Luxury and Style

• 234 sq. m., 5 bdrm, 4 bath bungalow - €1,400,000 EUR - Unique & Modern

Sea Caves, Paphos  -  This Sea Caves Villa is an extraordinary custom design renovation and modernisation project of an existing ten year old villa. The property is situated in the exclusive upper Sea Caves area of Peyia district, in a spacious low building density 1,380 sq m plot which offers commanding sea views with dramatic sunsets.

The property has a perfect orientation and aspect, with an impressive 46m of road frontage with an emphasised formal entrance, spacious driveway to the side of the property along with great external space including a swimming pool and outdoor living area to the rear facing the sea. The large "U" shaped footprint enables the creation of a private courtyard which all rooms lead onto, looking towards the feature vanishing edge infinity pool and endless sea views. The outdoor living and entertaining areas are numerous, with different zones created for different moods and occasions.

The property and external courtyard area exude style and attention to detail with the different textures and materials (stone, wood, glass, steel) testimony to the clever architectural and interior design.

The accommodation features 5 bedrooms, 3 with en-suite bathrooms; bedroom 4 has been adapted as a TV / Cinema room; bedroom 5 is a self-contained studio with separate access; family bathroom; double height living room; living room mezzanine deck with external access to decked veranda - fabulous sea and sunset views; dining area; bespoke kitchen with NEFF appliances and corian work surfaces; utility room; feature fireplace; hot tub area; contemporary barbecue and bar area.

This property is without a doubt one of the most well planned out and creatively inspired projects within its location.

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Fabulous Design, Modern Villa

• 139 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm, 2 story "Bright and Airy" - Only €250,000 EUR - Just Completed, Brand New!

Anarita, Paphos  -  This brand new, spacious three bedroom detached villa is located in the peaceful traditional village of Anarita, only 10 minutes drive from two golf courses,  5 minutes to Paphos International airport and 10 minutes to the town of Paphos. Kato Paphos and the harbour, bars and restaurants are also a pleasant 15 minute drive away.

This is one of three villas that is available in a project of 8 detached villas. It is built using the latest generation of timber based construction methods, is fully insulated to EU directive 2009 and energy costs for heating and cooling are reduced by around 80%.

The property features a spacious open plan lounge, dining area, stylish modern kitchen and guest toilet. Upstairs there are three double sized bedrooms, all with plenty of storage. The master bedroom has an en-suite shower room and there is a good sized separate bathroom.

The property is finished to a very high standard and represents excellent value for money.

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An article in the The Daily Mail on June 13th (by Paula Kerr) tells the tale of the 3 leopards that we all know so well at the Limassol Zoo. Last week, after spending 15 years in captivity, the 3 leopards were released into a South African Sanctuary run by Born Free actress, Virginia McKenna.

The actress, 77, fought back tears as mother leopard Leda and her daughters, 11-year-old Roxanne and Rhea, boldly began to navigate and explore their new environment. She said: ‘Although it’s too late for some animals, for these beautiful leopards a happier future now beckons.’ Virginia had battled for 15 years to free the leopards from their 30 x 15 ft. cage at the zoo. The leopards’ journey to freedom began when they were placed in crates and driven to Paphos airport, where they were met by a VIP escort of armed police. They first travelled to Gatwick on a flight donated by Thomson. Then they were transferred to a jet to Johannesburg – with the proud captain announcing his feline cargo to passengers. The final leg of the trip was a one-hour flight on Monday morning to Port Elizabeth, then on by truck to the Shamwari Game Reserve, run by Virginia’s Born Free Foundation.

Wooden huts were erected for the leopards to retreat to however each surpassed expectations and adapted and started to explore their new setting right away. Delighted Virginia said: ‘Taking an animal in captivity to a sanctuary is always worthwhile and far better than leaving it where it is.’ Her only regret is that her husband Bill Travers who passed away in 1994 was not there to see it. The couple acted together in their 1966 film about an orphan lioness Elsa that was returned to the wild. They played game wardens in the movie.

It has been a long time coming for these leopards who are now finally free and in the natural envirnoment that all animals deserve!  

Valued at 1,400,000 Euros + Title Deeds

750 s. m., 6 bath, 5 bdrm 2 story - €795,000 EUR - 2 Cars come with the sale! This property also comes fully furnished with all linens, white goods and tools. This Peyia Villa is priced to sell! In addition to all the wonderful features this custom built home offers, the owner is including 2 almost new cars with the sale (details are below)!

