What to take into account: There are both advantages and disadvantages to buying a home in Cyprus, although for most people the benefits outweigh any drawbacks.

• Guaranteed sunshine and high temperatures for most of the year;
• A very low crime rate;
• Low taxation, especially for retirees;
• An excellent quality of life;
• A particularly low cost of living;
• A slow, relaxed pace of life;
• The friendliness and warmth of the Cypriot people;
• 90 per cent of the Cypriot population speak English.
• For Britons, there’s the added advantage that Cypriot legal and financial procedures are similar to those in the UK.

Naturally, there are also a few disadvantages, including:

• Unexpected renovation and restoration costs if you buy an old property (and if you don’t do your homework);
• The dangers of buying a property with debts and other problems (if you don’t take legal advice);
• Restrictions on letting your property;
• Overcrowding in popular tourist areas during the peak summer season;
• Traffic congestion and pollution in some towns;
• Water shortages in some regions (particularly during the summer);
• The expense and time spent getting to and from Cyprus if you own a home there.