Ideal Homes International launches new Cypriot office as Cyprus reports 25% surge in tourist arrivals

Ideal Homes International launches new Cypriot office as Cyprus reports 25% surge in tourist arrivals

by Charly Cyprus
  • New Ideal Homes International Cypriot office presents luxury properties to UK buyers
  • Cyprus tourist arrivals up 25.7% (Cypriot Statistical Service)
  • Citizenship by investment boosts Cypriot economy by €2 billion (Interior Ministry)

The Mediterranean island country of Cyprus, which enjoys some 340 days of sunshine per year, has reported a 25.7% surge in tourist arrivals for the month of March 2015, according to figures from the Republic of Cyprus Statistical Service. Tourism income shot up to €65 million for the month, from €56.5 million for the same month a year earlier.

Cyprus has long been a favourite with British holidaymakers and second home owners thanks to its combination of sunshine, stunning beaches and low cost of living. Now, a new addition to the Ideal Homes International network, local property expert Maria McLaren, is bringing a range of luxury Cypriot homes to UK buyers. Maria has more than a decade’s experience of selling property in southern Cyprus and knows the island inside out.

Ideal Homes International’s founding director, Chris White, comments,

“It is extremely exciting to be able to welcome Maria and her team into the Ideal Homes group. Through this new venture we plan to open up the Cypriot property market to UK buyers who have yet to discover the wonders of Cyprus, both as a second home destination and as an option for permanent residence.”

Permanent residence in Cyprus is certainly a sought after status. An audit services report for 2013, recently announced by Interior Minister Socrates Hasikos, revealed a €2 billion boost to the economy thanks to property sales and investments made through the Cypriot ‘citizenship by investment’ programme.

The programme has resulted in high end villas being snapped up by overseas buyers, but those who haven’t yet bought their dream home in Cyprus need not panic – there are still plenty of luxury properties to choose from. Amorosa Villas in Latzi, for example, offer the exclusivity of one of the island’s most pre-eminent gated estates, with a three bedroom villa available for €1.65 million. Plots sizes are simply huge and the villas are magnificent in their level of sumptuous comfort. Generous living spaces and reception rooms with fireplaces are complemented by saunas, gymnasiums and treatment rooms, along with infinity pools with views that stretch over the verdant countryside, all the way to the sea.

If that’s not large enough, just over €3 million will buy a five bedroom, four bathroom villa located directly on the sand at Latchi, with fine dining restaurants and the marina within easy reach. Considerate design has created a spacious and light-filled interior, while outside the infinity pool has been designed in such a way that it is possible to climb out directly onto the beach. Generously appointed balconies and a lush roof terrace affording stunning sea and mountain views complete this seriously luxurious property.

Over in Polis, another contemporary villa boasts unparalleled sea views from all rooms, along with an open plan living/dining and kitchen area that opens out onto an external BBQ area with expansive deck overlooking the pool and sea. The elevated overflow pool is perfect for bobbing around in while sipping a cocktail and watching the sunset turn the sea and sky from blue to pink to purple over Argaka Bay. For those rare rainy days, the smart house enjoys a home cinema system and glass fronted verandas for watching the rain lash down from the warmth of the cosy interior.

For further details of luxury homes in Cyprus, visit www.idealhomesinternational.co.uk or call Maria and the team on 01543 325316 or 07527 301861.

The Overseas Property Show: Making Surrey residents’ holiday home dreams come true

The Overseas Property Show: Making Surrey residents’ holiday home dreams come true

by Charly World
  • 2014 Overseas Property Show tour attracted more than 3,000 visitors
  • Overseas Property Show coming to Guildford, 27th & 28th June 2015
  • Free tickets available at theoverseaspropertyshow.com
  • Cyprus added to list of destinations for this year’s show

Following a hugely successful UK tour in 2014, which attracted more than 3,000 visitors in just the first six shows, the much-anticipated Overseas Property Show is returning to Surrey. The show will arrive in all its glory this June, with experts on hand to discuss the merits of owning property overseas, as well as what to watch out for, for those who are new to second home ownership.

