March
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
It’s a bungalow, but not as we know it! From its ‘uber’ cool black granite worktops with black and silver mosaic splash back, to its rooftop hot tub with mountain backdrop, this 3 bedroom bungalow oozes ‘villa’ style. To find out more just quote the reference number 1208 (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.
Property Carnival in Paphos Carnival is a time to celebrate and Paphos, as all the other cities on the island, is determined to make a good show of it. The global crisis has hit Paphos hard, especially the tourist and the building industry, but the tide has turned and a there is a buoyant mood in the air. The preparations for the Grand Street parade continue in earnest as various charities, NGO’s, social and sports clubs, schools and leading businesses are preparing to participate. Plans for the decking out of giant floats, designing showy costumes and street choreographic routines all started well before February’s parade. In Cyprus it is a family and community affair and the town is abuzz with activities and... anticipation! Paphos Municipality has set the scene with many carnival decorations taking the centre stage about town and this year they are even more flamboyant than ever. The Paphos fashion retailers are satisfied as well. The Grand Carnival Dance in our most prestigious of hotels, the Elysium, on the 4th of March will be patronised by who’s who and the competition to outshine is intense. “No expense spared”, one of the retailers ventures his observation on the status of the prestigious event. As the city celebrates, at Fitzgerald’s the celebratory mood is much evident too. “January and February have been the best start to a New Year yet”, says Daryl Fitzgerald, instead of Rio many
canny buyers are heading to Paphos to snap up quality properties, perhaps sensing that this is absolutely the right time to make this crucial lifestyle investment. Looking for realistic prices and the prized Title Deeds, knowledgeable and shrewd Cypriots, buyers from England and Russia particularly are leading the charge to secure quality properties from us in Paphos. While others from as far away as Australia are seeing the potential in resale property in Paphos. “We have achieved a cavalcade of quality properties with 20% more on offer to cover the whole range from small apartments to prestige villas so buyers have a great selection to choose from”, says Daryl Fitzgerald. Dreams Can Still Happen. In these days when everybody is focused on the negatives in life and bemoaning the worldwide economic downturn, dreams can still come true. A couple in the UK had long dreamt of moving to their dream home in Cyprus, they like many others had now come to a point in their life when it was the ‘right’ time personally to make the move. They had short listed a couple of villas they felt were right for them and all they needed to do was sell their property in the UK for it all to happen. Not discouraged by all the negative
press on the housing market they put their property on the market and within 72 hours it was sold! They are now preparing to to make the move to Paphos. They are making the move to Paphos through Fitzgerald Estates, why? Here is what they had to say: Hi You asked me to comment on your latest Newsletter, so without further ado… I think it is very important to advertise how well Fitzgerald Estates is doing. It provides customer comfort that we are all dealing with a successful, as well as professional business. A 15% sales increase is definitely something to shout about in these trying times we live in. Highlighting the importance of Title Deeds is not to be underestimated, as there have been a few horror stories relayed here very recently, about property owners in Cyprus wishing to return to the UK and discovering that they cannot sell because they do not hold the Title Deeds. These stories have been followed up by how many years some owners have to wait before obtaining them. Sadly, this is not good press for people considering purchasing property abroad. Unsurprisingly, this applies mostly for ‘new builds’ but again this is where Fitzgerald Estates can maximise on their selective Resale business. It is another reason that provides trust
between Fitzgerald Estates and your customers. It underlines that, we the customers are dealing with a professional and reliable business. It is clear to anyone reading the monthly Newsletter that you are heavily involved with local events, charities, etc. and I for one enjoy reading what is happening in Cyprus, even though I am not living there…yet! You also clearly demonstrate that you are not just a money making business but are caring enough to put something back into the community. It is another one of those Trust issues I mentioned above. One of the main reasons I have continued to browse your website constantly, as opposed to any other, is due to the portfolio you hold. It was clear to me from the start that Fitzgerald Estates was not merely a run of the mill property agent but a discerning property specialist. I firmly believe it is that and the fact that you deal exclusively in the Resale market that sets you apart from the competition. To finish I will simply say that living in the UK, I rely on several first class quality photographs, with a clear description of the property / price and its position. Fitzgerald Estates deliver in spades! Kind regards and I hope to see you again soon. Jane & William (31 January 2011)
Featured Property
It’s a bungalow, but not as we know it! From its ‘uber’ cool black granite worktops with black and silver mosaic splash back, to its rooftop hot tub with mountain backdrop, this 3 bedroom bungalow oozes ‘villa’ style. On a quiet street and hidden by hedging this superb home surprises and delights. From walking through the front entrance with black slate tiles and storage cupboards either side, into the living room with walnut laminate wood floor, you’ll be amazed by the stylish touches in this lovely property. The living room has a gas fire set into a feature fireplace and looks great whether lit or not. Another feature to make you go ‘wow’ is the back-lit suspended ceiling with its huge stainless steel fan and light. Leave just the back lighting to the ceiling for those intimate nights by the fire or, when having friends round, light up the room and keep it cool with the light and fan. Flowing from the living room towards the kitchen is the dining room with its feature wall and suspended ceiling illuminated by stylish spotlights. Here friends can sit, talk and sip a glass of wine whilst you prepare dinner in your bright gourmet kitchen. The kitchen has black slate floor tiles, beautiful cherry wood units with soft close doors and drawers and granite worktops with trendy black sink and flexible spout mixer tap to please even the most fastidious hostess.
