It is extremely easy to buy things. Larger supermarkets now sell leading British branded products. Although these can be slightly more expensive, Turkish produced items are much cheaper with fresh fruit and vegetables in abundance. Alcohol and tobacco is also extremely cheap.

Eating out is also very good value with a huge number of restaurants and cafes to choose from. An average restaurant bill with drinks is £10-£20 per person.

No. Foreign exchange currency can be brought in to the country and taken out through the banks without any restriction or control.

The banking system is very straight forward and many international banks have branches on the island. HSBC International has opened branches in both Kyrenia and Nicosia. We recommend you use these rather than the numerous local and Turkish banks. Although Turkish lira is the principal currency, sterling can be used almost everywhere. Travellers cheques can easily be exchanged at any local bank.

The government is very keen to attract foreign investment in the country and has a number of incentives.

A valid passport is required and on arrival you will automatically be given a three month visa. If you decide to stay longer, you could get an extension or alternatively apply for residency. To become a resident is a very simple process. Certain documentation is required which is then stamped enabling you to stay on the island as long as you like unrestricted.

There are restrictions. A foreign national cannot buy more than one donum of land which is 1338 sq metres or 14400 square feet. If you are interested in more than one property you can buy in the name of other members of your family or you can form a local Company.

Due to the buoyant market situation, it is advisable to arrange finance before you travel to the island. You will also need to appoint a solicitor which we can always help you with on the island.

There is a certain procedure which you must follow when buying a property.

The validity of the title deed is checked and confirmed by a solicitor. A contract of sale is drawn up and a completion date set. In many cases the purchaser returns to the UK or wherever, and the solicitor attends to the completion in the purchasers absence, having been given Power of Attorney.

The Land Registry values the property for Stamp Duty and Sales Tax purposes.

With all new properties payment is required in stages and dependent upon actual build progress.

On the day of completion, the monies are paid by the solicitor to the vendor and the Land Registry respectively; the name of the purchaser is entered into the Land Registry record books and the new title deed issued.

You should allow between £1000 and £1500 for solicitors costs (be aware that some solicitors charge an hourly rate fee that could work out very expensive) when buying in Northern Cyprus. We will always recommend a solicitor to act on your behalf if required.

All purchases are subject to stamp duty (3%) payable on the Land Registry valuation.

On new property there is a sales tax (5%) payable on the Land Registry valuation.

Land Registry valuations are only 50% on average of the actual purchase price paid eg if an Apartment cost £60000, stamp duty of 3% would only be payable on £30000 ie £900!!!

The cost of living is cheap in Northern Cyprus. Utility bills in particular are exceptionally good value. For an average apartment you can expect to pay about £200 a year for electricity and water. Communal maintenance fees are also payable depending on what facilities you share (pool, sewage etc:)

Pets are welcome in Northern Cyprus so long as you obtain the correct documentation from your vet in the UK. All pets must stay in quarantine for one month on the island.

You can drive with your UK licence for three months, after which you will need a TRNC licence. Once you have been issued with your residency permit, a local licence can be obtained within days.

As in the UK, driving is on the left hand side of the road.

Health services in Northern Cyprus are extremely good and there are good hospitals and medical facilities.There are several insurance companies who provide private health insurance – The British Residents Society are the best people to contact. Local medical care is good and extremely reasonable. The majority of ex pats use local doctors surgeries and treatment centres.

Visitors to the island do not require any medical treatments prior to entry.

The beautiful island of Northern Cyprus have numerous sandy beaches and coves.

The best beaches are in Karpas – the world famous Golden Beach (7 km in length) is here. The Malibu Beach in the same area is lovely also.

After Karpas comes the beaches of East Kyrenia – the best of these being Alagadi Beach (also known as turtle beach). This is a protected area where turtles lay their eggs every year. Along this stretch you will also find Acapulco Beach, Lara Beach and the beautiful Esentepe Beach.

Escape Beach in Alsancak is one of the safest beaches in West Kyrenia. There are many hotels with private bays which permit non-residents to use them for a small fee.