Appearing at the Holiday Inn Guildford on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June 2015, the show will present properties from Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and the US to UK buyers looking to pick up a home in the sunshine. From holiday apartments to retirement villas and primary residences, the free-to-attend Overseas Property Show has something for everyone. The prevalence of high net worth individuals in the Guildford area makes it the ideal location for this prestigious event.

Tickets are free and available at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

International property expert Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, will be available with his expert team to talk buyers through property ownership in Portugal and how they can turn their dreams of a second home in the sunshine into a reality. Chris comments,

“The Overseas Property Show is the perfect resource for UK buyers who want to own a home overseas. Whether it’s for holidays, to live in fulltime or to use as a means of earning income, second home ownership can be a fulfilling and rewarding activity, but many buyers are unnecessarily daunted by the prospect. The Overseas Property Show offers the chance to ask questions of property professionals who have lived and worked overseas for years and can share their knowledge, hints and tips of how to get the best from overseas home ownership.”

Chris and his team will also be presenting buyers with a range of stunning second home options in Cyprus, through Ideal Homes International. Basking in more than 340 days of sunshine per year, Cyprus has long been a favourite with British second home buyers, with its sandy beaches, turquoise Mediterranean waters and fresh cuisine tempting many to turn their holiday home dream into a reality with a Cypriot property.

Surrey residents have the opportunity to explore properties in Cyprus, Portugal and more this month by joining the Overseas Property Show at the Holiday Inn Guildford on 27th and 28th June. Doors open at 10.00 am and close at 6.00 pm on both days.

For further details and to claim your free tickets, visit www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

Turkey constructs a brighter future as property industry continues to thrive

Turkey constructs a brighter future as property industry continues to thrive

by Charly Turkey
  • Construction area covered by new building permits throughout Turkey 39% higher in first 9 months of 2014 compared with previous year (Colliers)
  • Istanbul new house sales increase by 40.1% in April 2015 vs April 2014 (TUIK)
  • Turkish construction sector’s turnover increased by 4.6% in 2014 (ITE Group)

As Turkey continues to thrive as a top tourist destination for visitors from around the globe, its housing market continues to follow suit with growth in the construction sector reaching 2.9% for the first nine months of 2014. The latest Colliers Turkey Real Estate Review reveals that, within the same time period, the total construction area covered by new building permits throughout Turkey increased by 39% in comparison with 2013.

The rising demand for residential property can clearly be seen at a national level however it is most noticeable in the illustrious city of Istanbul, with sales of brand new houses in April 2015 increasing by 40.1% compared with the same month last year. A new record high, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK).

Adil Yaman, Director of Universal21, the leading property agency in South-West Istanbul, comments,

“Turkey’s construction sector is flourishing, increasing their total turnover by 4.6% in 2014, and Istanbul’s property market is at the forefront of this demand for new build projects. Proud to be central to Istanbul’s expanding real estate industry, we have definitely noticed an increase in enquires regarding new build properties.”

Recent analysis published by ITE Group suggests that with approximately 70% of Turkey’s population living in cities, the need for both housing and major infrastructure projects is critical, with the two often inextricably linked. Adil explains further,

“Before taking on any of our projects, we ensure that the location and surrounding amenities will fulfil the needs and expectations of our potential clients, as well as the design itself. Part of the success of Istanbul’s housing market is due to the progression of the city and the infrastructural developments that have and are being made throughout.”

Of three new developments due to be completed by the end of this summer, the most recent project in the Universal21 collection is Diamond Residence. Located in a quiet, relaxed area of Old Beylikdüzü, whilst still being in close proximity to all amenities and restaurants, the residence is comprised of 148 beautifully designed apartments. With both one and two bedroom apartments available, Diamond Residence is just a 20 minute drive from the main Ataturk international airport and a 10 minute walk from the area’s major shopping centre, Marmara Park.

More than just a residential development, the property also offers an array of excellent and functional facilities, including 24 hour security, a Vitamin Bar, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, children’s game room and cinema room. With one bed apartments starting from £57,000 and two bed apartments from just £98,000, Universal21 are confident that Diamond Residence will meet the growing demand and high expectations for housing in Istanbul.

For more information about Universal21, visit www.universal21.com or call 0203 287 8700.