New Year yet”, says Daryl Fitzgerald, instead of Rio many canny buyers are heading to Paphos to snap up quality Cyprus properties, perhaps sensing that this is absolutely the right time to make this crucial lifestyle investment.

Looking for realistic prices and the prized Title Deeds, knowledgeable and shrewd Cypriots, buyers from England and Russia particularly are leading the charge to secure quality Paphos properties from us in Paphos. While there is a healthy interest from as far away as Australia, are seeing the potential in resale property in Paphos. “We have achieved a cavalcade of quality properties with 20% more on offer to cover the whole range from small apartments to prestige villas so buyers have a great selection to choose from”, says Daryl Fitzgerald.

It’s a bungalow, but not as we know it! From its ‘uber’ cool black granite worktops with black and silver mosaic splash back, to its rooftop hot tub with mountain backdrop, this 3 bedroom bungalow oozes ‘villa’ style.

On a quiet street and hidden by hedging this superb home surprises and delights. From walking through the front entrance with black slate tiles and storage cupboards either side, into the living room with walnut laminate wood floor, you’ll be amazed by the stylish touches in this lovely property.

The living room has a gas fire set into a feature fireplace and looks great whether lit or not. Another feature to make you go ‘wow’ is the back-lit suspended ceiling with its huge stainless steel fan and light. Leave just the back lighting to the ceiling for those intimate nights by the fire or, when having friends round, light up the room and keep it cool with the light and fan. Flowing from the living room towards the kitchen is the dining room with its feature wall and suspended ceiling illuminated by stylish spotlights. Here friends can sit, talk and sip a glass of wine whilst you prepare dinner in your bright gourmet kitchen.

The kitchen has black slate floor tiles, beautiful cherry wood units with soft close doors and drawers and granite worktops with trendy black sink and flexible spout mixer tap to please even the most fastidious hostess.

The dining and the living room open to an expansive raised patio overlooking the pool. The pool area is a real sun trap but don’t worry, there’s the shady gazebo to escape the midday sun. The thatched gazebo is an ideal al-fresco dining spot and here you have the luxury of stone built-in BBQ, clay oven and enough custom designed bench space making outdoor entertaining easy and fun. Enjoy cooling drinks and savour the delicious home made souvla or other delicacies cooked in the Cypriot clay oven whilst listening to the water feature running into the pool.

Three good sized bedrooms with cream tiled floors, built-in wardrobes and tasteful decoration are bright and sunny. The master bedroom opens to a private patio and features private en-suite shower. Very generous family bathroom completes your home interior. Don’t worry about the garden either, with an abundance of shrubs and grey stone chippings it’s low maintenance, which means you won’t be spending precious ‘chill’ time gardening. When you tire of the pool, why not nip up the outside staircase to the rooftop hot tub and enjoy the view through the trees to the sea or marvel at the night sky over the mountains behind your new home.

To complete this property, there’s a single garage and driveway with covered parking for a further 3 cars, shed discretely tucked away to hide all those necessary items that you don’t want on show and a utility room. If you’re looking for a stylish and easily maintained home, this could be the one for you. Reference: 1208 (Click on pictures to go to property page)

We find ourselves in a changing world of travel and so do the airlines, the old established national carriers are finding it harder to compete with the newer leaner and more cost effective airlines such as EasyJet and Monarch. On one hand the Finance Ministry has warned that Cyprus airways could be grounded by April if a 20 million Euro state compensation package for loss of competitiveness is not approved by parliament. Staff of the struggling national carrier have accepted pay cuts and in some cases redundancy. If parliament did approve the cash support, the EU would have to approve it. The bloc’s competition laws state that Brussels has to give permission for governments to assist private and public companies, besides the ruling coalition AKEL is the only party which supports the funds. Cyprus Airways meanwhile is preparing a plan for how it will remain commercially viable for all political parties to study.

On the other hand EasyJet, Monarch and others are seen to be increasing their flights into Paphos. The modern world of travel seems to be one of efficiently run airlines offering a no frills service, maybe not as comfortable as in the old world but at least they keep running.

It is that time of year again! We are on the countdown to Paddies day and this year we are proud to be the main sponsor for the Paphos event. This years Fáilte Pafos St. Patrick’s Celebration will be held at the Paphos Gardens Hotel in Kleious Street, Kato Paphos on the 18th March at 7:30pm. So come and join the Irish in Paphos for their annual St. Patrick’s celebration where a wonderful welcome awaits you. With live Irish music, a hot and cold buffet, a prize draw and an abundance of Irish hospitality we are looking forward to a great night out.

The special guest will be H.E. The Irish Ambassador, Patrick Scullion on his second visit to Paphos. There will be a raffle in aid of St Michaels Hospice and all proceeds from the evening will go towards the hospice.

For those wanting to make a night of it The Paphos Gardens Hotel are offering a special B&B rate for that night of €46 for a double room and €35 for a single room. If you want to take up this offer please contact the hotel directly.

Tickets are available from the office here at Fitzgerald Estates, 74 Apostolos Pavlou Ave. Kato Paphos, or email: failte.pafos@gmail.com Tel: 99528943 / 96849213 or Call 99528943 / 96849213 or you can email failte.pafos@gmail.com. Their website is www.failte-pafos.eu

Here in Cyprus the first day of Lent Green Monday, is a day of joy, laughter and vegetarian picnics. Green Monday (March 7) is followed by a fifty day fasting period, during which Orthodox Christians prepare themselves to receive the Redeemer, shunning meat and dairy products and living on a vegetarian diet. Events and activities take place in all towns and villages across the island, here in Paphos it usually involves kite flying on the beach. Go along an join in the fun with food, music and dancing.

• Pafos: Kato Pafos (Faros Beach)
• Polis: Polis Municipal Beach

Alan and Melanie have just agreed to buy a very spacious top floor apartment in a block of only 4 with communal swimming pool. The couple are looking to spend lots of time in sunny Paphos and look forward to the healthy lifestyle!

Congratulations to Bob and Joy from Dubai on purchasing this magnificent Stroumbi Village House! Beautifully decorated, with an idyllic courtyard and many original ‘village’ features this wonderful property has been snapped up by this caring couple.

George from Paphos has agreed to buy a lovely town house in Chloraka with magnificent views of Paphos and the sea. Congratulations to this ‘canny’ young man!

Joby is delighted to agree to buy a delightful, spacious apartment in Kato Paphos close to everything so he can walk everywhere! Congratulations to the gentleman from England!

John and Sylvia came last week to see our property and bought a lovely, large apartment with a separate kitchen in quiet Peyia. Congratulations to the couple from Kent!

Office hours are 9am to 5.30pm 6 days a week with no break for lunch. So if you only have your lunch break to see us, you are welcome! If you have a property of any kind to sell in the Paphos area with Title Deeds in your name please come and see us.

Contact Us CY + 357 26 930 345

Fitzgerald Estates finished 2010 on a positive note with a 15% increase in sales over 2009. Hard to believe but it is true! However, it must be stressed, the success of 2010 has not been marked by the overall upsurge in demand but rather a change in buyer behaviour with regards to buying property in Cyprus. The Title Deeds are a crucial element in the buying decision nowadays and 90% of Fitzgerald’s properties have Title Deeds and the rest have no ambiguities and a very ‘clear path’ to obtaining them.

Daryl Fitzgerald says, “Buyers are savvy, knowledgeable and demanding. They want the Title Deeds. They pay great attention to the quality of information given, they want professional personal service that includes close attention to their requirements, and they want it all NOW!” Most buyers have cash and they come from everywhere - Britain, Russia, Asia, Cyprus, continental Europe and even Australia to buy from Fitzgerald’s and many of them have followed the company’s website on-line for a number of years.

Fitzgerald Estates business strategy is to market properties that reflect local market prices and this commitment will be continued. “The demand for quality property at realistic market prices is already evident now,” says Daryl. The website shows a substantial increase in visits, pages read, specific property questions asked and actual appointments made.

The investment in marketing, promotion and advertising is on-going too. The prevailing ‘buyer’s market’ conditions in Cyprus give the buyer a marked advantage in the marketplace. As the market is crowded with available properties to choose from, the need for the effective and far reaching exposure of the individual property is very important, if not vital.

Fitzgerald’s portfolio holds 70-80 properties only, “This is not a listing service,” says Daryl. “Each and every property we take on is painstakingly researched, firstly, to ensure that all is clear on the legal side, and secondly, that the property has the attributes our buyers are looking for.” With Fitzgerald’s expansive advertising and marketing program - global as well as local - the properties exposure is second to none. We market property on a Sole Agency basis for a limited time, usually 10 months, and we owe it to ‘our’ sellers to market their property successfully. We don’t charge any manner of up-front fees from the sellers, therefore we can only recoup our costs when we achieve the aim and secure a buyer for our client. “The motivation to market effectively and successfully is a powerful one,” says Daryl, “but given the success we are enjoying in the market place, the effort is well appreciated by buyers and sellers alike.”

Current market prices are not expected to continue at these low levels for the foreseeable future. The UK is the largest property investment group in Cyprus’ and when the British market recovers, as it is already doing in the south of England, the property prices in Paphos will increase. Canny buyers are taking advantage of this situation now.

Price ceilings on bread, milk, water, and other basics could be on the cards after the EU gave “tacit approval” for such a move, Commerce Minister Antonis Pascahalides has stated. “The European Union has given us the silent approval to set maximum prices for basic goods. The legal proposal has also been approved and I am due to present it to the ministers in the next cabinet meeting.” A ceiling on basic foodstuff was now a necessity, Paschalides said.

The first items to have a maximum price set would be milk, bread and bottled water. “But there is a provision in the bill, which will offer the opportunity if and when, to add to this list,” he said. Further good news came this week when it was announced that the EU Finance Commission have said that Cyprus needs to take no further steps to curb the budget deficit as adequate progress is being made. Together with an expected economic growth this year of 1.5%, could we be seeing some light at the end of a very long tunnel?

Carnival in Cyprus means a near two-week period of celebrations with a focus on food, before the 50 days of Easter. Limassol hosts the most popular celebration, while Larnaka and Paphos offer impressive parades and fancy dress balls. The first week of Carnival is Meat Week (Kreatini), where you eat as much meat as you can before Lent, leading up to Easter. The second week is known as the cheese week (Tyrini).

Accompanying all the eating is the entrance of King Carnival, the Children’s Carnival Parade, the Serenaders’ Parade and the Grand Carnival Parade of chariots and groups.

