April
Fitzgerald Estates Paphos Digest
Fitzgerald Estates (Cyprus) www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com
Fitzgerald Estates Solomos Court 74 Apostolos Pavlou Ave Kato Paphos Cyprus 8046 Tel: +357 26 930345 Fax: + 357 26930929 e: contact@fitzgeraldcyprus.com web: www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com ©2011 Fitzgerald Estates
Why Fitzgerald's? We aim to bring you the BEST VALUE properties in Paphos and now they are even better value... * A Safe Investment * No VAT charge to pay * Fully equipped * You can move in NOW Most of our properties either have the Title Deed issued, available or are in the final stages of Land Registry approval. Fitzgerald Estates only list properties that are safe to buy and have a full record of any encumbrances on each property.
Featured Property
Absolutely stunning, this beach front property is everything you have been waiting for. Wonderful open coastline at the bottom of your garden and a 7 roomed home where everything is possible. Situated within an exclusive luxury development and located at the end of a cul-de-sac. To find out more just quote the reference number 1225 (See Page 5) We continue to advertise our world class website on the famous British property website ‘Rightmove’, the Cyprus Mail, Essential Paphos magazine and the Russian magazine ‘My Island’ (Moi Ostrov) attracting sellers as well as buyers. We are seeing consolidation of prices at current realistic levels. As more people wake up to the fact that this is a wonderful opportunity to buy villas, prices will increase however prices for apartments will continue to be soft because there is a big oversupply of these types of properties.
Russian Buyers Double In Paphos During the month of March, Fitzgerald Property Marketing has seen a substantial increase of inquiries from Russian clients besides a big increase in property purchases from British buyers. Overall the number of Russian visitors to Cyprus has risen from 165,000 in 2009 to a staggering 325,000 in 2011 and a substantial number will spend their holiday in Paphos not only relaxing but actively looking for property investment opportunities. With Paphos bearing the brunt of the property slump, this is indeed very good news for the Paphos property market and the local tourist industry. “Russian buyers are very ‘canny’ and very choosy. They are significant competition for the British, Continental and local buyers for a full range of quality properties,”said Daryl Fitzgerald. Many enquiries are web generated, where we cater to the Russian market through our featured properties translation facility and www.fitzgeraldprestige.com website. We have a permanent presence in the popular Russian lifestyle magazine – Moi Ostrov, (My Island). Moi Ostrov is also accessible via our website and www.moiostrov.com which is very popular in Russia. We are also receiving many inquiries from clients (of all nationalities) who choose to explore for themselves and follow a Google Map tour of
Fitzgerald’s range of properties. The map shows the exact location of each property, making it super easy to locate the property and experience first-hand what the property has to offer. The opportunity to privately survey the surroundings, check out the aspect and the overall appeal saves time and empowers the buyer, helping to make the right buying decision. Most of the Russian buyers are professional or business people who appreciate our low key professional approach. They like the Cyprus welcoming way of life and prestige is an important factor in buying decisions. The ‘must have’ is a safe and secure environment for the family and realistic prices come as a very positive bonus. To help deliver a top quality professional service to our Russian clients, we are in the process of securing a full time Russian speaker. Rivalry between Limassol & Paphos to attract Russian tourists is very keen and Limassol has been the city of preference for many a Russian buyer. Today, Paphos has a lot to offer too and many Russian families like the quiet beauty of the Paphos area. We have a number of excellent English schools as well Russian institutes, Russian bakeries and other shops to help service a growing Russian population.
Making a will in Cyprus Google anything to do with making a will in Cyprus and you will come up with many conflicting answers, ranging from “NO” to “DEFINITELY” and anything in-between. Ask 20 people here in Cyprus and you will get probably 20 different answers. Wills are an immotive subject at the best of times and when you need the least hassle, you do not want to be confronted with Cyprus “red tape” which will almost certainly conflict with the UK “red tape”. If you are domiciled here then your entire estate is liable to Cyprus law, if you are domiciled elsewhere, then it is only your immovable property that is subject. At the moment, the majority of people use a solicitor to draw up a Cyprus will and then use them as an executor/administrator. This is perfectly acceptable BUT, although the Cyprus Bar Association sets a minimum fee, it does NOT set a maximum. “Over-enthusiastic” lawyers may charge a lot more than you ever expected. If you look on our website at the information pages, we have a list of lawyers who we use regularly for both business and personal matters. www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/finance_and_legal Also, we have listed our chartered accountants, YLazarou who have offices in both Paphos and Polis. They can act as administrators for your estate for a more than reasonable cost, of course depending on your circumstances. Contact then for a discussion on how they can help you. Whatever you decide, you MUST! Do something. Without a will, Cyprus law states that your estate is divided between all your heirs as in some other European countries. You spouse could be left with less than ½ of your estate. So, don’t put this off – do something NOW!! Fitzgerald Estates Office Being a family business we have one office centrally situated close to and in walking distance of both the Harbour and the Tomb of the kings Road. Office hours are 9am to 5.30pm 6 days a week with no break for lunch. So if you are working and only have your lunch break to come and see us, you are welcome! If you have a property of any kind to sell in the Paphos area with Title Deeds in your name please come and see us also.