The dining and the living room open to an expansive raised patio overlooking the pool. The pool area is a real sun trap but don’t worry, there’s the shady gazebo to escape the midday sun. The thatched gazebo is an ideal al-fresco dining spot and here you have the luxury of stone built-in BBQ, clay oven and enough custom designed bench space making outdoor entertaining easy and fun. Enjoy cooling drinks and savour the delicious home made souvla or other delicacies cooked in the Cypriot clay oven whilst listening to the water feature running into the pool. Three good sized bedrooms with cream tiled floors, builtin wardrobes and tasteful decoration are bright and sunny. The master bedroom opens to a private patio and features private en-suite shower. Very generous family bathroom completes your home interior. Don’t worry about the garden either, with an abundance of shrubs and grey stone chippings it’s low maintenance, which means you won’t be spending precious ‘chill’ time gardening. When you tire of the pool, why not nip up the outside staircase to the rooftop hot tub and enjoy the view through the trees to the sea or marvel at the night sky over the mountains behind your new home. To complete this property, there’s a single garage and driveway with covered parking for a further 3 cars, shed discretely tucked away to hide all those necessary items that you don’t want on show and a utility room. If you’re looking for a stylish and easily maintained home, this could be the one for you.
St. Patrick’s Celebration Paphos Gardens Hotel 18th March at 7:30pm.
Live Irish music, A hot and cold buffet, A prize draw. The special guest will be H.E. The Irish Ambassador In aid of St Michaels Hospice Tickets are available from Fitzgerald Estates, or email: failte.pafos@gmail.com www.failte-pafos.eu
Leisure Activities The phrase “leisure activities” is a bit of a misnomer as it seems a bit of a contradiction. To be honest, Cyprus is not normally seen as an activity holiday destination – most people come for the sun and relaxation. However, in the Paphos area we’ve seen an upsurge in new sporting activities recently and so if you want more than sun and sea, then Paphos could have it. Golf For the last few years we’ve had 3 golf courses – Aphrodite Hills, Secret Valley and Tsada, which is now called Minthis Hills. Late in 2010, the new Elea course at Geroskipou opened. Designed by Sir Nick Faldo, it’s a par 71 with an elevated club house that is the only one on the island from which you can see the whole 18 holes. Work starts soon on the boutique hotel and villas that will provide accommodation. In the Polis area, new courses are being created starting this year, so for golfing enthusiasts, there’ll be plenty to choose from. Driving Range On the coast road from Paphos to Peyia, the driving range has become very popular since its opening 18months ago. Whether you’re a complete novice or a keen amateur, then at a very reasonable price you can “bash” a bucket of balls virtually all year round. Mini Golf Island Cove Mini Golf is next to the Aliathon Holiday Village, (the top end). Take the road opposite the Cypria Maris Hotel on Poseidonos Avenue and it’s at the top. It’s not your standard mini golf course, it’s an American style designed 18 hole course with streams, mini lakes and a café for a cooling drink while you add up the scores and see who’s won!! It’s been here many years but gets resurfaced on a regular basis and people return time and time again to play. Go-Karting Next to the Mini Golf is one of a few karting tracks in the area, probably the biggest by far, with a tunnel and bridge as well. Great fun for everyone with staff who are safety conscious – no messing around here, it’s serious stuff!!