In Paphos, you can tell it’s coming up to Carnival when the supermarkets start selling fancy dress costumes.

St Georges with its picturesque harbour, stunning beaches and colourful countryside has always appealed to nature lovers and artists trying to capture the natural ‘magic’ of the blooming fields in spring or the ever fascinating coastline. To live here is to aspire to live the Mediterranean dream in a tranquil, secluded yet excitement-filled living environment.

Your home is sited in a private cul-de-sac in a quiet, friendly neighbourhood within easy reach of the village amenities and some 600m from the sea. The plot enjoys a wide frontage, fully landscaped to offer privacy. The villa is surrounded by colourful semi tropical trees and shrubs and, reminiscent of the setting of English stately homes, a row of verdant pencil pines line up the far edge of your pool.

The chalet style villa is designed to be a relaxing lifestyle haven. The interior is infinitely comfortable and stylish, arranged to capture plenty of natural sunlight and cooling sea breezes and transcending the indoor-outdoor living space.

Charming terraces and the sweeping master bedroom balcony overlook the grand swimming pool, garden and the al-fresco entertainer gazebo, a favourite destination during the long hot Cyprus summer, guaranteed! The Master bedroom enjoys views to the sea. What a lovely way to spend the evening hours star gazing and sampling award winning local wines.

Versatile and cosmopolitan, the feel of the interior complements the setting and, with its minute attention to detail, focuses on maximising and enhancing the living and entertainment spaces. Entry is to the imposing living room which features wide patio doors overlooking almost the entire back garden and pool.

The guest bedrooms wing, (shared shower bathroom) is to your right, whilst the expansive kitchen-dining is on the left of the living room. The kitchen looks onto the expansive driveway and also opens to the exciting side garden. Well equipped and thoughtfully designed, the kitchen features extensive cupboard space, granite worktops and an elevated double oven. Almost ‘wall to wall’ patio doors open the dining area of the room outwards to an arched, covered terrace, a wonderfully comfortable nook to laze away sunny afternoons.

St Georges Village is perched on an elevated plateau at the gateway to the Akamas National Park, a prized conservation area. For more lifestyle excitement, the Coral Bay Resort is a mere 7km away and 14km further on, is Paphos. Contact us for more information (Ref: (1209)

Being a family business we have one office centrally situated close to and in walking distance of both the Harbour and the Tomb of the kings Road. From the harbour walk up towards the Begonia Garden centre at the traffic lights and we are on the left just before the “Wishing Tree”. Coming from the Tomb of the kings turn right at the traffic lights (or cut through by the Roman Hotel) and we are a short way down on the right just after the “Wishing Tree”. Office hours are 9am to 5.30pm 6 days a week with no break for lunch. So if you are working and only have your lunch break to come and see us, you are welcome!

If you have a property of any kind to sell in the Paphos area with Title Deeds in your name please come and see us also. TEL: + 357 26 930 345 ~ +357 7000 8877 Fax: +357 26 930929

Fitzgerald Estates Marketing Services Solomos Court, 74 Apostolos Pavlou Ave. Kato Paphos, Cyprus, 8046

Happy New year and welcome to the first newsletter of 2011, taking us into our third year of Newsletters. Christmas and New Year was quieter than normal at Fitzgerald Estates and it would seem in Paphos generally, this was due more to the difficult weather conditions prevailing in the UK and parts of Europe. Once again bad weather put paid to many travellers plans with massive hold ups and cancellations.

For those that did manage to get through they were treated to some wonderful weather over the holiday period with daytime temperatures generally over 20C in Paphos and the night time temperatures remained reasonable too. Apart from one week of cooler weather and storms and rain it has remained remarkably dry too, a big improvement on the previous couple of years.

So another year passes by and what a remarkable year 2010 has been. This time last year as we came out of 2009, which had been a difficult year by any one’s standards, we were wondering what 2010 would bring. The Cyprus property boom was over and prices had fallen correcting the previously inflated prices. However, very little property was selling across the whole spectrum of the local market. At Fitzgerald Estates we have always believed that any future growth of the property market would be based around Re Sale Property and 2010 has shown that we have been right.

With continuing controversy over title deeds and worries over the stability of some of the developers during the downturn, the canny buyers have switched their attentional to the Re Sale market. Buyers appreciate the advantages of buying ‘what you see is what you get’ with no more trying to imagine what your off plan property would eventually look like. The benefit of buying a property with title deeds and in a mature development in undeniable; no surprise blocks of flats at the bottom of the once secluded garden! At Fitzgerald Estates the majority of our properties either have the title deeds or they are well on their way to being issued giving added peace of mind to your decision to buy.

At Fitzgerald Estates 2010 has been a good year for us. We have seen a consolidation of our traditional market while also developing new markets with our new Prestige Property Website. In 2011 we intend to continue offering the same quality service that we have become renowned for whether you are buying or selling a property. As we have always said “Fitzgerald Estates is a family company where communication, loyalty, trust and personal attention is guaranteed – From one company with one ultimate goal – Ensuring that all of our customers are satisfied customers.”

This prestigious family home of 317sqm is a beacon of innovation surpassing the codes of sustainable development with flourish. Creatively designed and impeccably finished it offers a living environment that speaks of comfort, harmony and free flowing luxury of space.

With Kingspan timber frame technology from UK this expansive ‘green’ home delivers high energy efficiency which meets the challenges of energy costs, environmental impact and sustainability…. It is truly a home fit for the 21st century.

Resting on a 695m2 plot, this striking villa surprises and delights in the most unexpected ways. The creative design offers a substantial 4 bedroom family home and an impressive self contained one bedroom apartment. For a family with teenage children, this gives a high degree of independence within a built-in ‘home’ environment.

Reminiscent of colonial style, the villa features a series of towering columns supporting the vast verandahs overlooking the pristine low maintenance garden, the central swimming pool and the outdoor dining and recreation area, under the custom designed pergola.

The Interior is light and stylish with high ceilings, clean lines and rich hued timber flooring ( fully insulated). The spacious living room only partially screens off the dining area and vast kitchen. The beautifully designed country kitchen, boasts solid wood bench tops, more than enough bench space, a breakfast bar and high quality fittings including a range hood, integrated dish washer, fridge, freezer, high performance oven and more.

Solid wood stairs curve around the outside wall to the expansive first floor landing where you find four delightfully roomy bedrooms and a huge entertainment terrace with glorious panoramic views to the undulating countryside and the sea.

The master suite is well separated from the children’s wing and boasts the privacy of an elegant en-suite with glass brick walk-in shower , ceiling spot lighting and marbled vanity unit. The remaining bedrooms are serviced by a generous family bathroom.

The adjacent apartment enjoys a separate entrance with its living room opening to the pool side terrace. The custom designed kitchen features striking white units accessorised by black splash-backs and ebony wood-effect worktops. The bedroom is of generous proportion and the bathroom features a corner Jacuzzi bath.

This thoroughly modern low maintenance ‘green’ home meets the code outlined by the 2016 Sustainable Homes Standards and is well set to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Securing this outstanding home today will be investing in a care-free future.

The Cyprus Mail is the English “speaking” newspaper here in Cyprus and every day gives a short forecast for 24hrs and a very short Outlook forecast.

You can imagine that in Summer especially, there isn’t much change in the weather. Sun, heat, humidity and as the year progresses, the temperature rises, reaches a peak and then falls as we move into Autumn and Winter. So the forecast is short and sweet – remaining hot, a slight rise in temperature – for example.

Winter is a bit different. We can have 4 changes of clothes in a day as when it’s sunny, out come the T shirts, but the temperature can drop up to 15deg in a couple of hours at this time of year. Strong winds, deluges, hail and even snow in the higher areas all give a bit of a variety in the daily forecast.

Recently whilst most of Europe has been having severe Arctic weather, Cyprus has been basking in glorious sunshine with daytime temperatures hovering around the 25deg mark. However, we have just recently had a spell of proper winter weather, (with the odd hot day thrown in) and it seems as if the forecasters gave up trying to work out what was happening. For quite a few days, the outlook forecast in the paper was as follows: “Much the same. Consistent in its inconsistency. Expect the unexpected”. Now there’s an honest statement which basically means that no-one has a clue.

However - it was correct - we had it all and no two days were the same. One day it was 10 deg, cold winds, rain and hail - the following day was 25deg with glorious sunshine and very warm. Its supposedly a very British thing to talk about the weather, but here in Cyprus, all nationalities discuss the temperature, the humidity, the coming week.

Cyprus it would seem has jumped on the International golf bandwagon and has garnered great reviews since the opening of the new Elea Estates golf club at Geroskipou in September. Golf.com, one of the largest golf websites in the world, has ranked Elea Golf club in its Top 10 International Golf Courses of 2010. The course has also been featured in the January 2011 issue of Golf World Magazine, a UK publication, Golf World called Elea Golf Club one of the world’s ‘most exciting new courses’.

The course, right next to Elea Estate, spans an impressive 6,900 yards and is dotted with olive and carob trees , wild grasses, and other native Mediterranean flora. The course has been designated an environmental protected area, so that the butterflies, birds and lizards that make their home here can be safe.

A local priest has received the highest honour London’s borough of Islington can bestow. Father Jim Kennedy of the Latin Parish was awarded the ‘Freedom of the Borough’ for years of dedicated service. The prestigious award, which dates back to the Middle Ages, recognises contributions to the local community.

Father Jim, whose family first moved to Islington in 1860, served as Roman Catholic Dean of Islington responsible for all Roman Catholic parishes in the borough and as Parish Priest at the Blessed Sacrament Church there. Additionally, he founded the Islington Veterans’ Association and ran the borough’s biggest community group. It was his community work and the harrowing crises he dealt with in his Islington parish which earned him recognition.

In 2009, Father Jim came to Paphos for a three-month sabbatical which he had been granted owing to the pressure of his work. He had had to deal with the fallout of four murders connected to his parish. During his stay the then incumbent Parish Priest Fr. John Sansour had a stroke and had to leave the island, Fr. Jim was then asked to stay and continue Fr. Johns work until a Parish Priest was restored. Fr. Jim had a very busy year until the new Parish Priest Fr. Carlos Frarera was installed in December. He will now be staying on in Cyprus to assist Fr. Carlos with his work in the parish.

Fitzgerald Estates continual commitment to market great quality properties at prices reflecting the local market conditions and trends is receiving a great deal of public attention. Having the courage to remain focused on this core niche, Fitzgerald’s have grown into a very successful business. The success of this strategy speaks for itself as Fitzgerald’s have achieved a higher Google ranking than even the biggest property companies in Cyprus - a strategy built on the expanding word-of-mouth recommendations and targeted promotion and advertising campaigns.

