Paphos Digest
September/Сентябрь www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com
Published By Fitzgerald Marketing Solomos Court 74 Apostolos Pavlou Ave Kato Paphos Cyprus 8046 Tel: +357 26 930345 Fax: + 357 26 930929 e: contact@fitzgeraldcyprus.com web: www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com Cover Photo: Keralia Beach
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We aim to bring you the BEST VALUE properties in Paphos and now they are even better value... * A Safe Investment
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Most of our properties either have the Title Deed issued, available or are in the final stages of Land Registry approval. Fitzgerald Marketing only list properties that are safe to buy and have a full record of any encumbrances on each property.
Featured Property
Welcome to quaint traditional Tremithousa Village. Low set home finished to fastidious perfection. Step inside and you’ll be pleasantly surprised what a lovely home this really is. Low maintenance garden, communal pool in fabulous garden setting Reference: 1376 (See page 10)
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.
GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES IN PAPHOS Paphos has more ‘tourist product’ than any other city in Cyprus. ‘Arrival’ figures, which had dropped for a while, have come back strongly in the last 2 years. However, ‘new’ property sales have plummeted in the last 4 years.
The demand for developer homes has reduced but the appeal of Cyprus and Paphos as a lifestyle destination for relaxing family holidays, a private holiday pad or as a retirement destination, has remained strong.
As Paphos property prices tumbled, the largest group of home investors, the British, saw many Daryl Fitzgerald opportunities to snap up realestate previously out of reach. As it became clear that the safest property purchase was with Title Deeds, ‘secondhand’ property became the only answer.
The real estate ‘opportunities’ were not lost on the Russian Market either. It is said that Russians have a natural affinity for Cyprus and this group also saw tremendous opportunities in Paphos with its small town character, plenty of pristine coastline and good amenities as well as an easy and safe lifestyle. With the increasing number of Russian expatriates living here came a growing demand for the Russian commercial sector targeting Russian clientele with the increased number of convenience shops, supermarkets, luxury label retailers and hospitality venues popping up across the Paphos urban landscape.
According to the latest figures, Paphos International Airport accounts for 35% of the total Cyprus tourist volume. More than 1,700 flights arrive and depart from Paphos in Summer with 1600 chartered flights, mostly from Russia. Arrivals from Russia have jumped 40.7 per cent yearonyear in July, compensating for the 9.1 per cent reduction in traffic from the UK – the island’s main market segment to date. This August, Paphos hotels enjoyed 95% occupancy rates for July and August. The British are still leading the occupancy and any shortfall is taken up by the growing market share from Russia. Most of the balance comes from the local sector who decided against overseas travel for summer and head for Paphos, a favourite destination for Cypriots.
All in all, tourism is still driving the property market. Contrary to what some people say, banks are lending to buyers who are well qualified. The deposit necessary to secure a loan ranges from 3050% and the loan should be in Euros, the
Cyprus currency. The profligate days of the past are finished. Loans are arranged through qualified lawyers who are on Fitzgerald's panel of lawyers and no brokerage fee is payable.
The MarfinLaikiPopular Bank and the Bank of Cyprus have been mostly nationalised and the top management layer asked/told to depart. For the public, an era of good corporate governance in the banking sector has been long awaited. Whilst some buyers do require loans, many have recognised that cash purchases allow for heavy property discounting as there is an overabundance of property for sale. Fitzgerald’s specialise in marketing property with issued Title Deeds, which solves many potential problems for the prospective buyer, avoiding the pitfalls many British buyers have experienced previously.
The latest headlines in the local press welcoming Chinese investors are indeed good news for the Paphos property market. After buyers experience firsthand the tactics of the developers and their lawyers, a new and exciting market for quality properties at realistic prices, with Title Deeds will emerge.
Unassuming little island of Yeronisos If you find yourself at St Georges Village, the gateway to the Akamas National Park, you may be tempted to stop atop the prominent headland and savour the awesome scenery of the Mediterranean. As this corner of the sea is rather quiet, most probably there will be nothing to interrupt your view to the distant horizon. Looking to the north, you have a the coastline of the Akamas National Park in your sight and a fascinating tapestry of sandy inlets, the famous Lara Bay Beach, nesting ground for the loggerhead turtles.
