Cyprus is the last country in Europe where retirees still do well: taxes on pension income after allowances are set at 5%. The cost of living is lower than in most other countries such as the UK or Spain and the quality of life is very good with residents enjoying the best of British and Cypriot culture. This is in addition to the fact that an increasing number of retirees and people considering retirement are buying property in Cyprus.

When considering retirement abroad, most people require the following essentials:

• Ideally in a place where English is understood

• Relatively easy access to good quality medical facilities

• Relatively easy access to an airport

• Good access to a like-minded community to make friends and socialize

• Reasonable access to local stores and general services, such as a restaurant.

• Low costs of living, so they can maintain a good lifestyle.

• Good weather, to be able to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle

Cyprus is a fairly small island with most of the residential communities spread out along the picturesque coastline, no matter where you decide to buy your retirement home, you’ll have direct access to all of the above. English is the second language for most Cypriots, most of the laws in Cyprus are based on the English system and everyone drives on the left side of the road. The medical facilities are very good and up to date and in most cases the doctor will see you right away, even on weekends! The cost of living is much lower in Cyprus, for example petrol is 30% cheaper, water bills for the average household are around 80 euros and the council tax is around 130 euros a year. Cyprus has 320 days of sunshine a year and even at Christmas you can sit outside in your shorts or take a walk on the beach.

There are airports in Larnaca and Paphos, quality medical facilities in Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, Polis and Nicosia. Expat retirees live all over the island and there are at least mini-markets as well as a good selection of bars and restaurants in virtually every community, however small, and all of Cyprus’s main towns offer a wide range of shops and shopping facilities. dinning room.

Naturally, those wishing to be right in the heart of a community where they will meet like-minded people may choose a property in Paphos in Cyprus, particularly in Peyia, where there is a strong English community intermingling with local Cypriots. Peyia is a great community with a good selection of apartments, townhouses and villas. The center of the village is the focal point of life in Peyia, however the beaches and many restaurants at Coral Bay, which is a 5 minute drive away, are a popular meeting place.

Those who want a more picturesque and quiet place to live are advised to visit the Polis area of ​​Cyprus, which is north-west of Paphos, but only 40 minutes from the airport. The center of this area is the small town of Polis with its quaint paved streets, but with a wide variety of shops and restaurants – a short walk will take you to the sandy beach with its stunning views of Chrysochous Bay and the mountains beyond. there. There is a regular bus service to Paphos, it costs one euro! A five minute drive will take you to the popular Latchi Marina where you can relax in one of the many quayside fish restaurants and watch the local fishermen return with their dinner.

The Polis area is surrounded by mountains, so there is a wide variety of scenery and places to visit, all within a short drive. Take a walk through the rugged terrain of the Akamas Nature Reserve, then relax with a drink in the traditional stone village of Neo Chorio. Try pony riding in the pine forests of Paphos above Polis, and then enjoy a relaxing lunch at the family-run Paradisos Hotel, which has the most stunning views of any hotel in Cyprus. Relax on one of the many sandy beaches or take a 20-minute drive along the coast to the small fishing village of Pomos, where the mountains meet the beach and the scenery is totally different: the cliffs rugged terrain and the breathtaking beauty of this area will take you away. your breath away! For the more active, there are a wide range of water sports in the area and it is easy to hire a small boat at Latchi Marina and take a few hours’ trip, and perhaps relax in the Blue lagoon and try scuba diving. Construction has begun on two new golf courses in Argaka, which will be among the most picturesque in Europe.

Retiring to Cyprus will never be boring and you will be able to enjoy the constant sunshine and friendliness that this island has to offer, at a much reduced cost compared to many other countries.

For more information contact A20 Real Estate. http://www.real estate.com