Staying attuned to market trends and changing market demands, Fitzgerald’s have launched a new website www.fitzgeraldprestige.com to meet the growing demands for prestige property investments. This website is the Lexus of Toyota or the Audis of Volkswagen and has proved so popular that it is already in the Top 10 in Cyprus and Paphos.

What makes a property Prestige? At Fitzgerald’s, ‘Prestige Property’ means far more than just the price tag. The new strategy is to feature properties that are ‘Prestige’ ie., have special attributes which make the property ‘stand out’ in the local market place, fully appreciating that we are covering the Cyprus, and particularly Paphos market, and not Kensington, for example. What makes a ‘prestige property’? The property can be big, medium or small, but it needs to have a great location, quality build and high class finishes, appropriate space inside and out and maybe, views of the sea. The niche ‘Fitzgerald Prestige’ properties carry the combination of these qualities. The properties featured on www.fitzgeraldprestige.com easily stand out in the local market place giving the buyer an instant up-to-date preview of memorable properties – properties that satisfy the growing demand.

You may have read that the credit rating for Cyprus has been downgraded from A+ to A taking us from the group including Chile and China to the new group including Bahrain, Czech Republic and Oman. The reason given is due to Cyprus’ exposure to the Greek government, customers and corporations which could negatively impact public finances. The Cyprus banking system is very strong as it is based on strong deposits and conservative lending. At the moment, The Cyprus Government is taking steps to reduce the GDP deficit by the end of 2011 enabling them to achieve the EU goal of 4.5%. Of course, none of the measures taken will be popular with everyday folk, but as in virtually every other country - needs must. The Cyprus Civil Service is coming under fire for having a “job for life” mentality and cuts in their wages are proposed. Tax evasion is being looked at in the private sector and consumers may be hit with increased taxes on tobacco – though some will say that’s a good thing!! However, Cyprus is still the place to be for rest, relaxation and a relatively cheap way of life – and don’t forget – we have the sun!!!!!

Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister Antonis Paschalides has said Cyprus is prepared to lose a certain percentage of the German tourism market rather than spend “excessive amounts” of money trying to lure them back. During his speech to the Annual Conference of the Euromed Academy of Tourism in Nicosia, he said the strategy on tourism – planned up to the year 2015 – envisages the enrichment of tourist experience and the enhancement of the quality of services offered.

The minister said Cyprus was having difficulties closing the gap in the German market following the demise of Eurocypria. While arrangements made to cover other markets that were affected by the closure of Eurocypria had been successful, there were still some problems with the German market.

The minister said he wasn’t sure of the exact number of German tourists that had been affected by Eurocypria closing down. “We haven’t clarified if they are 2,500, 3,000 or 4,000; at this moment, we can’t be 100 per cent certain about the possible number. In the end, it might be zero.”

German tourists for a long time have generated a steady supply of income, coming in second after the UK. The market, which peaked in 1997 when some 250,000 German tourists came to the island has however declined in recent years. Last year only 131,000 German tourists visited the island, and so far this year around 120,000 by the beginning of November.

One of the reasons the government does not appear too concerned with possible losses in the German market, is probably to do with the increase in the number of Russians visiting the island in the last three years. This year the number of Russians surpassed the number of Germans, making it the island’s second biggest source of tourists with over 213,000 arrivals between January and October. “The Russian market seems to be very strong and active, not just now, but for next year too,” said the minister. “Everyone is already preparing for this expected increase in arrivals from Russia next year, so that we are ready to welcome them.”

This villa is one of the most impressive and imposing examples of traditional 19th century domestic architecture . The setting is ideal. One of the largest tranquil villages in Cyprus, Pachna features a treasure trove of historically significant homes, a time capsule of the best of village lifestyle past.

Enjoying a large plot of 483sqm, the original cottage was built over a century ago. The restoration and significant extensions have been undertaken by the famous local architect Mr Economou in 1984 and follow closely Cypriot folk architecture which called for a house to be within fortified walls. Further improvements including central heating were added since then.

The villa was commissioned by the then Under Secretary General of the United Nations to be his idyllic personal and family sanctuary. Featuring a substantial formal living room, a separate open- plan kitchen with dining area, 3 bedrooms in the main building and an annex, the villa also has a guest bedroom suite. Wide porches span the main residence supported by graceful pointed arches on the ground floor and traditional Greek columns on the first floor. The first floor verandah flows to a substantial terrace which envelops the master bedroom. You’ll love the panoramic scenery of the countryside the view of the sea from here and indeed the whole first floor.

High stone walls screen the property from the road and access to the property is through a stone ‘gate house’ with a deep semicircular archway leading to a broad lower garden courtyard. Mediterranean lifestyle revolves around outdoor living with the central courtyard often regarded as a natural extension of the living room and this villa design faultlessly echoes the tradition. The design neatly incorporates wide outdoor stairs connecting the floors. Each floor features main door entry with internal connection between the rooms on the individual levels.

The orientation of the entire home is towards the central courtyard, a serene tree lined and fabulously private haven, a blissful environment where conversation flows freely and entertaining is an absolutely private affair, far removed from the pressures of any demanding work schedule.

Neither words nor pictures can adequately describe the sheer magnificence of this estate. It is truly something very special – viewings are a must!!!

Reference: 1199

Its 22 degrees on the 1st December and tomorrow we can go outdoor ice-skating in Paphos. A 200sqm temporary rink is being constructed by Paphos Municipality in the Town Hall gardens.

The rink will be open from 2nd December until around 10th January. Entrance is free and if you need lessons, the cost ranges from €10 for group lessons and €20 for individual tuition. You don’t need to have your own ice skates as these will be available for hire. The Paphos Figure Skating Club has recently been formed – the athletes train at the ice rink in My Mall at Limassol.

So next time you’re coming to Paphos during the Christmas holiday season, as well as packing your swimwear, don’t forget your skating gear.

Office hours are 9am to 5.30pm 6 days a week with no break for lunch. So if you only have your lunch break to see us, you are welcome! If you have a property of any kind to sell in the Paphos area with Title Deeds in your name please come and see us.

Contact Us CY + 357 26 930 345

The Cyprus property market has now become a mature market where buyers have a wide selection of quality resale properties as well as new properties released by the developers. An ending of the property boom has also changed buyer thinking. With lots of properties on offer, the buyers have the luxury of being particularly demanding. Core values, such as quality, title deeds, innovative design and price have always been important. However, in the luxury of the ‘buyers market’, the property buying process has focused buyers on ‘value added’ qualities. These include property presentation, quality of information, visual appeal, ‘wow factor’, and marketing appeal, etc. Furthermore, buyers have become ‘time poor’ and want all the information now. In other words, they want property that ‘stands out’ in the crowded market place - anything else is in a real danger of not being noticed at all.

Fitzgerald Estates pride themselves in delivering just that – through tried and tested methods over the last 7 years. With continual investment and development of a successful on-line marketing program, they have achieved the coveted No.1 ranking on Google for resale properties for Paphos and Cyprus since 2005. All properties enjoy the UK’s Rightmove website, with Premier Listings updated daily. Each and every property in the Sole Agency Portfolio enjoys proven unsurpassed presentation in the market place. High quality photography, a comprehensive list of the features with detailed floor plans make it super easy for the buyer to have ALL the specifics of the property.

Fitzgerald Estates on-line brand has earned a solid reputation as a purveyor of top quality properties at realistic market prices backed by the intimate knowledge and experience of the local market. Fitzgerald Estates’ monthly newsletter and Podcast reach a wide spectrum of the on-line audience all of which focuses attention on the Fitzgerald brand and our range of selected properties. As well as the top internet rating world class website, Fitzgerald’s also features prominently in the print media with a full page advertisement every day in the Cyprus Mail plus a regular press release. Features and articles are published in the Russian magazine ‘Moi Ostrov’ and further programs are being developed to reach other markets. The Google Location Map shows the exact site of the property and gives the buyer the opportunity to visit the location to check out the living environment of the area. There is no wasting of precious time on vague viewings that don’t meet your requirements!

Fully aware that the buyer is also interested in the quality of lifestyle that the property will offer, Fitzgerald’s expertly put together a lifestyle description which gives the buyer a glimpse of the lifestyle they will enjoy there. Under Fitzgerld’s Sole Agency Agreement, the commitment to promoting each and every property is top priority. There are no up-front marketing fees or charges to offset the cost of promotion and advertising programs. Fitzgerald’s rely solely on their experience in this niche market to make your property ‘stand out’, attract a buyer and achieve the sale. ‘No Sale, No Fee’… The company thrives on challenge and after 7 years of sales and marketing successes they continue to innovate. The launch of Fitzgerald Prestige has propelled the Fitzgerald brand into a new niche market benefitting both sellers and buyers of up-market deluxe properties. This means that the seller will get the best service to achieve a sale and the buyer can be assured that each property with Fitzgerald Estates has been well researched and the purchase price sought is correct for the current market. Once the price is agreed, and deposit paid, there is no ‘gazumping’. Fitzgerald’s high profile marketing and unwavering commitment is reflected in years of marketing successes and the future looks just as promising.

The new part of our website is proving to be a big success as people more and more are looking for real quality in the properties they are wanting to buy. You can visit the Prestige Properties website at www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/prestige

The new Irish Ambassador to Cyprus Patrick Scullion made his first visit to Paphos at the invitation of Fáilte Pafos the Paphos based Irish cultural group on Friday 22nd October. Fáilte Pafos had organised a meet and greet evening with a buffet supper and wine tasting by the Kalamos Winery. More than 90 people turned out to welcome Patrick to the town and enjoy a very sociable evening.

Patrick Scullion who originates from Dublin is looking forward to his stay on the island and will be taking time out to enjoy the islands golf courses. Nicosia is his first ambassadorial posting and Patrick presented his credentials to President Christofias during the summer. He speaks French, a bit of Hindi and intends to try and get his tongue around the Greek language. He has served in north Ireland, London, New Delhi and Sydney as Consul General prior to coming to Cyprus.

Daryl Fitzgerald whose family has an Irish heritage joined with the Paphos Irish and their friends to ensure a very warm welcome for the Ambassador.