To the west, and a mere few hundred meters from the quaint harbour at the base of the headland, you will notice a rather unassuming small island rising dramatically from the sea. The flat terrain looks inviting but the precariously steep slopes surrounding it will banish any thoughts of trying to scale this island mystery.
Historically, the island earned an honorable mention by the Roman writer, Pliny, in the first century BC, who called the island “Hiera”. The first modern account of the island was made in 1936 (the British colonial era), by the Inspector of Antiquities, Rupert Gunnis, who referred to Yeronisos Island as the Holy Island. He has
documented finding Neolithic flints and pottery on Yeronisos, as well as the foundations of a Roman building, which he speculated was a lighthouse. He also described the remains of defensive walls, a cistern, a millstone and other materials relating to the Roman period.
The island, in its recent history, was bought by a local newspaper tycoon dreaming of building an ‘offshore’ casino atop the island. As part of the development application the department of antiquities was called in to check whether any archaeological riches lay beneath the barren and uninspiring surface. In 1982 the excavations by the department of antiquities uncovered a wealth of materials dating back thousands of years and Yeronisos island was promptly expropriated by the government and designated as a Cyprus National Heritage Site of massive cultural significance. The island, mostly undisturbed since the Byzantine period, was excavated in 1992 by famous archeologist, Connelly, who initiated a ‘communal dig’ with many lay members and amateur archeologist enthusiasts, who joined in on the dig alongside the professional ‘team’.
This tradition endured to this day and a donation of €10,000 will gain you entry to take part in the excavations. Actor Bill Murray, author Barnaby Conrad , Bill Rhodes of Citcorp's fame and Martha Sutherland, a gallery owner of note, are just but a few avid enthusiasts who joined the ‘dig’ and enjoy recounting the tale of their experiences.
Connelly’s project is ongoing and is almost entirely financed through private donations. According to the latest gossip, The Friends of Yeronisos boasts over 300 generous donors who also join in on lectures, conferences, etc. Most importantly, they actively support fund raising events too! This is an open invitation to you to join in on the adventure on this most unassuming island, if you can. You can be assured of scorching sun in the summer and nippy westerlies during winter, however nothing quite measures up to the excitement of unearthing a thousand year old relic, does it? By all accounts it’s an event that will literally change your life!
Jane Williams
For many years my Husband always said that when he retired he wanted to do so somewhere warmer than England. Being soft Southerners, we were fed up with the long cold, damp and wet winters. Then in 2009 we spent a wonderful Christmas in Pissouri and that proved to be the turning point for us.
At the time, I just saw it as a holiday, so I was somewhat taken aback when a few weeks after we had arrived back in the UK, my Husband said he would like to retire Cyprus.
I worked full time for a large Pensions Company and started spending my lunchtimes surfing the internet for anything I could find on tips for; moving to Cyprus, living in Cyprus, property in Cyprus. My list was endless but so was the amount of available information. …And then I found the ‘Fitzgerald Cyprus’ website.
I knew there was nobody else providing such an excellent site with so much information. The property graphics were clear and accompanied by plenty of high quality photographs and a real feel for what it offered. Daryl’s wife, Anna, is the photographer and she writes the narratives too for each property. Anna painted such a picture that we would often forget we were living in the UK and instead, could see ourselves living the Mediterranean lifestyle. We spent the next few months planning our retirement and deciding when we should put our house on the market in the UK. We were back in Paphos again in November 2010 filled with revived enthusiasm. Once again we spent most of our time roaming the island as we both knew that in little more than three months, we were about to make a huge and very important decision.
