The legal system in Cyprus is very similar to the English legal system of common law with civil law modifications. All contracts and paperwork are drafted in English with English being widely spoken across the island. This is largely due to the historical influence the British had on the island and the huge number of British tourists that flock their each year.

Property investors in Cyprus can be assured of familiar purchasing practices and procedures as in the UK. In addition, the legal fees and costs are often much lower than comparable European countries.

The banking system mirrors the British system, with many banks being full members of the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (S.W.I.F.T) ensuring transactions are carried out effortlessly using the latest secure methods for your own peace of mind.

Non-residents enjoy access to the same facilities as residents including deposit accounts, mortgages and foreign currency accounts. Cyprus is home to a host of international banking establishments with branches found across the island.

All major credit cards including VISA, Mastercard, American Express and Diners are widely accepted across the island.

The standard of healthcare in Cyprus is comparable to other western nations, many doctors having trained in the UK or USA. All hospitals, private clinics and medical centres are equipped with the latest technology and employ the latest clinical techniques as standard.

Cyprus does not offer a National Health Service although medical costs are relatively inexpensive and can be obtained at any of the local district hospitals, or from a wide choice of the specialist doctors and surgeons practising across the island.

UK investors and residents can be assured of a high quality health service although it may be wise to take out a health care insurance plan if you intend to either stay or work for any length of time.

Cyprus has a first class system of primary and secondary education for both public and private education. Competition for teaching posts is extremely high, resulting in higher quality and standards.

Education is largely of a high standard across Cyprus with many students going on to higher education courses throughout Europe and the USA.

The crime levels of Cyprus are very low in comparison to similar Mediterranean countries. The European Union have reported that statistically, Cyprus is one of the safest countries to live. Cyprus’ current crime rate is 1/10th of the average rate of other European countries and only 6% of that experienced in the UK.

With Cyprus joining the EU all nationals of EU member states now have an unconditional right to live and work there without the need for any visas or permits, although anyone seeking permanent employment must apply for a residence permit (within three months). Applications should be submitted to the Population and Migration Archive.

The cost of living is considerably lower than similar European countries but the standard of living is actually higher. A recent EU survey conducted across all EU member states confirmed this. The results ranked Cyprus as 5th highest nation for its standard of living.

As a guide, the Cypriot equivalent to 'Council Tax' in the average village ranges from CYP£80.00 to CYP£170.00 per year, cigarettes cost less than CYP£1.00 and a litre of beer about 80 Cypriot pence. According to European Union Data, the cost of living in Cyprus is only 65% of the European average.

From a lifestyle perspective, Cyprus has something for everyone, from the various sports (swimming, water-sports, skiing, horse riding and racing to tennis, squash, football, golf and archery etc) to cultural aspects such as dining in the local restaurants and taverns, providing local and Greek dishes. A host of restaurants offer international cuisine such as French, Chinese, Italian, Indian, Lebanese, Japanese, Russian and Mexican amongst others. If you enjoy the nightlife, you can choose from a variety of live music and cabaret to nightclubs in addition to the usual choice of traditional bars and entertainment. A wide range of festivals and fairs which take place all year round including the International State Fair (May), the Wine Festival (September), the Carnival (February) in addition to the usual Rotary Clubs, Round Table, Toastmasters International, British Council and international and cultural societies activities.

Entertainment facilities blend the old with the new. This is particularly evident in the shopping and retail environment where there has been an emergence of smart, fashionable boutiques nestled in amongst the more traditional shops and even the familiar chain stores such as Marks & Spencer and Woolworths. All Districts have European style hypermarkets with large out of town shopping malls beginning to emerge.

Further advantages to the British investor is that the Cypriots drive on the left hand side of the road, there is a plentiful supply of local English newspapers, a number of local magazines, printed in English and almost all the main international papers and well known magazines are available on the island.

Cyprus is popular destination for British Citizens to enjoy retirement as they can take advantage of the double taxation treaties in place between the UK and Cyprus. Recent tax reforms have reduced the tax burden with non-Cypriot nationals paying a flat 5% on pension income over CYP£2000 with any investment income brought into the country is free of taxation. In real terms this equates to the individual paying around 3% tax rates which when compared to similar destinations where property owners are subjected to tax exposures of upto 60%.

UK state pension can be paid to retirees in Cyprus by virtue of the Reciprocal Social Services Agreement between UK and Cyprus and is of course index linked meaning that each time the UK state pension is increased, so too is the pension in Cyprus!

When these factors are combined with the favourable all year round weather, first class medical facilities and British based systems, it is easy to see why retirees will continue to be an attractive option and all of whom will require somewhere to live, thereby bolstering property demand and subsequent prices.