Lap of Luxury, Stunning and Romantic St George’s lifestyle haven boasts all the essentials for modern living with unsurpassed attention to detail and a luxurious and desirable extras for a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. This attractive two level villa is perfectly positioned in a quiet cul-de-sac at the gateway to Akamas National Park, with the sea a mere 600m away. Three generous bedrooms, flowing living areas, a colourful garden and impressive outdoor entertainment areas are set to impress.

Be spoilt by a crisp cool interior with its sophisticated fusion of natural elements, light and space. Echoing the exclusive Med lifestyle the wonderfully appointed central living room flows onto the private patio and sparkling blue pool, complete with wide Roman steps and flowing rainbow-coloured pool lighting.

The expansive living room features graceful arches leading to the dining room and kitchen on one side, and opposite, two guest bedrooms. The master bedroom boasts the privacy of a spacious en-suite and commands the entire first floor, extending outwards to a semi circular balcony with panoramic views to the sea and the picturesque garden setting below. You will love the generously sized, custom designed, Italian kitchen, fitted with gleaming granite bench top and stainless steel Neff fittings, including a range hood, split level oven, double fridge/freezer and more.

In an intelligent use of space, sliding doors literally bring the outdoors in and allow easy access to the entertaining areas, giving a feeling of endless space and freedom. Enjoy resort style living with an inviting alfresco dining area that incorporates a traditional stone BBQ, dining courtyards, a low maintenance vibrant garden, sun-decking and an inviting pool. St George’s nestles on the very edge of the famous Akamas National Park and boasts the most pristine and stunning stretch of coastline. The untamed beauty of the area has become a magnet for the ‘privileged set’, with fabulous homes, fashionable people and exclusive neighbourhoods. Be part of it and enjoy life.

Ref: 1196

Fitzgerald Estates is proud to be the sponsor for the next production at the Emba theatre in Emba village. The Stage One Theatre Group will be performing a stage version of Dad’s Army based on the highly successful TV show. The performance will be 29th November - 4th December 2010, Curtain Up 7.30pm. The Stage One Theatre Group is a group of primarily ex-pats who get together and perform in public, usually 4 times a year and generally have a lot of fun doing it. With a steadily growing membership (currently over 200) this group has built a solid reputation in Cyprus for its quality and range of productions including comedy, drama, musical and pantomime. Aside from the more serious aspects of public performance, there is an active social side much enjoyed by the members.

The original group was started in 1985 by a lady called Freda Worsnop and the first performance was in someone’s garden! They have also performed in an art gallery, with a caravan outside for changing, and in a school gymnasium. Their current venue, Emba Theatre, was acquired in 1987 and the group became ‘Stage One’. The first production at Emba Theatre was ‘Gaslight’ using borrowed lighting. Stage One has come a long way since those days, with excellent lighting and sound consoles, the floor carpeted, new seating and the theatre is now able to seat an audience of 230.

If you have not seen a performance by the group you may just be surprised by the variety and high standard of entertainment on offer. The telephone box office opens Monday 8th November, Monday to Friday between 10.00am & 1.00pm, Tel: 99-967737. The theatre box office will be open from Monday 8th November, Monday & Friday only, from 10.00am to 12.00 Midday, or you can email: boxoffice@stageonetheatre.com to reserve your seats.

As you read this, there are less than seven weeks to Christmas. Here in Cyprus, the sun is shining and it’s a very pleasant 25 degrees. How can we think about Christmas when most of us are still in shorts and sleeveless tops? Well, already the shops are putting their finishing touches to their Christmas displays and “baubles, bangles and beads” are on the shelves in abundance. Christmas is not as important a festival for the Greek Orthodox Church as Easter and so in years past, the lead up to Christmas only started a week before the day itself. Now, however, anticipation starts a couple of months before, due mainly to the influence of continental Europeans who live here.

The weather at Christmas can vary from year to year. Last year it was very mild, the sun shone and the walk along the harbour on Christmas morning was a true delight. The previous year was very cold with a chilly wind. This year, what with record summer temperatures, who knows what we’ll be wearing this time. We look forward especially to the week before Christmas, when the schoolchildren in Paphos go from shop to shop and office to office singing carols and collecting money for charity. Nowadays, the city is an absolute cauldron of activities. The little street train goes around the old town and the young and young at heart take advantage of the ride. Shops are decked out in Christmas decorations and popular Christmas melodies are in the air. The atmosphere is positively neighbourly and friendliness abounds in a ‘Good will to all men’ way . ‘Kalo Christouyena ‘ is of course a by-word and even the hardiest of personalities soon get into the merry way of the Cypriots. Everyone is happy and even queuing for the last strand of tinsel on Christmas Eve is a jolly affair.

Everywhere, Christmas is a family time with lots of food to be consumed and children take priority. Cypriot tradition has it that present giving is reserved for New Year’s Eve when a cake called Vasilopitta is made and cut at midnight. If you find the coin that’s been baked in the cake, then you will have good luck for the coming year. For the rest of us, it’s Christmas pudding and the lucky penny, but then what’s the harm in trying to strike lucky twice? For the children, two sets of presents are most welcome too. And … there is always ‘Epiphany’ on the 6th of January (the last of the twelve days of Christmas) when the children go to visit their grandparents and Aunties and Uncles and are given a gift of money.

I does not seem that long ago, but the St Michael’s Hospice Christmas Party has come around again. It will take place at the Alexander the great Hotel on Friday, 3rd December 2010. The evening includes a live show by KBE entertainment, Live Greek Dancing, Irene Robertson (Vocalist) and from Rock FM Paphian Paul. A full international Buffet with local wines, beers, soft drinks & waters. The all inclusive price is €35 (€15 for children). All proceeds to buy equipment and medication for the Hospice. Tickets are Available from Fitzgerald Estates, Phillip 99819891 & Brenda 99804161.

Office hours are 9am to 5.30pm 6 days a week with no break for lunch. So if you only have your lunch break to see us, you are welcome! If you have a property of any kind to sell in the Paphos area with Title Deeds in your name please come and see us. Contact Us CY + 357 26 930 345

When venturing into the property market, for most people, foremost in their mind is the quality of the property they will get for their money.

This ‘quality’ encompasses many aspects – location, outlook, fittings, décor, neighbours, amenities, the standard of finish and calibre of construction to name a few. However, the decision to buy does not rest there, a host of intangible qualities impact on the decision.

This is the ‘feel’ of the property which is very important to every buyer and particularly the ‘homemaker’, whoever that might be in the family. On the whole, it is often women who lead the homemaker league and they are very attuned to the ‘feel’ the property carries. The overall ambience is of utmost importance as is the answer to the question, ‘Will I be happy here?’

Intangible and very personal though these might be, and very different to every client, at Fitzgerald Estates we ensure that each property benefits from highlighting as many ‘quality’ attributes as possible and ensuring the ‘feel’ attributes are actively enhanced and displayed.

At Fitzgerald Estates the property selection starts early to ensure that properties brought to market are more than bricks and mortar, facts and figures, but also feature the ‘enjoyment’ factor and desirable lifestyle qualities – important in buying decisions.

Focusing on the all important ‘feel good’ factor we excel in our photography which may require multiple visits to a property to capture the particular image or mood. The descriptive narrative offers a ‘glimpse’ of the lifestyle you can expect there and the location map puts the buyers into the actual neighbourhood, all of which empowers the buyer.

The actual buying process at Fitzgerald Estates is smooth and happy because almost all of the properties have their Title Deeds and the remainder are very close to having them issued.

The new part of our website is proving to be a big success as people more and more are looking for real quality in the properties they are wanting to buy. You can visit the Prestige Properties website at www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/prestige

Budget airline easyJet has said it is launching a new twice weekly route from Paphos to Edinburgh later this year while British Airways (BA) said it was suspending its Gatwick flights from the coastal town at the end of next month.

EasyJet said the new flights to Edinburgh would be available from November 3 – running twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays – with fares starting at £31.99 (€38) one-way. EasyJet now flies to Gatwick, Luton, Bristol and Manchester from Paphos and to Gatwick from Larnaca. All flights are available to book online at www.easyJet.com

Meanwhile BA said it was suspending its popular Paphos-Gatwick flights as of the end of October until March 27, 2011. BA said the move was part of its plan to save money, reduce costs and remain competitive. The airline has given assurances that it would keep a close eye on movement within the aviation industry in the region, and if there was an upward trend it would respond accordingly. Paphos is not the only destination to have its flights slashed, BA Gatwick flights bound for Antalya and Izmir in Turkey has also been frozen for the winter season.

There were two main consortium’s interested in taking over the Paphos Marina project - Leptos & Poseidon. Poseidon was the company that got the contract for the Marina but unfortunately for reasons unknown the authorities have failed to give the OK to start the project , resulting in it being delayed now for over a year.

Poseidon have issued a statement in the local paper stating what is happening in the development of the Marina, and also to dispel the rumours that it is themselves causing the delays. Together with their lawyers they are considering suing legally for the delay caused. Poseidon are ready to start the Marina and believe now is right time to do so.

Peyia has become the most dynamic growth area in Paphos District spurred on by close proximity to the very fashionable Coral Bay, Sea Caves and Akamas National Park. Whilst living in Peyia could well be described as ‘tranquil country living’, the excitement of the resort lifestyle of Coral Bay, is only 3km away. For those wanting to pursue more ‘tranquil’ activities, the area boasts fabulous opportunities for bird watching, horse riding, hiking, nature trails and much more. The imposing Villa Ceretonia is set in a quiet prestigious neighbourhood of high quality homes, a number of which are private holiday properties. Focusing on high quality lifestyle, the location offers serene surroundings, views, space and privacy. Sited on a generous 535sqm plot, this architecturally designed villa (packed with interesting detailing) offers four spacious bedrooms (two with en-suites) an expansive living area, separate kitchen, scenic balconies and enviable outdoor entertainment terraces.

Natural tones and natural light permeate the elegant interior throughout. Two sets of grand patio doors open the expansive living room to the lifestyle pool and garden terrace entirely covered by flowering bougainvillea.

A few steps away, is an inviting walk-in swimming pool and just beyond, a restful wooden gazebo gracing the bottom of the garden. A traditional stone built BBQ is strategically positioned to offer maximum convenience when entertaining outdoors.

The graceful archway off the living room leads to the family sized kitchen, fully equipped and with ample storage units. A small arched opening above the sink area has a delightful outlook to the dining area and beyond, to the poolside terrace.

One of the two bedrooms on the ground floor also opens to the pool and garden, whist the second bedroom enjoys both garden and hill views. The family bathroom (with built-in laundry nook) is also located on the ground floor.