We put our house on the market immediately after New Years’ Day in 2011 just to test the market and were offered the full asking price by the first viewers. Our house had been up for sale for just 72 hours! We were in a total state of shock as this meant we really had to go for it. Our final appointment with Daryl Fitzgerald turned all our plans completely upside down. There was very little on the Fitzgerald website for Pissouri as he had only recently
expanded his business out this far. We had spotted a property there that we liked the look of and arranged to see it along with a villa in Tala that we had our eye on but as soon as we saw the Pissouri house, that was it! Goodbye Tala, hello Pissouri. We used a Lawyer on Fitzgerald’s panel and the sale went through quickly and easily.
We have settled in and love living here. The traditional Village square is delightful and hosts various events through the high season. There are several restaurants, bars, a Pizzeria and a Chinese, so most tastes are catered for. We have had military bands, concerts and plays in the amphitheatre, http://www.fitzgeraldprestige.com/properties/13532/ where those in the know bring along a good padded cushion to sit on and a cool box packed with goodies! We have made several friends here and two of them have taught me the basics to play Mahjong. We play on a Friday morning in Pissouri Bay. My Husband is delighted to have found a golfing partner who doesn’t mind that he is a complete amateur and when he isn’t playing golf, he is regularly out on his Harley Davidson on organised rides with other bikers around the Island.
http://www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/properties/1378
http://www.fitzgeraldprestige.com/properties/11952/
Since moving here, I have become Fitzgerald’s representative for quality resale property in Pissouri and the surrounding area towards Limassol. It’s another great way of meeting people in addition to learning more about the area. So just in case you are wondering if we miss living in Old Blighty. The answer is: Not on Your Nellie!
A little Light Reading for the mantlepiece?
While in Melbourne, aspiring architect Daryl Fitzgerald stumbled across a unique idea of converting bricks into classic ‘books’.
The concept whimsically invokes nostalgia for a time when libraries were cavernous worlds full of yellowing paper, silence and time. A book’s weight and size often had a direct relationship with its gravitas and those we cherished are eternally embedded in our memory.
They are essentially old bricks from Melbourne that have been painted on each side to look like vintage books. There is now a library of over 100 titles, from classical literature to cult novels and children’s books. They work well as bookends, door stops, trivets, garden accessories, stands or simply on their own. With this combination Daryl has called the endeavour Light Reading.
The success of the concept has been influenced by a number of sources, including Daryl’s childhood spent living in Cyprus. Light Reading gains inspiration from our collective perception of heavy literature. Each brick is secondhand: the texture, cracks and chips are all a result of time and wear.
The ‘books’ have had a great response in design and literary areas in Australia. The national magazines and newspapers picked up on the idea which is being featured in a renovation TV show in Sydney, helping to spread the word, says Daryl.
Melbournebased Gray Puks and Architects have used over 40 books in a café fitout. Home Beautiful and, most recently, Vogue Netherlands published them in ‘Vogue’s favourites’ this summer. Daryl is regularly involved in charity events and local artist’s markets and expo’s and he has donated two of the ‘books’ to the art auction to raise funds for the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief. "The concept whimsically invokes nostalgia for a time when libraries were cavernous worlds full of yellowing paper, silence and time" They have worked well in integrate this creativity fashion stores, cafes, design in his architectural stores, art shops, bookstores work. Each ‘book’ is and even garden nurseries. accompanied by a Light Reading stockists have stamped bag and expanded to America and, bookmark perfectly soontobe, London. . presented for a gift. Daryl is always exploring how we connect with objects around us and likes to
"We now have a library of over 100 titles"
The books have had great success all round the world, and continue to challenge the perception of everyday objects and their uses all around us.
More information can be found on Light Reading Melbourne through facebook page or send an email to Lightreaingmelb@Gmail.com facebook.com/LightReadingMelburne
Featured Property
Tremithousa Mythos Bungalow
Welcome to quaint traditional Tremithousa Village on the outskirts of Paphos. The village has largely escaped ‘development’ fervour and still retains its appealing rustic charm of old. The long narrow Main Street runs between the main road to the fascinating St Neophytos Monastery and the prominent village church. A complex system of streets and alleyways radiate from the main street, lined with charming homes and low level traditional cottages.
The major lanes open the village into a more familiar modern urban scene and some 700m west of the Main Street you come to a charming wooded grove with a cluster of contemporary low set homes located around a central communal pool and park like communal areas.