Featured Property
Absolutely stunning, this beach front property is everything you have been waiting for. Wonderful open coastline at the bottom of your garden and a 7 roomed home where everything is possible. Situated within an exclusive luxury development and located at the end of a cul-de-sac, it has its own off road parking. This fabulous home carries a nautical flavour in its sprawling split-level design, accentuated by a clean white palette, textured walls, high ceilings and polished timber stairs. You’ll be instantly charmed as you take in the generous open plan living-dining room from the small hallway. Full of light and dominated by the priceless Mediterranean vista with its palm studded garden and the shimmering azure sea few steps away…. It’s a privileged setting few people are lucky enough to secure ……..Make sure it is you! The entire living room flows to the expansive sea-front terrace. Partly covered and glassed- in on the western side, it is a perfect venue to relax, unwind and immerse yourself in Champagne-flowing al-fresco entertaining. The garden extends some 50m to the beach and nearby, a newly constructed breakwater ensures you enjoy the sea in a safe and secure environment.
A graceful archway to the left of hall leads to the galley-design kitchen. The kitchen is well appointed and functional, complimented by an expansive archway over the elevated breakfast bar overlooking the dining area. On the right, you have an elevated (4 stepsup) bedroom wing with three well presented double bedrooms and a family bathroom. The master bedroom features a private full bathroom en-suite and enjoys enviable views across the gardens to the beach. The other two bedrooms face the colourful cul-desac. On the lower level (10 steps down) you have an additional three super sized rooms, an entertainment haven for the extended family. There is room for a home cinema, games room and a family lounge with its own private terrace. Here you also have a shower bathroom. The Poseidon Village community also has the luxury of the elevated communal swimming pool and is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the sea views. The property is being offered to the market for the first time in 10 years which reflects its desirability. Importantly Title Deeds are available making this a secure investment for the future. This is an exceptional property that, both inside and out, exceeds expectation. The absolute beachfront location is unbeatable, in a privileged setting and lifestyle that’s simply perfect. Bird Watching Challenge For the second year running, BirdLife Cyprus set a challenge for teams of birdwatchers to identify as many bird species as possible within a 24 hour period. The challenge takes place on 2nd April and will attracte teams from across the island. The winner is the team that records the greatest number of species. The event includes night bird spotting to enable ‘owl watchers’ to compete. As well as being fun and competitive, the challenge also provides a wealth of data for conservation purposes. The winning team will be presented with a certificate at a ‘get together’ to be held towards the end of May. BirdlLife is dedicated to the conservation of wild birds and their habitats in Cyprus and is currently working towards ending illegal bird trapping.
Shipwreck to Become Tourist Attraction? A local land mark – the Honduran-flagged Demetrios II which ran aground on rocks close to Chloraka, it is reported has been ear marked to become the latest project to attract marine tourism. It is hoped state funding will be approved to scuttle the ship to create an attraction for divers from all over the world. The idea was originally suggested in 2006 following the success of a similar project at Limassol. Government Departments are working together to undertake a study aimed at finding the ideal position to place the ship on the seabed. If given the go ahead, the project should be ready for next summer. Stage One Theatre Goes Musical. Stage one theatre group which is noted for it's high standard of drama has once again branched out into the world of musicals. It is some 5 years since they put on 'My Fair Lady' to much critical acclaim, this time it was the timeless classic 'The Sound of Music' directed by Annie Mctaggart and Peter Sandwith. Fortunately the Stage One Theatre Group in Emba has a youth theatre group so finding 7 talented youngsters to play the Von Trapp children was not a problem for this production. It was an ambitious project to put on such a well known and well loved show as the 'Sound of Music' which has such a large cast, indeed the rehearsals have been going on since last October. In the final analysis and judging by the reaction of the audiences it was a well deserved success.