The luxury and spacious villa is situated near the village above a ravine overlooking western Peyia and the Mediterranean Sea. A perfect large family home that would be perfect for entertaining. A masterpiece of practicality in the layout. Also on the property is a fully equiped and seperate one bedroom villa. It has also been passed by the authorities for use as an offshore office.

The home features a high-ceiling with an artistic design, a spacious living room with built in cinema. One step down is an adjoinng lounge area with a decorative round windowwith built in bookshelves, wall and large full-wall size double glass doors that open up onto the pool area. Take a step up to the open dining room that leads directly to the kitchen. There is a large double size sliding door out of the dining room to the outside kitchen bar and pool area. The dining room has a door to the utility room that leads to the garage. There is also a large bedroom with ensuite on the ground floor.

Upstairs is a large mezzanine with sitting area that features a built-in book case and a balcony with views of the sea. There is an upstairs room with bay window that is used as a kitchen. There are also 4 bedrooms, 3 have ensuite bathrooms, one being a wet room.

Outside is a large tiled swimming pool, pergola, jaccuzi, a decorative waterfall, kitchen, private laundry area and a seperate maids or guest bungalow.

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Armou, Paphos  -  Announcing a price reduction on a Fantastically Designed Luxury Villa in Armou, a 660 sq. m., 4 bath, 5 bdrm 2 story dream home!

Now €1,500,000 EUR - Reduced 300,000!!.

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Walk to the harbour!

• 87 sq. m., 1 bath, 2 bdrm 2 story - €160,000 EUR - Great Location

Kato Paphos, Paphos  -  This 2 bedroom townhouse is located on a small private development within easy walking distance to the bustling Kato Paphos tourist area. Recent renovations on the sea front area, promenade, quaint harbour, numerous cafes, shops and the castle make it a destination for all ages. Close by are also sandy beaches, tavernas, clubs and pubs.

Outside the townhome, there is a gated veranda overlooking the communal swimming pool area. The ground floor comprises a spacious open plan lounge, kitchen and dining area. Patio doors from the dining area, lead onto a large private garden, ideal for relaxing and outdoor dining.

Upstairs there are two double sized bedrooms with plenty of storage space, together with a separate bathroom. A balcony overlooks the swimming pool area from the master bedroom.

This property is ideal for both residential and holiday use and comes fully furnished. Great value in great neighbourhood in Kato Paphos!

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Paphos has seen its fourth fatality in the last week (between May 23, 09 – June 2 09), and the eighth since the beginning of the year. Last Saturday, a 13-year-old student from the American Academy School died after the motorbike he was a passenger on veered off the Mandria – Yeroskipou Road. This death could have been easily prevented had he been wearing a helmet – sadly, he was not. Strict and hefty fines need to be enforced for these sorts of offenses so that we can save our young who are the main culprits and fatalities when there are accidents of this nature. No seatbelts, no helmets, driving under the influence and speed need to be seriously addressed so we don’t have to see another families heart break at the loss of a young life!  

I recently read on Usatoday.com that in 2007, Forbes.com compiled the list of the world’s most dangerous drivers. It was the first time they had gathered this information and they compiled the list by calculating the number of road deaths per million inhabitants in 28 European countries, using 2006 data from the European Commission and the International Road Traffic and Accident Database. It gathers data on traffic and road accidents from 28 of 30 member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a statistical clearinghouse.  As a result, Greece came in 4th place, with Cyprus only a few places behind as the 8^th worst.  Central and Eastern Europe dominate the top 10, with Poland, Slovenia, Hungary and the Czech Republic all reporting over 100 road fatalities per million inhabitants. Lithuania which is by far the worst reported over 200 fatalities per million.

Cyprus’ population is so much smaller with not nearly as many cars or traffic on the roads as in these other countries so we should be able to lower our road fatalities and injuries. We have a good police force, legal system and an educated population. With increased awareness of the hazardous conditions of our roads we should be able to combat the problem. In addition, since the population is so small and tight knit it should be easy to get the word out to drive carefully and cautiously. Public service messages, more traffic lights, harsher laws, better speed control among other factors should reduce the numbers of deaths.  This article is my own public service announcement to remind all drivers, passengers and pedestrians to be on alert and careful.

Please always remember to: wear your seat belt, do not speed, obey all traffic signs and laws, do not talk on the phone, do not text while driving, always wear a helmet whether you are on a motorbike, moped or if your child is on a bicycle and always make sure your children are in car seats or booster seats which are recommended up to about age 6 depending on the size of your child.  With these safety precautions in mind, enjoy a pleasant and safe Cyprus summer in the sun!