A smaller course can be found at Coral Bay and in the Polis area, there’s Karting at Argaka. Archery Recently opened, situated next to the UKCA Club, opposite the St. George Hotel, this is the place to go for all budding Robin Hoods!! Don’t expect bows and arrows whittled from a bit of wood – this is the real thing. You can hire all the equipment which is probably necessary as not many people take a bow on holiday!!!!! Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting Make a day of it, sail from Latchi Harbour, have lunch, shoot a few clays, do a bit of snorkeling. If you don’t want a full day, just have an hour back in Paphos at the range near the Azia Hotel. Paintball and Laser Tag Found next to the Mini Golf and Go-Karting in Paphos, this is definitely one of the more active sports. Safety is of primary concern with full protective gear provided and 8 years old is the very minimum age to play. Certainly for the less energetic amongst us, maybe the height of summer is not the best time to play. Outdoor Bowling Very popular here in Paphos with quite a few hotels in the area having flat or crown green bowling rinks. Neos Sports Club in Peyia has 8 rinks and at all venues, you can pay membership or just have a game ad hoc, Spring and Autumn being the perfect weather for outdoor bowling. 10 pin Bowling There are 2 bowling alleys in Paphos – one near the E&S supermarket on the road from the Old Town to the Harbour and the other on the famous “Bar Street”. Open all year round, it’s great fun for all the family and in Summer, it’s a great place to cool down and have a good time. Water activities Swimming, snorkeling, diving, fishing, speedboats, yacht outings, catamarans, torpedo boats, paragliding, whatever you fancy doing, you’re sure to find it. All along the coast and the harbour, hotels and independents provide all these opportunities and more.
So, if you thought Cyprus was for sun and sea only, then you’re wrong. There’s even more sports such as mini football, badminton, darts and others, but that’s for another month.
Cyprus Cuisine You have probably seen many times those dark brown vegetables on the shelf in supermarkets called Kolokassi and wondered just what you are supposed to do with them. In Cyprus, Kolokassi has been in use since the time of the Roman Empire a name incidently which is similar to the Roman name Colocasia. It is usually stewed with celery (and sometimes meat) in a tomato sauce. Now is your chance to try it out for yourself, one word of advice follow the instructions carefully and whatever you do don't wash the Kolokassi with water! Kolokassi and Pork The ingredients in this recipe are for 6-7 servings. Adjust ingredients accordingly. Ingredients: 2 kilos of pork meat 2 kilos of Kolokassi (Taro Roots) 1/2 a cup of olive oil 2 onions finely chopped 1 bunch of celery leaves chopped 4 ripped grated tomatoes 1 tbsp of tomato paste 2 lemons Salt and pepper to taste The best part of the animal for this recipe that is tender and tasty is the part from the neck or shoulder if you prefer it without bones. Have your meat cut in approximately 2 inches thick cubes then wash the meat and let it dry. Peel the skin of the kolokassi leaving the stem on (you will need it to hold the kolokassi while cutting it). Once you peel the kolokassi, do not wash it. Clean the kolokassi with a clean kitchen towel. Holding the kolokassi by the stem and starting from the other end and with a sharp pointy knife, break the kolokassi in bite pieces. The kolokassi is hard and you can not cut it like you would cut a potato. Pour the olive oil in a casserole; heat it up and sauté the meat from all sides until brown without burning it.
Add the chopped onions to be sautĂŠed as well. Add the grated tomatoes and the tomato paste diluted in 1/2 a cup of water. Add the chopped celery leaves, salt and pepper to taste and stir to mix all ingredients. Add the kolokassi pieces, stir to mix kolokassi, meat, celery leaves and the rest of ingredients in the casserole. Add enough water to cover all ingredients in the pot. If you are using a regular pot, place the cover on, lower the heat after it starts boiling and cook for about an hour or until the kolokassi is cooked. After it starts boiling do not stir the pot, because the kolokassi can be turned into mash. It is always better to shake the pot or grab it by the handles and turn it. You can test whether it is cooked by piercing it with a fork. (If you can pierce it with the fork and it falls off that means it is cooked.) Let it simmer for a few minutes for the sauce to thicken and take the pot off the stove letting it cool down for a while and serve.
February Sales at Fitzgerald Estates. Alan and Melanie have just agreed to buy a very spacious top floor apartment in a block of only 4 with communal swimming pool. The couple are looking to spend lots of time in sunny Paphos and look forward to the healthy lifestyle! Congratulations to Bob and Joy from Dubai on purchasing this magnificent Stroumbi Village House with an idyllic courtyard and many original 'village' features. This wonderful property has been snapped up by this caring couple. George from Paphos has agreed to buy a lovely town house in Chloraka with magnificent views of Paphos and the sea. Congratulations to this 'canny' young man! Joby is delighted to agree to buy a delightful, spacious apartment in Kato Paphos close to everything so he can walk everywhere! Congratulations to the gentleman from England! John and Sylvia came last week to see our property and bought a lovely, large apartment with a separate kitchen in quiet Peyia. Congratulations to the couple from Kent!