Goodbye tension, hello pension!
Follow in the footsteps of the Gouldings as they relocate to Cyprus
Britain has just come in penultimate place in the uSwitch.com European quality of life survey, and every day as one opens a newspaper or switches on the news one is bombarded with negativity about the state of the British economy which is part of the reason behind the Institute for Public Policy Research estimating that by 2050, 3.3 million British retirees will be living abroad.
Their estimates are backed up by further research from The NatWest International Personal Banking Quality of Life Report that earlier this year surveyed expatriates who already live overseas about their experiences. The report identified the fact that 91% of expats are happier than they were when they lived in the UK, 90% are financially better off, 92% feel they have a better quality of life and an incredible 99% said they have no regrets about emigrating.
According to Sarah Woods, editor of the Retirement Property Guide, over 60,000 foreign retirees live in Cyprus, of whom a large percentage are Britons who strongly favour the island because of its enviable climate, its fantastic quality of life and because of the strong British influences that exist in Cyprus which was a British colony until 1960. The fact that in Cyprus the legal system is based on the English, drivers drive on the left, English is spoken everywhere and one can even get British TV via satellite means that life for retiring Britons in Cyprus could not be easier! Adding to the benefits of choosing Cyprus is the fact that pension income is taxed at the lowest rate in Cyprus of all other nations in Europe and the cost of living is a literal fraction of what it is in the UK. All of these reasons and many more are luring increasing numbers of British retirees to the island annually, such as Malcolm and Jean Goulding who moved to the village of Argaka in Cyprus last year.
Summing up their reasons for choosing Cyprus, Jean Goulding comments that: “it is home from home and every day the sun shines, and with such a strong British presence in Cyprus it is very easy to be accepted here. The people are extremely friendly and the island has a very low crime rate so we always feel safe walking the streets day and night.” Malcolm and Jean also enjoy the fact that Cyprus has become more accessible in recent years thanks to budget airlines joining those which serve the island’s international airports at Paphos and Larnaca. “We have 5 children and 6 grandchildren who come and visit and we actually see more of our family now that we live in a beautiful villa in the sun overlooking the Mediterranean than before when we lived in Macclesfield – it’s funny that isn’t it!”
As retirees they benefit from the excellent Cypriot national health system, they can comfortably live on their fixed pension income and they have plenty of spare time for all their hobbies such as enjoying the boat that they own a part share in – with Jean also being an active member of the local church group and Malcolm having taken up Greek and keyboard lessons.
Martin Pearce, UK Sales Manager of Aristo Developers is an expert when it comes to advising would-be British retirees on making the move to Cyprus, and he has some excellent advice for anyone now actively planning their relocation. “The most important thing is to get active in the local community as soon as you arrive. The sooner you make friends and establish helpful acquaintances, the quicker you will find the best restaurants, the best handyman and the shops and market stalls where the locals all shop for less for example. You will find people who can help you get your residency permit, you will make friends who can introduce you to life on the island, and what’s more you will feel at home much quicker and wonder why you didn’t make the move years ago! The other top tip I would give is learn the language. Whilst all Cypriots speak English and are usually more than happy to do so, learning Greek will keep your mind active and show the Cypriots that you really are keen to integrate and make Cyprus home.”
Aristo Developers helped Malcolm and Jean Goulding purchase their lovely villa property in Argaka, and of the experience the Gouldings say that they didn’t have any problems with the buying process because everything was done for them. They used reputable solicitors and Aristo even helped them set up bank accounts and furnish their property. The Gouldings bought an Argaka Village villa and Aristo have 3 and 4 bedroom villas and bungalows for sale in another stage of this beautiful project which is just steps away from the Mediterranean Sea. Properties with swimming pools are for sale from €378,900/£300,785 and for more information please contact Aristo Developers on 0800 082 0601 or visit www.aristodevelopers.com.