Upstairs, a bright landing branches off to two sumptuous bedrooms. Both feature high sloped ceilings, floor to ceiling wardrobes, shower en-suites and, coupled with plenty of light, a fabulous scenic outlook from every corner. The master bedroom enjoys a picturesque private balcony. The second bedroom opens to a huge entertainer terrace. This is a property for a privileged lifestyle. It’s a relaxation haven for you, your friends and family. A rare offering.

Ref: 1187

Peyia now has a new supermarket on Agios Georgios Street in Coral Bay, Peyia. This must be the biggest shop in Pegeia, and will soon be getting even bigger. Currently the supermarket is on the ground floor, but as of the 20th December 2010, there will be a D.I.Y. Store in the basement, with the first floor becoming a shopping centre with nine stores offering clothing and shoes for men, women and children along with a hairdressers, pedicures and manicures.

Then in May 2011 the top floor will house a cinema and cafe. The Super Market offers a Bonus Card to its customers, with Euros off your shopping bill with the points collected, along with 10% discount at Georges Ranch and Namos St George. The City Super Market is open every day from 7.30a.m. - 9.00p.m.

Neo’s Sports Club is a new club which had its grand opening in July by the Arch-Bishop of Cyprus and The Minister of Health. Neo’s is a very modern venue, tastefully decorated with state of the art electronic lighting and sound systems.

Neo’s caters for all sorts of Sports including:-

A Bowling Green - which will be holding the National Competitions for bowling in Cyprus

3 x Dart Boards - Soon to be holding competitive darts competitions

3 x Snooker Tables, 3 x Table Tennis Tables, Pool Table, Chess, Backgammon, Cards, Dominos, not to mention all sports covered on large T.V’s, along with free open Wi-Fi. The establishment is set over three floors, with the middle floor being a dining area, catering for casual dining and also Fine Dining (It is strongly recommended to ring and book well in advance for the Fine Dining).

Private parties can also be catered for, with parties of 50 people in Fine Dining, and 70 in the upstairs Terrace, which has magnificent views over Peyia. There is also live music four times a week. Neo’s is open every day from 9.00a.m. - 2.00a.m., and they are also offering a loyalty card. For just 10 euros for a years’ membership, you then receive 10% off all food and drink, not only in Neo’s, but also the Neptune Restaurant in Coral Bay, The Amusement arcade in Coral Bay, and the Mill in Peyia.

Directions: Turn right past The City Supermarket on Agios Georgios Street Coral Bay, at the top of the road turn left, and just follow the road straight on, Neo’s is just a few minutes drive away situated on the left hand side in Panayias Agridiotissas Street - Telephone: 26622900

Office hours are 9am to 5.30pm 6 days a week with no break for lunch. So if you only have your lunch break to see us, you are welcome! If you have a property of any kind to sell in the Paphos area with Title Deeds in your name please come and see us. Contact Us CY + 357 26 930 345

You may have noticed our new on line publication the ‘Paphos Digest’ which we have been running for the past few months. It is the best of the newsletter and a lot more. We are still developing it but it is a lot more glossy than the good old newsletter and gives us an opportunity to make the content more interesting.

It is issued during the first week of each month, you can link to it from the front of our website or Click HERE to take a look.

In the last 12 months Fitzgerald Estates has seen an increasing demand for distinctive, luxury properties as the website continues to lead the crowded, online, real estate space.

Since 2005 Fitzgerald Estate has enjoyed the coveted No 1 on the front page of the Google search engine for Re-sale Properties in Paphos and Cyprus.

www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com consistently drives more traffic, generates more high quality inquiries and stays ahead of the competition.

The detailed descriptive content, superb photography, and location mapping, are coupled with the company’s commitment to offer properties at prices that reflect local market trends. It is all about giving the global consumer an opportunity to secure great properties at realistic local market prices, in the knowledge that a reputable and experienced team will protect their interests.

The cornerstone of this commitment is the real-time response to any inquiries from clients across the globe. Continually building trust and confidence in Fitzgerald Estates with clients, both locally and globally, we unwaveringly deliver top quality products to the market and outpace any other real estate website dealing with the Paphos property market.

Building on this success, and in response to the continuous demand for luxury, distinguished properties across the spectrum of superior design, build, location and position, we are launching the Fitzgerald Prestige Property arm of www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com.

The new Fitzgerald Prestige Property website can be accessed from www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com home page. The new Fitzgerald Prestige Property website can be accessed from the front page of our website (or by clicking HERE).

A single click on the Prestige Property icon will take you to a dynamic web presentation. With enhanced images, a sophisticated easy-to-use slide show and/or interactive picture gallery. Finding your dream home has never been easier....

We are definitely seeing a hardening of realistic prices for quality property during our long hot summer here in Paphos, Cyprus.

More and more people from many origins are recognising this fact and focusing their attention on Fitzgerald Estate to satisfy their dreams and their budget.

New clients from Britain include Peter and Cathie, Brian and Lesley, Robin and Jenny, and from Russia, Aleksander, Sergei and Ludmilla

Everything is straight-forward at Fitzgerald Estates. Everyone is treated with respect so that it does not depend on who you are or how much you wish to spend. Their trained team of professionals listens carefully to the buyer and seller to understand fully what they want.

During August at Fitzgerald’s we have sold:

Kissonerga An older three bedroom two bathroom apartment with fantastic views in Kissonerga near the asking price of €120,000.

Peyia A 2 bedroom ‘show house’ townhouse with communal pool in Peyia with lots of space and wonderful sea views, very close to the asking price of €169,000.

Peyia Another beautiful 2 bedroom 2 bathroom townhouse with outstanding sea views and exquisite outdoor dining area only 150 metres to the new shopping strip in Peyia, very close to the asking price of €160,000.

Love of Cyprus’s traditional architecture and its affinity with the local countryside were the decisive factors in choosing a picturesque country setting for this Cypriot inspired residence.

This infinitely appealing home stands aloft a massive elevated plot of 1730sqm offering spectacular views to the Troodos Mountains and the countryside. The plot is slightly sloping at the back boundary, and here the entire area features a number of gentle terraces. The lower terrace features an oversized pool surrounded by terraces and grand stretches of garden. The terrace slightly below the pool is beautifully landscaped, featuring many mature trees.

The entire home is on one level (street level) with a vast and dynamic outdoor entertainment and living areas surrounding it. Inside, the contemporary and traditional blend effortlessly. Grand open spaces within flow outdoors with such flair and ease that the boundaries are blurred, creating an overwhelming abundance of luxurious space. An idyllic country hideaway.

The lounge – kitchen area can be opened out in summer or closed in to use the open fireplace on winter nights. Exposed timber beams support the high sloped ceilings and complement the graceful stone arches, natural stone detailing and the rustic tone of the ceramic floor tiles.

To the rear, the large kitchen has masses of floor and wall cupboards and enough work surfaces to please the most fastidious chef. During the summer you may want to use the summer kitchen, fully fitted and equipped, which conveniently connects to the covered outdoor terrace.

Coupled with a fully decked out, built-in BBQ (beside the imposing wood inlaid dining deck), entertaining friends and family is easy and fun. This delightful country residence has three generous bedrooms. The master bedroom and the 2nd bedroom have large mirrored wardrobes.

Wrap around panoramic views, the cooling summer breezes, charming interior and an abundance of lifestyle features inside and out, make this the most desirable country address in Cyprus.

You are only 10km from Paphos International Airport, 22 km from Paphos town and 8km to the Aphrodite Hills Golf Resort. Viewing highly recommended.

REF: 1185

The Fitzgerald family celebrated the wedding of their eldest Son Terry to Mingqian Li. The ceremonies took place in Beijing in China and in Paphos, at the picturesque church of Ayia Kiriaki, the Church by Saint Paul’s Pillar. The summer saw the Fitzgerald Family meeting up in Beijing for the Chinese ceremonial part of the celebrations which were conducted in the courtyard of a 150 year old Restaurant in downtown Beijing. The family then returned to Cyprus along with Mingqian’s parents Chaoran and Chunguang for the celebrations in Paphos where they were joined by the Polish members of Anna’s family. It turned out to be one of the hottest and stickiest days of the year, but Terry showed great resolve maintaining an air of composure whilst wearing the full wedding suit.

After a brief stay in Cyprus the happy couple have returned to china and will make their home in Shanghai. Mingqian is busy working on her doctorate in International Law at Shanghai University and Terry is happily employed at Evapco, an American subsidiary, located in Shanghai. We wish them a long and happy life together.

Our sincere thanks goes to Mingqian’s parents, all our friends and relatives who come from Australia, Poland and Japan to join in the celebrations. Many thanks to all in the Paphos Parish community for their good wishes and support and a special thank you to Fr Jim who made the service a very happy memorable experience.

If you visit Paphos or plan to live here, you may not always want to drive and so there is a website that gives details of all the bus routes, timetable, maps and prices. All Paphos routes have fixed prices - €1 for a one way ticket and €2 for a daily ticket. Such good value - for example, a bus ride from Coral Bay to the Waterpark costs only €1, but even better value, for the same amount you can visit Petra Tou Romiou – Route 631.

So, when you’re here, give the car a rest and sit back and take in the stunning scenery.Take a look at the informative and interesting web site at www.pafosbuses.com

You may have noticed our new on line publication the ‘Paphos Digest’ which we have been running for the past few months. It is the best of the newsletter and a lot more. We are still developing it but it is a lot more glossy than the good old newsletter and gives us an opportunity to make the content more interesting.

It is issued during the first week of each month, you can link to it from the front of our website or Click HERE to take a look.

With the summer here Daryl and Anna have jetted of to China to join with other members of the Fitzgerald family for the wedding of their son Terry who will be married to his lovely bride Mingqian in Beijing. On their return along with Terry and Mingqian they will be holding another ceremony here in Paphos at the St Paul’s Pillar Church on Wednesday 18th August. A busy time for the family, we wish Terry and Mingqian best wishes for the future.

Most people love property and naturally wish to buy the most beautiful property for their budget. Recently, we have heard from the market that these same people love Fitzgerald Estates presentation, many big pictures, lifestyle stories and details of properties on our website www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com. This website is a cut above anything else and there are many stunning ‘show house’ properties that people have bought recently and there are more to come! There are not so many really lovely properties on the market at prices aimed to sell. This of course is crucial and Daryl Fitzgerald knows the market prices because Fitzgerald Estates only sells quality resale property. Presentation is worth 10’s of thousands to the seller AND the buyer.