For information on getting a driving license in Cyprus - age, costs and others driving facts take at look at this site:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driving_licence_in_Cyprus

Kato Paphos, Paphos  -  Announcing a price reduction on 101-Kings Court, a 53 sq. m., 1 bath, 1 bdrm 3 story. Now €89,000 EUR - Reduced! Great Location!.

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Great Deal on Fabulous Apartment

• 82 sq. m., 1 bath, 2 bdrm apartment "Two level" - €85,500 EUR - 50K Reduction! HURRY!

Mandria, Paphos  -  This incredible top floor apartment in Mandria Village sits in a quiet area only minutes walk to the beach. It offers a nice panaromic view, good lighting and a setting that is unbelievable. The Apartment comes complete with very modern and comfortable furniture making it a very good deal.

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Selling property in Cyprus is very competitive in a good market, in this slower market it can be back biting and aggressive between agents. There are of course some honest, ethically centered business people out there, however I have encountered even the nicest people turning on me when they think I may sell one of their previous clients a home. I have many sellers that have their property listed for sale with many agents which of course brings the competition and deception! I will tell you a few scenarios that I have recently encountered - not naming any names but if you can read the hidden message you will get it. 

Scenario 1: I have a property for sale and have a serious buyer and even placed a 10,000 Euro deposit.  The process to get them qualified for a loan has been lengthy. In the meantime, another company tells the property owner they have two serious cash buyers. So the owner wants to back out of the deal with our serious buyer to get a fast cash sale. The other company lied - the buyers were not cash and one made an offer so low the owner would never accept it anyway. The company was trying to get rid of us and sell it themselves by fabricating the seriousness of their supposed buyers hoping to scare off ours. The only thing it did was lenghten the process even more because the seller believed the lie. The seller has now terminated his agreement with that company.  

Sceanrio 2: I recently sold an apartment and the sellers now want to buy a larger home from me. We have a good working relationship and they trust me. The problem is my clients signed a contract with another agency over one year ago when they had a viewing of a property they wanted to buy.  Now, I also have the same property listed for sale and we could easily continue our relationship and get a quick, easy and amicable sale.  The other agency says becuase of the document that they are legally obligated to them and HAVE to buy it from them.  My clients saw a lawyer who was recommended by the other agency and he tells them the same thing. A conflict of interest? Yes! The contract specifically saying these people have to buy from them? No! There was no time limit on it, just a date the customers signed saying this other agency was going to show it to them. So, essentially the other agency and the biased lawyer is saying that this signed document will last a lifetime! Really!!? 

Scenario 3: I have another client that was firstly shown around by another agent. The agent failed to show this customer one particular property that we both have listed, now she wants to buy it from me and does not want to go back to him. The other agent is now telling the buyer that customer is obligated to him because she put an initial deposit on another property he had listed. She then found something better with me and unfortunately for him, he had not shown it to her even though it was on his books. The first agent is now trying to get paid and keep her deposit. 

All I can say is don't believe the BS in Paradise even if it is superbly articulated or in a contract!  When buying or selling property in Cyprus or anywhere in the world for that matter you have to trust your instincts, get referrals from friends, do your research and read every line of everything you sign! With that cautionary word happy buying and selling!

*If you can add to our 3 scenarios with a story of your own please share it with us.

This is a post directed toward all my seller clients, property owners who have their homes listed for sale with me. If you are disappointed that your property is taking too long to sell even though it is listed with one or perhaps even more agents there is one thing you can do on my site that will help bring in more prospects - BLOGGING.

There are of course all the standard tactics that help sell a home from staging, depersonalizing, fair pricing, creating curb appeal and I could go on and on, however this is one that most sellers don't think of and it is part of my job to inform. Most people don't have a blog or participate in commenting on blogs or blog themselves.  First to tell you, in case you don't know, a blog is a "web log" that is generally specific about a certain topic, person, place or business and that is updated hourly (for some), daily, weekly or monthly.  My blog pertains to the Cyprus real estate property market and I update it when I have new hot properties, price reductions, informative articles on buying, selling, investing and any relevant topic that pertains to Cyprus property.

Now, I invite my sellers and anyone who follows and likes my blog posts to become active bloggers. By being an active member and by being active I mean just to make a comment on a blog. It is simple and takes no time at all. As a seller you can create interest in your own property and in the Cyprus market. When a blog is popular and it becomes popular by having comments it can reach more people, resulting in more clicks and therefore more prospects and the possibility of selling your home.

An average prospective buyer may visit the website to look at properties, read a couple of pages and a blog or two. Why not mention your home if you get a chance, maybe you will peak their interest. Even if you just write about the topic at hand without mentioning of your home, it will promote the website and help drive more traffic to visit.

