B U Y E R ' S G U I D E

About British Community

The British Community is growing very fast as more and more British couples (retired and families with children) buy a property in Northern Cyprus and come to permanently live on the northern side of the island. The main attraction of this area is that it is unspoilt by commercial tourism and has a slow pace of life, safe environment (the area is virtually crime free), the best value for money property and low cost of living in Northern Cyprus than in other Mediterranean countries.

UK visitors and residents receive a very warm welcome from the local population. English is widely spoken and there are some unmistakable influences of the British colonial era on the island.

Northern Cyprus community is predominantly Muslim (although nobody is living according to the laws of Islam) and is very tolerant to other customs and traditions; they especially show respect and appreciation for British culture. There are several churches in the Northern part of the island. The Anglican Church of St Andrew's is situated in Girne and services are held on Sundays and Thursdays. Also church services are held at the Nestorian Church of St George in Famagusta every Sunday (5.00pm). The Roman Catholic Church is located in Girne town centre a walking distance from the Dome Hotel. The times and days of these services do vary.

Families with children will have a choice of several English speaking schools. In Girne (Kyrenia) there is an English-run nursery. Also there are two English-language primary schools attached to the universities. English language secondary education can be received at the International American College (Lefkosa), Girne American University and University in Lefkosa. There are several societies on the island, to name a few: Kyrenia Amateur Dramatic Society (KADS), Northern Cyprus Society for the Protection of Birds and Nature, Kyrenia Animal Rescue, The Red Cross and others.

The rules and processes occasionally change and it is very important to have up to date information when buying a property in Northern Cyprus. We can provide you with free information about medical care, education, domestic services, finance, etc on the island and advise you on how to apply for a residence permit, start a new business or export register and maintain your car. The cost of living in North Cyprus is not as expensive as in UK.

There is local English newspaper which will help you to know what's going on the island and get your messages through to the community. Most of the supermarkets and local corner shops sell the weekly English paper “Cyprus Today”, which is published every Saturday. All forthcoming events – concerts, charity events, evening and day entertainment, as well as useful information and advertisements from different business, restaurants and bars are advertised here. North Cyprus living could be as exciting and eventful as you would like it to be.

The British Residents Society also provides a comprehensive telephone list of its members which is updated every six months. It could be a good help to the local telephone directory.

Buying a property in Northern Cyprus as well as anywhere overseas is big step and you need to have your eyes wide open and have as much information as possible.

Remember, we are here to answer your queries.