So, for those sellers who want a realistic price for their ‘show house’ which buyers are prepared to pay, then Fitzgerald’s has the know-how for you. How do you make your house a ‘show house’ or close to it? The obvious is to de-clutter (throw away any old pieces you can do without) and do lots of painting - inside and out. The garden is very important. It is definitely worth trimming and beautifying!

Should you want to have a chat about your property or want to buy your ‘show house’, you are welcome to visit Fitzgerald’s between 9am and 5.30pm (no break for lunch!), 6 days a week, Monday to Saturday, situated on Apostolos Pavlos Avenue, the road going to Paphos Harbour from the Begonia traffic lights.

The hot and sticky summer months are always a slower time for selling properties here in Cyprus. In fact due to the climate just about everything apart from the tourist industry takes on a much slower pace! Even with this and the global downturn properties are still selling here at Fitzgeralds. Here are two of the great properties we have sold the during July:

Chlorakas It is hard to imagine a more idyllic setting. Picturesque garden offering plenty of interest, colour, shady retreats, art-Deco inspired architecture with focus on indoor-outdoor lifestyle. 500m from the sea.

Chlorakas An older property with plenty of character and appeal. Ground floor apartment with elevated private courtyard and views to pool and the sea. Bright and roomy interior, very close to the asking price.

Easyjet has additional flights to Paphos with a new route from Bristol Airport – this makes for four airports where Easyjet fly to Paphos from UK – The latest estimates show that during 2010 some 475,000 plus passengers will travel with Easyjet alone to Cyprus! This of course is only one of the many airlines coming to Paphos from the European Union and Russia. In spite of the global downturn budget airlines such as Easyjet are enhancing their numbers of flights to Paphos while national carriers like BA are scaling back their services.

During the month of August the highlight of the month is the feast of the Dormition or Assumption of Our Lady on August 15th this is celebrated throughout the Greek Orthodox world and is considered the third most significant festival in their religious calendar.

It is also the name day for those with the names of Maria, Maroula, Despina and Marios. Special dishes and sweets are made during this festival some of which are Koupes and Loukamades, the former being a couscous filled with mushroom or meat mixture, made into a cigar shape, and the latter a sweet dough fried and rolled in honey. Each village will have its own celebrations and of course many businesses close for a one or two week holiday during this time.

August is also a traditional wedding month, and there are many Cypriot wedding traditions, from blessing the newly married couples mattress by the priest, to sewing red crosses into the mattress and traditional dances performed by the village woman around the linen for the newly weds. There was also traditional shaving of the bridegroom, the last time as a single man! Today Paphos is a world wide setting for many wedding couples from around the globe, what better place to chose than the Island of love itself. (Photo Courtesy of www.paphosprestigeweddings.com)

Many people are unaware there is a new University in Paphos – Neapolis University which will be running degree courses in Business and finance related subjects, Health Sciences, Architecture and Construction related studies. Many of the courses are taught in English. The new campus of the University, only the second in its kind in Cyprus, will be open in 2010.

Cyprus is the top country to retire to! According to a recent survey by the Sunday Times, Cyprus is first where it comes to retirement countries. Nine sectors were compared in the survey, from income tax, inheritance tax, property costs, living costs, ease of residency, healthcare, climate and culture. Cyprus scored well on all counts and also for its choice of flights to UK airports.

You may have noticed our new on line publication the ‘Paphos Digest’ which we have been running for the past few months. It is the best of the newsletter and a lot more. We are still developing it but it is a lot more glossy than the good old newsletter and gives us an opportunity to make the content more interesting.

It is issued during the first week of each month, you can link to it from the front of our website or Click HERE to take a look.

The Euro has been excessively strong compared to Sterling and the Russian Rouble for some time which has affected everyone here in Cyprus. Tourism and property have been the most affected with a knock-on effect to virtually every other business.

However over the last few months, the Euro has weakened and now Cyprus has become a great “value for money” destination. With the Pound buying 20% more than 18 months ago and the Rouble 20% more than last July, now is the time to take advantage of property prices. Our resale properties at Fitzgerald Estates have always been priced realistically, but the weak Euro makes them even more attractive. In such volatile financial times, now is the time to ‘seize the day’ and buy property in Paphos which has just become an even better investment. With property prices low at the moment, as soon as demand starts to rise, then naturally, property prices will start to rise too. The bargains that are here now will not be here for long.

Fitzgerald’s sales and the demand for property are increasing and we are seeing enquiries and sales for properties across the board from single bedroom apartments to 4 and 5 bedroom villas.

So, if you’re looking to buy a property, don’t hesitate! This unexpected currency bonus may not last long.

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Cyprus on 4th June-6th received an enthusiastic welcome from all of Cyprus, young and old, Christians and non Christians alike. Pope Benedict’s historic pilgrimage to Paphos follows in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul who, accompanied by Barnabas and Mark, come to Cyprus on their first stage of the missionary journey (cf Acts 13:1-4).

Celebrating an ecumenical service at Ayia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa Church (traditionally known as the Church by St. Paul’s Pillar) the Pontiff brought message of unity, charity and peace all the while striving to achieve the ‘full communion’ of apostolic faith between churches. “It is truly an extraordinary grace for us to gather in this church where St Paul preached in the presence of Roman Pro-Consul Sergius Paulus...thus from this place that the Gospel message began to spread...”, His Holiness said.

The excitement of the visit touched Fitzgerald’s as our daughter Andrea was appointed the official parish photographer, a role she simply relished. Daryl was the ‘photographer’s assistant’! As usual her expertise shone through and the photos are simply stunning. The whole series of photos was gifted to the Paphos Parish to help raise money for the building of the St Michael’s Hospice. If you would like an album (38 photos) of the visit please contact andrea@fitzgeraldcyprus.com or donaghy@cytanet.com.cy

The site of an ancient city state of Idalion, founded by Chalcanor, the descendant of King Priam of Troy, has revealed another archaeological treasure.

West of the city boundary a newly discovered Phoenician garrison fort features a large-scale fortified building complex, probably the Palace or the administrative centre and the largest so far indentified in Cyprus. It is strictly defensive in character with interior towers that control the interior streets and the large rectangular courtyards.

The site also reveals featured roads that lead to the complexes’ courtyards from the external gate, towers and impressive storage buildings which house and military installations. Phoenicians captured the city in the middle of the fifth century BC and governed it for 150 years. The marble slabs found at the site are inscriptions of taxes and are part of the Phoenician Archives and indicate the methods used for the collection of taxes.

For the last 6 years Paphians and visitors flock to the annual brass band concert staged at the Paphos Harbour courtesy of the British armed forces.

This year, The Grand Charity Military Band Concert was given by The Royal Signals (Northern) Band who, we were are told, came to Cyprus on a two week ‘camping holiday’. The ‘camping holiday’ was anything but given the extensive engagement list! Next stop is the Ancient Curium Amphitheatre.

Paphos event was sponsored by the District Grand Lodge of Cyprus with proceeds benefitting the Archbishop Makarios Children’s Hospital, the Mayor of Paphos Charity and other charitable organisations.

Nearly 700 people came to the evening concert enjoying good music and entertainment sketches in perfect weather. The bar was popular as well... people do get thirsty on a balmy summers’ evening.

Paphos Aphrodite Festival is in its twelfth year and this year we are treated to Puccini’s La Boheme Opera. Staged against the background of the medieval castle nestled in the picturesque Paphos Harbour it provides a spectacularly dramatic setting. The story is set in 1830 and it takes us through a lifestyle journey of contemporary youth of the era with a wonderful tale of the friendships they share, of life’s journey, merrymaking, love, jealousy and betrayal.

La Bohème premiered on 1st February 1896 at the Teatro Regio in Torino. It is a masterpiece which even though doesn’t follow a definite form, combines realism with pure Italian melody with great success. In the context of La Bohème the urban, emotional perception of the artists is portrayed through the description of places, slightly typified description of characters and impressive scenes while the lyric quality of the music valorises the opera of the time.

For further information and reservations contact the sales office in Pafos at 26822218 or at the all Cyprus toll-free number 8000 8005. Performances on September 3, 4, 5th.

You may have noticed our new on line publication the ‘Paphos Digest’ which we have been running for the past couple of months. It is the best of the newsletter and a lot more. We are still developing it but it is a lot more glossy than the good old newsletter and gives us an opportunity to make the content more interesting.

It is issued during the first week of each month, you can link to it from the front of our website or Click HERE to take a look.

People coming away from the airport have noticed for a while large white towers appearing in the hills. With very little publicity the new wind farm at Orites has come into being. With the first phase due to be finished in late 2010, some the wind turbines are now in place making the wind farm at Orites the first ever wind farm to be built in Cyprus.

When the first phase of the project is complete, it will be an 84-megawatt wind farm with 41 turbines producing almost 10% of the island’s total energy generation capacity.Each of the turbines has a height of between 75 metres and 108 metres. The rotor diameter is 82m, resulting in a maximum height of the turbines of between 114 metres and 158 metres.

Subsequent phases give approval to extend the wind farm to be able to produce a total of 143.5-megawatts. Commercial operations at the wind farm, located on the Orites Mountain near Kouklia on a site spread over 16 square kilometres, are scheduled to start at the end of 2010.

The banks in Cyprus are best described as ‘old fashioned’ in that they are based on savings deposits and mortgages. This went well for everyone and Cyprus was not involved in the highly geared derivatives used by Big Banks in the US and other places. However the Cyprus property boom between 1999 and 2007 lead some banks to lend to buyers of developers properties on 0-10% deposits, breaking with their previous conservative rules of 20-25% deposit. The developers got the sale and the banks ‘placed’ their money on safe securities. Or were they?

The boom finished and prices of these over-priced development properties dropped significantly and the banks were left holding a lot of debt. The more conservative bigger banks came out looking good whilst the others, not so good.

The good news is that the banks ARE lending but they are a lot more careful who they lend to, how much and what for. This is why there is now a significant difference between the lending rates of banks here in Cyprus. They are now aware of the different risks in lending to residents and overseas investors.

Rates for residents vary from 4.5- 5.25% and non-residents 5.25-8.5%. The deposit required by residents is 20% and non-residents 30-40%. You can have a loan up until age 70 in most cases. So if you are 59 now you can get a loan for 10 years. Normal proof of income to meet your financial commitment applies.

The banks love Title Deeds but if they are not available the developer will need to give a bank guarantee to issue the loan. This is where we at Fitzgerald Estates have it right, because most of our properties have the Title Deeds.