St Patrick's Celebrations in Paphos Each year FĂĄilte Pafos the locally based Irish Cultural group under the patronage of the Irish Embassy in Nicosia organise a St Patrick's Celebration in Paphos. This years event took place on the Friday the 18th march at the Paphos Gardens Hotel in Kato Paphos and was sponsored by Fitzgerald Estates.
The special guest for the night was H.E. The Irish Ambassador, Patrick Scullion who is well know to many of the Irish in Paphos. He is Pictured on the left with Fr. Jim kennedy & Fr. Carlos Ferrera.
It was a night of good food, music, dance and good old Irish hospitality which attracted a wide range of nationalities as well as the Irish who were there to celebrate their national day.
The event was a great success and raised â‚Ź1,485 for the St Michael's Hospice 400 Countdown Campaign. The campaign is aimed at equipping and opening the hospice which has been built in the village of Mesa Chorio near Paphos.
Easter In Cyprus Orthodox and Western Easter celebrations coincide only every fourth year, but on this occasion, the heavens intervened and we celebrate the event together for the second successive year; a rare occurrence indeed in the church calendar. Easter is the greatest holiday in the Christian Orthodox Church calendar and it all starts with Green Monday (or Clean Monday) which heralds the coming of Easter in 50 days time. On Green Monday the entire Cyprus population is on the move, meeting up with extended family and friends, and heading for the Great Cyprus outdoors. Every green patch, seemingly, of the seafront, parks and valleys, brims with people and tables laden with delicious ‘green’ food. Children’s laughter echoes in the air whilst everyone catches up with the latest; then comes the universal kite flying, (something about freedom of breaking free and sailing high up to heaven). The fast continues until Easter Saturday when at midnight a very special church service is celebrated. During the ceremony all lights are extinguished momentarily with the celebrant dramatically lighting a single candle. The flame is then progressively passed throughout the church, normally packed to the brim, and each person receiving the flame exchanges the greetings, "Christos anesti," (Christ has risen) to which the reply is, "Alithos anesti," (Indeed He has risen). It really is a beautiful sight and ceremony and the contrast between the utter darkness and the light of the thousand candles is an awesome and memorable sight. Tricky bit comes next though: how to get the ‘Light of the Lord’ home where the flame will be kept burning throughout the year! To coincide with the church ritual, huge bonfires are lit and fireworks light up the night sky. For a visitor, the extraordinary Easter festivities are a sight worth seeing and joining in is very exciting. So make your travel booking early!
Cypriot Cuisine Flaounes Ingredients Yeast dough 1 ½ lbs (750gr) strong plain flour 1 sachet easy bake yeast 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons sugar 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil water to mix
Flaounes are the traditional Easter cheese breads made in Cyprus. Traditionally they are made on Good Friday. These cheese breads are made with a very flavourful bread dough and filled with a cheese called Pafitiko made during the Easter period for flaounes. However, this can be substituted by a mixture of other Cypriot cheeses such as halloumi or kaskavalli.
Cheese filling 12oz flaouna cheese (Pafitiko) or 8oz (250gr) cheddar cheese 4oz (100gr) halloumi 1 tablespoon flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 tablespoon crushed dried Mint 4 eggs lightly beaten To finish 1 egg beaten sesame seeds Preparation For the dough, sift flour into a large bowl. Stir in the yeast, salt and sugar. Add the oil and enough water to make it firm. Knead for at least 5 minutes until it has a smooth and elastic feel. Put the dough into a plastic bag and leave in a warm place for an hour to rise. For the filling, coarsely grate the cheeses, add the flour and baking powder then gradually stir in the beaten egg and seasonings until you have a stiffish paste (if the mixture becomes runny don’t use all the beaten egg). Divide the dough into egg sized pieces and roll these into 4'' (10cm) discs. Place a generous tablespoon of filling into the centre of each pastry disc, spreading it slightly. Pull dough up at 3 points to make a triangle, or 4 points to make a square. You should still be able to see the filling in the middle. Press corners together to seal and leave to rise. Just before baking, brush with beaten egg and sprinkle some sesame seeds over them. Bake in a hot oven gas 8, 450'f, 230'C for 12-15 minutes until cheese filling is puffed and flaounes are golden. Serve hot or cold, makes about 12.