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“We only came here for a week’s holiday. That was ten years ago!” Many who eventually move to live in the north of the island initially arrive for a holiday and quickly realise that the TRNC is the perfect retirement destination. There are now over 10,000 British, European and other international ex pat residents living happily alongside the approximately 300,000 resident Turkish-speaking population.
So why do so many people choose North Cyprus for retirement? There are a huge number of benefits to retirement in the TRNC. Probably the most frequently quoted reason is simply the fabulous Mediterranean weather – out of 365 days in a year, you can expect sunshine on around 340 of them! The Cyprus climate verges on the semi-tropical and although there is of course the much needed rain in the winter, it is generally at least 10 degrees hotter than the UK on any given day of the year with frost almost unheard of. It is well known that people over 60 benefit hugely from warmer weather and increased natural sunlight, with doctors recommending a Mediterranean climate to those with certain health conditions including arthritis.
Private healthcare and hospital facilities are “state of the art” in northern Cyprus with new centres including the Near East University Hospital and Medical School boasting world-class equipment and treatment opportunities. More and more visitors arrive in the TRNC to take advantage of the far lower prices for private healthcare and operations and find better healthcare in Cyprus than in their own country of origin! Although those retiring to North Cyprus do need to consider private medical insurance, the specialist consultation prices are so low (around £25-30 per visit to see a specialist) that it can be cheaper just to “pay as you go”. Prescription and over the counter medicines are often far cheaper. There is also the option to visit the South of Cyprus for some free European healthcare if necessary, although there is currently no free GP system in either south or north.
For the active retiree, the sky is actually NOT the limit for the number of leisure activities you can pursue. Well-known British centenarian and former TRNC resident, Peggy McAlpine, was world-famous for her recent Guinness Book of Records paragliding feats aged 104 from the 2,400 ft peak of the North Cyprus Besparmak (Five Finger) mountains down to the coast. For those preferring land or water-based leisure activities, the brand new 18 hole Korineum Golf & Beach Resort boasts an impeccably maintained 18 hole golf course with stunning mountain and sea views, often preferred to the courses in the South of Cyprus (including the well-known Aphrodite Hills course) due to its more challenging design. There are three marinas (the traditional Kyrenia harbour, new Delta Marina at the New Kyrenia Harbour and the brand new Karpaz Gate Marina further up the pan-handle) as well as a host of diving and waters ports clubs. For those who like socialising, the various English-speaking societies organise dances, talks and other fundraising events. There are a host of new ex pat bookshops, cafes and weekend markets where ex pats meet and relax together in the sun over cups of tea – or something stronger!
For those who are concerned about links with home – there are various Consulate offices in North Nicosia (Lefkosa) including the British Consulate where passports can be renewed and all the usual official information and advice for ex pat residents can be obtained. North Cyprus is officially a Muslim country but welcomes people from other faiths. Church goers are delighted to find the lovely traditional St. Andrew’s church in Kyrenia with regular Sunday services run by an Episcopal vicar resident at the nearby Hermitage. The British Residents Society has weekly “clinics” at its Kyrenia office where experienced ex pats are happy to dispense advice to new arrivals and where membership can be obtained.
Finally, one important reason why people retire to Northern Cyprus is the low cost of luxury property – compared to other Mediterranean destinations, including the south coast of Turkey . North Cyprus retirement home prices are more stable than in other locations like Spain and have been unaffected by the global crash. Although prices have risen considerably over the last two years in particular, it’s still possible to get a two bedroom resale apartment on the coastvwith full title deeds from £80,000 upwards, three bedroom from around £110,000, town houses from around £150,000 and bungalows or villas with pools from around £200,000 plus. Location and quality obviously has a big effect on prices.
Our team has over 10 years experience in guiding retirees to the secure purchase of their new North Cyprus property. Contact our advisors today on +44 207 112 8086 for a no-obligation property consultation – your dream retirement home in the sun could be just a phone call away!