The Royal Signals (Northern) Band will be continuing the annual tradition of having a Military band playing at the harbour. These concerts have delighted both residents and tourists over the year and are always looked forward to. The concert will take place on Friday 25th June starting at 7pm.

Tickets are priced at €10 and are available from Hearns Book Shop Coral Bay, Chillies and of course from the Fitzgerald’s office in Kato Paphos. There will also be a ticket sales kiosk in the harbour area open daily from Tuesday 22nd June 10:30 – 14:00 & 18:00 – 20:30. The Royal Signals (Northern) Band is one of 19 Territorial Army Bands based in the United Kingdom.

The bands history goes back to 1952 when the then Commanding Officer received a letter from Durham Territorial Association stating that it was prepared to authorise an additional Band for TA units in the association area. Such an opportunity was not to be missed and the Band of the 50 (Northumbrian) Signal Regiment was formed as an authorised TA Band. The Band was formed as a Brass Band as it was considered easier and more cost effective to recruit Brass players in a northern based band.

The Band currently has 27 male and female musicians. In past years the band has completed summer camps in Gibraltar, Germany and Scotland and in 2008 the TA celebrated its centenary with a Pageant on Horse Guards Parade, London where the Royal Signals (Northern) Band took a leading role. During the same year the band was also privileged to play at Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s garden Party.

The Title Deeds situation here in Paphos is improving rapidly. Last year there were about 5,000 issued and this year there will be 15,000.

The basics reason for the slowness of the issue of the Title Deeds is due to the property boom of 1999-2007 when the Land Registry Office got inundated with work and is only now catching up.

Also, new government legislation to cut out some of the bureaucracy is only months away.

With Fitzgerald Estates, most of the properties either have the Title Deeds or they are very close and built by reliable developers.

Year on year May has been a busy month for us and this year was no exception. Many were long standing appointments and a good number of clients arrived specifically to view a selected range of properties. The minority were the casual ‘walk-ins’ and most of those clients were ‘referrals’ (mostly through word of mouth) or were following up first hand on properties they’ve initially found on the website.

For the month we have shown a record 78 properties to qualified clients which for us, having on average 70 properties, means that , statistically speaking, we had secured a viewing to ALL our properties we market. That in itself is a hard won achievement for Fitzgerald Estates in what has been a very difficult time for real estate in Cyprus and indeed worldwide. We are delighted that a good percentage of these viewing have been converted to actual sales.

Whilst the property presentations on the web receive many a compliment, it’s the substantive information that clients value and base their decision on. The on-line monthly newsletter and the audio podcast plays a vital role in the information flow to the consumers globally, including Cyprus, where consumers are particularly knowledgeable and demanding. It’s ‘the finger on the pulse’ with topics covering many issues regarding the local property market, recent sales, market trends and many lifestyle points of interest.

The print media also has a major role in our marketing strategy too. From editorials and advertising in popular Russian and English language magazines to the full page advert in the daily Cyprus Mail (updated twice a week) we are continually increasing the consumer awareness of our property range in the marketplace. Russian Magazine MOI OSTROV is also available on-line on Fitzgerald’s website.

The hallmark of our performance is our continual commitment in sharing genuine information with ALL our clients to give people the confidence to make informed decisions and to sell their properties in what is a serious time for business. The cornerstone is the recognition that today’s seller and particularly the buyer is exceptionally well informed and far more demanding for the ‘real value’ and quality customer service.

We have sold the following properties in the “Merry month of May”

Kato Paphos an end terrace house in Kato Paphos with communal swimming pool own parking and close to all facilities near the asking price.

Paphos a terrace house in a prestigious project with beautiful swimming pools and gardens, only 8 minutes walk to Paphos Harbour very close to the asking price.

Anarita a lovely, modern and spacious 3 bedroom bungalow with en-suite, own swimming pool, big driveway and large land in Anarita for very close to the asking price.

Kato Paphos a lovely 2 bedroom 2bathroom ground floor apartment with its own driveway in Kato Paphos close to all facilities for the asking price.

Chloraka a spacious 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment with fantastic panoramic views that cannot be built on in Chloraka for close to the asking price.

Tsada an older spacious 2 bedroom bungalow on large land with its own swimming pool and magnificent views to the south and west in Tsada for close to the asking price.

There is strong demand for Fitzgerald’s quality property from British, continentals, Russians and Cypriot buyers at reasonable prices. Most of which have the Title Deeds. Three were sold within only days of coming onto the market.

For people with European Union passports you can buy properties in Cyprus and gain permanent residency. However people from other countries generally do not have these rights.

To facilitate investment and investors from these countries the Cyprus Government has passed legislation to allow Non European Union citizens to gain Permanent Residency status by investing Euros 300,000 or more in Cyprus real estate.

Fitzgerald Estates and our panel of efficient lawyers can help anyone in need of assistance in this matter.

St Michael’s Hospice Paphos have launched a “Kilometre of Euro’s” campaign to assist with the completion of the hospice building project. Collection days will be the 12th June, with volunteers holding a bucket collection throughout the town culminating at Paphos Harbour where they hope to complete a Kilometre of Euros to raise funds for the completion of the hospice.

April has been an exciting month, and not only for the picturesque spring flora on this wonderful island thanks to a healthy rainfall!

The interest in our range of property is growing as many savvy buyers realize that the attractiveness of today’s prices has not been so exciting for many years. Our total commitment to offer quality properties at realistic market prices that prevail on the ground is gaining us dividends.

There is a steady stream of buyers through Fitzgerald’s website www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com who are coming from as far away as America and Australia to see our world class properties. The innovative and easy to navigate website reaches far and wide and is a trusted source of information as well as everyone can see everything about the property. In a nutshell, you get what you see with no strings attached.

One exciting development is that over the last months we have been experiencing a subtle shift in our customer mix. The Cypriots have come back on the market and are very active in securing quality properties. Interest is also strong from ‘others’ in the local community which includes Georgians, Russians, Eastern Europeans and British who are buying property to trade up, live in or as an investment. The locals have become avid followers of our website as are our international audience. Fitzgerald’s publishes the selling price on our world class website on the famous British property website ‘Rightmove’, the Cyprus Mail, Essential Paphos magazine and the Russian magazine ‘My Island’ (Moi Ostrov) attracting sellers as well as buyers. A small tip - To see Fitzgerald Estate’s entire range of properties on Rightmove just click on the Fitzgerald Estates’ logo/icon and you will get all our properties which are kept up-to-date every day!

All the details including the availability of Title Deeds for each property are listed as well. Everything is straight-forward at Fitzgerald Estates. Everyone is treated with respect so that it does not depend on who you are or how much you wish to spend. Their trained team of professionals listens carefully to the buyer and seller to understand fully what they want. Our one and only office is in Kato Paphos opposite the ‘Wishing Tree’ near the Catacombs on Apostolos Pavlos Avenue going toward the Paphos Harbour from the traffic lights at Begonia Garden Centre. See www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/ask_contact

Office hours are 9am to 5.30pm 6 days a week with no break for lunch. So if you only have your lunch break to see us, you are welcome! If you have a property of any kind to sell in the Paphos area with Title Deeds in your name please come and see us

Peyia Violet Apartment: http://www.fitzgeraldcyprus/properties/1096 a two bedroom top floor apartment with fantastic views and big balconies front and rear in Peyia, near the asking price of €120,000,

Terraced Home Seaviews & Courtyards: http://www.fitzgeraldcyprus/properties/1079 a 2 bedroom townhouse in Peyia with separate kitchen and wonderful sea views, very close to the asking price of €145,000.

Tala Garden Villa: http://www.fitzgeraldcyprus/properties/1148 a very large, beautiful 3 bedroom 3 bathroom villa on a very large plot with wonderful views in Tala, very close to the asking price of €425,000.

Property of the Month

Nemea Gardens enjoys a superb hilltop location of prestige homes designed by Cosmo Quality Homes, a company with flair for innovation and total commitment to creating highly appealing living environments ideally suited to the Cyprus climate.

The homes feature steel construction and full insulation focussing on energy efficiency with a low ecological footprint. No need to take the car for socializing or convenience shopping...the vibrant Tala Village square is only a short walk away.

A tranquil tree lined cul-de-sac is the location of this stunning, low maintenance, executive styled home. Colourful shrub hedging lines the irregularly shaped compact plot ensuring privacy and a verdant setting for your outdoor entertainment areas. The garden area is paved with natural stone and you even have your very own private entry to the green common! The villa carries a distinctive Mediterranean flavour with white facia, blue shuttering and expansive balconies. Best of all, it enjoys the sought after south west orientation with stunning views and cooling sea breeze.

The entire ground floor features T shaped open plan, with distinctive slim-line fireplace (granite inlaid with cast iron wood burner) in the lounge area. Opposite, adding to the contemporary flair, a suspended wood shelf projecting visual focus and a subtle invitation to the high bar: a natural magnet for informal get together and conversation. The high bar happily doubles up as a breakfast bar which effectively screens off the high impact, custom, wrap-around designer kitchen. Fitted with golden oak slim-line storage units, easy care granite worktops and full set of appliances, the kitchen is an expression of culinary practicality.

The bright dining ‘room’ connects seamlessly to a very generous covered terrace for relaxed outdoor entertaining. You’ll love the circular spa plunge pool by the side the terrace! It’s fully tiled, and has a seating bench (room for 8!) – cool off on a hot sunny summer’s day then fire your traditional Cypriot BBQ and enjoy a leisurely day.

U shaped, the marble staircase leads to two very appealing bedrooms and family bathroom. Bedrooms feature floor to ceiling mirrored wardrobes, laminate flooring and a wonderfully scenic outlook. The master bedroom opens to two picturesque balconies (one private one shared).

Stargaze or savour the stunning sunsets from your balconies. Enjoy the tranquil serenity of the location and your new home... Life just gets better and better... An outstanding lifestyle and investment choice. Viewing highly recommended: http://www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/properties/1152

Mary or Mae, as she is known to everyone, and husband Joe are our ‘recent’ arrivals who could not be happier with their decision to make Paphos their new home. Secret of their success? Good friends, miles of good will, welcoming ambience and plenty to do and plenty to see... It all began in 1998 when Joe and Mae holidayed in Paphos for the first time, stayed at Phaeton and..... fell in Love with Paphos! They came every year, often twice a year and having the same room made it all the more special.. a home away from home.