Villa number 3 is positioned in a quiet private lane just around the corner from the main road. The villa presents an inviting street presence with a custom designed and attractively detailed wooden carport which spans the entire front of the villa. Step inside and you’ll be instantly charmed. There is so much graceful detailing you’ll be taken completely by surprise. The high pitched ceiling, supported by the towering pillar, gives the living area a feel of openness and space and meticulously
arranged exposed beams accentuate the varied lines of the sloped ceiling.
indooroutdoor lifestyle.
To the left, the sitting room features a builtin fireplace and tall tapered chimney; to the right a bright dining area. The dining and the sitting room feature swing patio doors which flow seamlessly to the covered front patio adding another dimension of Mediterranean
The stylishly arranged, modern, U shaped kitchen is a natural extension of the dining room and features generous storage space, granite worktops, top quality appliances and an elevated breakfast bar.
Two double bedrooms feature elegant builtin floor to ceiling wardrobes. The master bedroom enjoys a private walkin shower ensuite and opens ‘seamlessly’ to the garden terrace to the back. To the side you have a comfortable entertainment pavilion and your favourite venue for summer dining and relaxation. The back garden custom landscaping takes full advantage of the irregular shaped plot which, at the furthest point, features a gate which leads to the communal pool area. Exceptional home…contact us to make it yours. Reference 1376
Featured Property Chloraka Gardens Apartment
Forget about the confines of apartment living because here you have none! Now you have found an apartment that offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
You’ll love coming home to your extra spacious 2 bed apartment that oozes contemporary charm and lifestyle options. Forget about the confines of apartment living because here you have none! Cool neutral tones dominate an unusually roomy living room, presenting endless lifestyle opportunities. Broad and wide, the lounge extends seamlessly to a generous sunroom and the garden. You have the luxury of ‘separate’ kitchen neatly screened behind wide pillars. Wide granite worktops, ample storage and fully equipped, the dreamcometrue kitchen also opens to a covered garden terrace in easy reach of the garden entertaining pavilion.
You’ll love the bright, stylish, modern interior with top quality furniture and accessorized to perfection. You have two very large bedrooms with fully builtin wardrobes and spectacular garden outlook. The garden surrounds the apartment on two sides and all around mature climbers, flowering shrubs and evergreen bushes create a fabulously private garden setting you’ll be proud of. Your very own onsite garden Jacuzzi adds that extra luxury to your garden you can enjoy in privacy. Here you also have your very own private entry to the communal pool which so easily fits into your Mediterranean living environment. Reference 1377
Fitzgerald's Select Properties Robin's Nest Peyia Townhouse €139,995 Beds: 2 Baths: 2
Townhouse with views to the horizon, 2 brilliant courtyards.Open plan living room, master bedroom has a private balcony with views to the sea and the hills Ref: 1351
www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/properties/1351
Walnut Grove Luxury Apartment
Peyia Riverside Townhouse €115,000 Beds: 2 Baths: 2 Living room extends to covered patio and garden.Separate kitchen, large bedrooms, master bedroom overlooking the wide panoramic views over Village, the hills and the sea Reference: 1337
www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/properties/1337
Kato Paphos Pool II
€108,000 Beds 2 Baths 1
€92,000 Beds 2 Baths 1
Expansive living room opens to covered balcony. The Kato Paphos vibrant night spots, restaurants, and friendly pubs, etc are only minutes away
Tomb of the Kings Road area within 400m to Lighthouse beach.Very comfortable and generous living space opening to covered south facing balcony
Ref:1366
Ref: 1342
www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/properties/1366
Top Floor Pafia 4 €99,000 Beds 2 Baths 1
www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/properties/1342
Peyia Vrisi Sunrise €245,000 Beds 3 Baths 3
Top floor apartment. Easy walk to tourist area and sea front.Living area is open plan and features a U shaped galley kitchen
Home enjoys a relaxing garden setting. Landscaped gardens with well established plants & fruit trees and plenty of parking for 6 cars
Ref: 1374
Ref: 1092
www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/properties/1374
www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com/properties/1092
Out & About
A Flavour of Paphos in Pictures
Kamares Evening
A pleasant evening at the Kamares Club with good food and songs from the shows by Tina Chester.