If you have read this and like it or even if you dislike it just make a comment, share your thoughts, or just say hi! Comment away and help my blog sell your property.   

Price, location and condition are three key factors that greatly affect how desirable your property is to potential buyers. When you are considering to sell property in Cyprus these are things that can make the process much simpler. If you are buying, it is also good to look ahead and consider all three before settling on a property. 

Price is very important when buying or selling as what you pay when you buy will influence how much you can sell for. The longer you own a home the less you are effected by the original price however, if you overpay for a property and attemp to sell within a couple of years you are likely to take a loss. Unless it's a booming market like the one we experienced in the recent past which was not the norm.

Locations are vital to the desirability of a property. A great view is very difficult to price and a view that has potential of being obstructed, despite how beautiful it is will not have the same value. Good location also may be different to different people, one buyer might prefer a quite country setting while another closer to a city. In general the closer you are to where all the action and ameneties, the more value the property will maintain. Location is also perception and what the reputation of the area is. If the property is located in an area full of million euro homes that will bring the price and desirability up if yours is less. If you have a million euro home and it is surrounded by apartments, next to a cemetary, close to noisy traffic or an industrial area, these can all have a negative effect on your propertys resale value. It is wise to look more into the future and understand what is around you and what the potential is for future development is before making the final decission.

Condition of the property can also effect the sale. Even when buying a new home there can be things built in or not that can also have a negative impact when you have to sell. The obvious conditions are the actual quality of the construction and how it holds up with time. The ease of upkeep and maintenance during the life of the property especially impact the ability to sell. There are certain things that can be avoided in the begining that will likely influence the resale value later on. The size of the plot or the size of the home, a very small home may take many buyers out of the picture and too big a home may also have the same result.

Whether you are buying or selling, price, location and condition of the property are key factors to research and pay close attention to so that you remain happy in your new home and have an easier selling process when the time comes.  

There are many more sellers in the Cyprus property market than buyers. In this business we deal with both sides and we represent both buyers and sellers and work really hard to ensure our clients are well advised and informed in order to make the best decision. It is the duty of any agent representing the sellers to advise them on what should be done to best accomplish the sale. Presentation of the property and first impressions are always crucial to selling and making the home appealing to the fewer buyers out there. However, the single most important ingredient in accomplishing a sale is pricing. Housing prices throughout most of the developed world are declining due to the global financial crisis we are in so it is crucial to price to sell if you really want to achieve the sale. 

In a declining market, where home values are changing rapidly, many property owners, Cyprus included, tend to overprice their properties when they initially begin the selling processs. Sellers are looking at outdated statistics when trying to decide on their selling price. Sellers usually calculate a price based on what the appreciation should be in a normal healthy market or a neighbour down the street sold for a certain price and they think their property is so much more special and that they can always reduce it later which is the wrong way of thinking.  

This begins the process of what is called "chasing the market" something that is a common mistake that occurs much too often lately. I will explain what "chasing the market" is and how it will ultimately cost you a lot of money if it is not avoided. Lets say you are selling your property and you think that it's worth 500,000. and you want to list it at that price. We know however, and advise you, that most comparable homes are selling for around 465,000 to 495,000. So, when you list at the 500,000 price, your home is the least likely property to get any viewings, which of course means least likely to be sold. This usually continues when a few months later you decide to reduce their property to 465,000. At the same time, the other comparables are now listed between 425,000 and 455,000 and this continues untill the sellers finaly listen to what we and the market are telling them or they continue to chase the market and add more agents thinking that we or the other agents representing them are not doing their job. 

I have heard many sellers complain about previous agents and how they have not brought a single person to view their home. They say this and then they still list their home with me at a overpriced sum.  Repeatedly overpricing with many agents will get exactly the same results as before or constantly lowering means the chase continues.

Even in a slow market, there are buyers and if you price your home correctly from the begining you can sell your home fairly quickly. If a property was priced correctly early on in the selling process the odds are much greater to sell before your neigbours. I have many clients chasing the market and others who have lost 100,000 or more although it could have been saved and a transaction completed saving much time, stress and money for the sellers and agents. Even in a small island like Cyprus there are properties that are sold before they go on sale to the public and listed on our sites. I would much prefer to sell a home without having to upload it and do all the work required to market it. This happens when the price dictates it or you can say "The price does the talking".  

Special Property in Kato Paphos, Paphos  -  Announcing a price reduction on Lighthouse area, a 1 bath, 2 bdrm apartment. Now €135,000 EUR - Perfect Beach Home. This property has a unique location with balcony overlooking the UNESCO protected area the also holds the Paphos lighthouse. There never will be anything between you and the beach.

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