But the real story began long before. “Let me tell you a wonderful story”, says Mae. “Once upon a time a Polish boy, originally from Cracow, named Jozef (Joe) met an Irish girl, Mary (Mae), originally from Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, Joe was an Engineer and Mary a Nurse. They met at The Round Tower, an Irish dance hall in London. Love at first sight? Maybe - but definitely strong attraction. They went through a courtship and a year later, on 2nd April 1960, they got married at St Joseph’s RC Church, Highgate Hill, London. They have two daughters, Julie and Pauline and three Grandchildren, Iain aged 19 years, Natasha ,17 years and Christopher also 17 years. They lived just off the Holloway Road until 1974 when they moved to Gillingham, Kent .”

Eventually in 2007 Mae and Joe decided to move to Paphos permanently and have really settled into our Adopted Home very happily. “We have many friends here both local and ex-Pats of various nationalities” Mae is happy to add. “We are active members of the community of the St Paul by the Pillar” adds Mae. Both Mae and Joe are actively involved in voluntary helping at St Michael’s Hospice Shop nearby”.

On Easter Sunday Mae and Joe Celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary at St Paul’s Church with a familiar congregation who attend the Latin Mass each Sunday. Celebration Buffet Lunch was at Frances Dearson home, a prominent member of the local community . There were 20 friends sharing that wonderful meal in gorgeous sunshine and delightful setting.

“To dear Frances, Thank You for your wonderful generosity in making our Anniversary so memorable. Thank you Ray and Anne for your shared kindness in helping make the day so special and Jan, Thank You for that wonderful cake. Thank you to our friends who accepted our invitations. It was lovely to look around and see the love, friendship and enjoyment on all your faces. Thank you Andrea for the many photos of our wonderful day. Thank you Joe for 50 years of your Love, Support, Happiness, Sharing the trials and tribulations that make up life’s patchwork and always with your wicked sense of humour.... Thank you everyone for your cards and warm wishes for our Achievement and for our future happiness. That about sums it up , The 50 years have gone by so incredibly fast“

Congratulations to Alex and Lolita for their wedding recently! It was a wonderful sunny day for their church wedding and a lovely reception at the Coral Beach Resort Hotel. Recently, Alex and Lolita launched an outstanding Cyprus magazine Moi Ostrov (in Russian it means My Island) which has been very successful and in which our monthly Fitzgerald Estates’ newsletter and featured property are published.

More events see DIGEST on front page.

Venue: Seafront Poseidonos Avenue 6.30pm

Join in the spirit of ancient festival adventure. Anthesteria Flower Show traces its origins to the ancient cult to the Goddess Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty. The festival is celebrated across Cyprus in celebration of Spring and the rebirth of the countryside.

Flower festooned floats stream along the sea front showing off the rich gifts of Cyprus spring flora with young maidens, youths and children enjoying the ritual of the parade. The spectators can visit the flower market on the day dropping a euro or two (or more) and taking home a wonderful memento of this wonderful albeit pagan occasion .

Spring is in the air and sales are booming at Fitzgerald Estates as confidence starts to return - enquiries and sales are coming from everywhere! This confidence is returning because people are becoming more educated and are not just falling for any old sales pitch for a dream in the sun. At Fitzgerald Estates we have always prided ourselves on our ‘No bull’ attitude and ‘What you see is what you get’ image, this is one of the reasons we have remained successful during the current downturn.

We have been hard at work during the winter months preparing a host of new and exciting properties at great value prices for our award winning, world-class website. The British, continental Europeans, Russians and local people have focused on these first-class properties at realistic prices and have made outstanding buys during March.

During March at Fitzgerald’s we have sold:

Chloraka a one bedroom ground floor apartment with garden in Chloraka, for the asking price of €70,000,

Chloraka a one bedroom ground floor apartment with garden and an extra room in Chloraka, for the asking price of €80,000,

Kato Paphos a 2 bedroom townhouse close to everything with its own parking and back garden in Kato Paphos, very close to the asking price of €119,500.

Kamares a lovely spacious 3 bedroom 2 bathroom bungalow on a large plot with fantastic views in Kamares, Tala, very close to the asking price of €360,000

Peyia a beautiful modern 3 bedroom 3 bathroom villa on a large plot with wonderful views in Peyia, very close to the asking price of €375,000.

We continue to advertise our world class website on the famous British property website ‘Rightmove’, the Cyprus Mail, ‘Essential Paphos’ magazine and the Russian magazine ‘My Island’ (Moi Ostrov) attracting sellers as well as buyers.

We are seeing consolidation of prices at current realistic levels. As more people wake up to the fact that this is a wonderful opportunity to buy villas, prices will increase however prices for apartments will continue to be soft because there is a big oversupply of this type of property.

Offers

During March offers have been made for a variety of properties in Peyia, Tala, Marathounda, Chloraka, Kissonerga, Anavargos, Anarita, Kato Paphos and Paphos.

For example:

Anavargos A 4 Bedroom Villa near the General Hospital. Flawless high standard of living awaits you in this 2 level detached city home of 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Set on a compact plot this fantastic home is surrounded by low maintenance terraces with the convenience of undercover parking. Ideally, the villa is suited for a busy professional requiring a convenient and appealing city location. Paphos General Hospital is 5 minutes walk away and the city centre a mere 2km away!

The wide frontage features an expansive formal lounge that has a delightful airy feel, combining many traditional features such as ceiling rosettes and subtle cornices not often found in Cyprus homes. All windows have marble sills inviting a colourful array of flower pots. Four sets of sparkling crystal chandeliers accentuate the richness of gleaming floor tiles and the white marble curved stairway that leads to the first floor.

Large French doors open to the dining room with two sets of glassed patio doors opening to the wrap-around terrace. The breakfast bar separates the dining area from a very generous, family-sized kitchen with numerous storage units and a custom designed laundry nook by the back door. The kitchen is fully fitted and equipped with everything you need to keep your family (and visiting friends) happy and contented. The first floor has a massively large landing - a great place for an informal living area! From here you have access to the four fabulous bedrooms and family bathroom.

The master bedroom is very generous in size, and features a private shower en-suite bathroom. The bedroom opens to a continuous balcony that also connects with the second bedroom. All bedrooms feature voluminous generous, spacious, floor to ceiling wardrobes. The location is unbeatable, central yet tranquil a home that’s simply perfect. A must see at only €320,000!

St Patricks Day Celebrations

Daryl Fitzgerald joined with H.E. The Irish Ambassador Tom Brady, his wife Cathi and many of the Irish expatriates based in Paphos to celebrate St Patrick’s Day at the Village Inn at Kissonerga, Paphos. Although an Australian, Daryl’s family roots like many Australians, extend back to Ireland so Daryl felt quite at home in the presence of good Irish food, drink and music. The event organised annually by Fáilte Pafos www.failte-pafos.org a local Irish cultural group was a great success raising over €700 for local charities. It featured two bands Abzorba, based in Cyprus and The Flight of Earls who flew in from Belfast especially for the occasion and produced a night of great Irish music. Daryl (pictured) took time to relax and share a drink with Tom Brady, a long time supporter of Irish cultural events in Paphos, who made the long drive from Nicosia to share in the occasion. www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/about

St Michael’s Hospice

We sponsored an Informative Lunch for St Michael’s Hospice last Sunday at the Corallia Beach Hotel and raised €3100. We gave out the new brochure for St Michael’s Hospice so everyone can see the facts; you can see the brochure on the link below. The hospice is for everyone regardless of creed or nationality, When we told a famous barrister from Nicosia about it and he was so impressed that he gave 500 Euros! 1.3 million Euros have been raised so far! www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com

Pope Benedict’s Visit to Cyprus

Pope Benedict is due to arrive at Paphos International Airport on Friday 4th June where he will be met by the President of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and the Orthodox Archbishop Chrysostomos. He will then hold an ecumenical service at St Paul’s Pillar Church in Kato Paphos before travelling to Nicosia where he will be celebrating an open air Mass at the Nicosia Football Stadium on Sunday morning.

Anna and Daryl Fitzgerald are nominated to be the official photographers for the Latin Catholic Parish. www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/hospice

Fitzgerald’s Sponsor Amateur Boxing in Jersey

Eddie Kirkup Fitzgerald Estates representative in the Channel Islands attended ‘An Evening With Frank Bruno MBE British Boxings Favourite and WBC World Heavyweight Champion’ organised by The Jersey Dinner Boxing Club. The event was held at the Hotel L’Horizon in Jersey and also included the Jersey Select v Royal Navy & Marines competing for the Corniche Apartments Gold Cup. The Jersey Select lost 3-2, when an extremely tight split-decision in the final bout went against Captain Craig Culkin. But after such a ding-dong contest against the Royal Navy and Marines, Select captain Jason Gardner said it was impossible to be anything but uplifted. www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/about While there Eddie had time for a photo call with Frank Bruno MBE and the coveted World Heavyweight Champion Belt, which is about as close as Eddie will ever get to one.

Fitzgerald Estates has an increasing clientele from Jersey and the Channel Islands including Eddie Kirkup, a long time resident of Jersey and now also happy property owner in Paphos. This trend is understandable as people in the Channel Islands see the value in investing in Cyprus Resale Property in the current market.

No Pain No Gain

Cyprus like the rest of the world is feeling the pinch with worldwide recession taking place. However, it is a very dark cloud that does not have a silver lining and in our case we are starting to see several appear. Not only are the prices of properties adjusting to more realistic levels after the ‘boom’ years, but more and more people are commenting on the price changes in the shops and supermarkets. It would appear that there is now a competitive edge appearing as the shop owners are trying to increase their sales and competing with each other on prices. We have also seen an increase in the number of shops specialising in ‘British Products’ opening around the area, this, it would seem, is adding to the competiveness. So the watchword currently is ‘Shop Around’ and save money.

Cyprus Rugby On Saturday 24th March, The Cyprus National Rugby Team, locally known as the Moufflons, were crowned Champions of the European Nations Cup Division 3D winning 15-0 after a hard fought match against Bosnia. The Moufflons have ended the season unbeaten having won all their 6 matches, which gives Cyprus a remarkable achievement, the best defensive record within the whole of the European Leagues!

The game played was at the Paphiako Stadium in Paphos, regrettably one of the Bosnian players broke his leg, but this did not stop the team from pushing for a score right to the end, but the Moufflon’s defence held firm. Cyprus now go into Division 3C where they will play Greece, Austria Bulgaria and Luxembourg.

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

Återförsäljning fastighet på Cypern

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

Videresalg eiendom på Kypros

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!

Propriété de revente en Chypre

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!!

Weiterverkaufeigentum in Zypern

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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