Coral Beach Evening Market
Tala Amphitheatre
A tribute to Phil Collins filled the Tala Amphitheatre to capacity.
Photo's by Eamon Brooks
What's On With Jezebel
We really are in for a treat this month with a glorious choice of entertainment. Kicking it all off is the fabulous Marios Kombou as Elvis the best this island has seen in a one night special. There are two Music Master Gameshows to catch: a brand new night out blending all your favourite elements live music, food, drink, and a hitech quiz; Kathleen Ruddy’s much awaited comedy is here, the Rat Pack are back including Martin Rhodes, returning from the UK specially, and as well as all the regular gigs we also have some village festivals, prom celebrations and talent contests to boot. For more info there is lots more! check out www.groovejetmedia.com LISTINGS and tune into Rock FM we’re back on air after the summer break on the 3rd. Enjoy! Weekend 1st & 2nd September Geroskipou Beer Festival. Free bus from Pafos harbour. €5 inc first drink 6pm onwards: DJs, live bands and dance groups
The Elvis Years starring Mario Kombou at Ambelones in Peiga. Doors 7pm €25 inc meal 96441182 Sunday 2nd Songs of Praise in Agios Andronidos Park, Polis, all welcome 99845687 Thursday 6th The Music Master Game Show event with live music from Groovejet and a high tech high excitement live game show hosted by LisaMarie. Test your popular music knowledge or just enjoy the music. Doors open 7pm at Faros Tavern, Latchi Harbour €18 inc three course hot & cold buffet book online www.groovejetmedia.com 26819562 Friday 7th, Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th Giuseppe Verdi's Otello opera at Pafos harbour castle 8pm €35/50/60/80 Pafos Aphrodite Festival Cyprus 26822218 www.pafc.com.cy Saturday 8th South Coast Stompers 6 piece trad jazz band at Kamares Club (near Tala) €10/25 inc meal derekincyprus@gmail.com Thursday 13th The UKCA’s Last Night of The Proms at the UKCA Club, TOK Rd Xlorakas 26952470
Friday 14th ‘The Devil Wears Primark’ €20 99908434 8pm at Crown Resorts Hotel Amphitheatre, Coral Bay Saturday 15th Groovejet 60s & 70s night 8pm at Ollie's Bar, Trimithousa in aid of Paphiakos Animal Welfare €5 tickets from Ollie's Bar. Food including 70s theme preshow supper available in the bar book in advance please 96354183 Sunday 16th Traditional Festival at Statos Agios Fotios village from 11am with children’s’ activities, many stalls and traditional goods to sample 99178633 www.statos agiosphotios.org/inted.shtm
Frontline Band rock 8pm at Tala Amphitheatre, top of Stephanie Hill, Tala €5 on door 26653132 Wednesday 19th ‘The Devil Wears Primark’ €20 99908434 8pm at Paradise Place, Pomos Friday 21st Talent Show at the UKCA Club, TOK Rd Xlorakas ticket price & info 26952470 Saturday 22nd The Rat Pack Show 7.30pm at Tala Amphitheatre €10 26653132 Sunday 23rd The Rat Pack Show 7.30pm at Pissouri Amphitheatre Doors 6pm, show 7pm €20 99771098 Thursday 27th The Music Master Game Show event with live music from Groovejet and a high tech high excitement live game show hosted by LisaMarie. Test your popular music knowledge or just enjoy the music. Doors open 7pm at Kamares Club near Tala. €20 inc three course hot & cold carvery buffet book online www.groovejetmedia.com 26819562 Friday 28th Jezebel sings at Moonlight Bar, Aloe Hotel, harbour road, Kato Pafos 8.30pm midnight Saturday 29th Simone Swift sings 9pm at the Queen Vic Pub, just off OK Rd Kato Pafos 97950547