Safe Haven
When I first arrived in Northern Cyprus nearly nine years ago, I fell in love with the country at first sight and wanted to build a comfortable home for my family here, so that we could have better climate and more relaxed life.
However, at the time, I couldn’t have imagined how strategically important place Northern Cyprus would become, especially with all the turmoil and unpleasant events happening in the world.
Now, years later, Northern Cyprus’s importance to me and my family has grown even more—not just because of the climate, the comfortable lifestyle, or even the high-quality food, but because it’s also a Safe Haven that I believe remains untouched if major upheavals should come and where life stays as normal as possible.
Under the radar
Northern Cyprus is conveniently under the radar, somewhat unnoticed, yet at the same time a very international and European-minded country. However, Turkey’s proximity and protection give Northern Cyprus a special status regarding potential international situations.
An example of this, as I write this blog post, is the ongoing situation in Iran, where Iran does not want even the slightest conflict with Northern Cyprus under any circumstances.
How is international character reflected?
In Northern Cyprus, foreign buyers of residential properties—so-called “second homes”—come mainly from the UK, Central Europe, and the Nordic countries. The British have a long history on the island, which is also reflected in aspects such as traffic culture (driving on the left) and legislation. This, of course, already brings a lot of European flair to the street scene.
You can get by just fine with English, and debit cards are accepted practically everywhere as a form of payment (with the exception of taxis). Currency exchange offices can be found on nearly every corner in the cities, with very favorable exchange rates, so there’s no need to exchange euros or pounds before your trip to Northern Cyprus.
On the other hand, when paying in cash, euros, pounds, dollars, and of course the Turkish lira—the country’s main currency—are all accepted. When exchanging money, you’ll receive Turkish lira in return, but at a very favorable rate.
Please note that real estate transactions are conducted in British pounds, which is a significantly more stable currency than the lira.
Northern Cyprus has several English-language schools and over 20 universities, most of which are international, attracting people from many different nationalities to the country.
In recent years, cryptocurrencies have also become more common and are widely used as a means of payment in real estate and car sales, as well as to some extent in retail.
What about the future?
Nothing is as difficult as predicting the future. 🙂 But as much as I hope for peace everywhere, my own view has shifted toward the idea that various conflicts will continue to occur in the world, perhaps even at an accelerating pace, and that a period of peace comparable to the one we have long enjoyed in Europe—and especially in the Nordic countries—is not necessarily on the horizon.
By the previous paragraph, I do not mean a negative or pessimistic attitude toward the future, but rather I am trying to consider things realistically. In fact, I expect many good things from the future, and fear in no way guides me or my decisions.
Whatever the future may bring, Northern Cyprus offers my family an ideal refuge and safe haven should exceptional circumstances arise in Europe. And even if I’m wrong about my predictions (and I’d love to be!), we still have an excellent place to live a comfortable life with a different lifestyle and a wonderful climate that’s a pleasant change from Europe. 😊
Let’s wait for a while and see...
Sometimes I hear from clients that “we need to wait for the global situation to become clearer before we dare to buy a vacation home.” But you could also look at it from another angle—could now be the perfect time to find your own place in a pleasant climate and a completely different way of life?
If/when the global situation improves—that is, “everything opens up”—it’s clear that there will also be high demand for vacation homes. Beneath the surface, there is clearly pent-up demand for vacation homes in a more pleasant climate and a different way of life. And as we know, demand easily drives up prices as well.
A trump card
Northern Cyprus has one more trump card that not so many Mediterranean countries can offer. While Northern Cyprus is part of Europe, the country is nevertheless outside the EU.
This means less bureaucracy from outside the country and significantly lighter regulation.
Additionally, as a homeowner in Northern Cyprus, you have the option to open a bank account outside the EU. This allows you, for example, to diversify your assets and, on the other hand, to use an international bank or credit card freely around the world.
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So, when considering options for a vacation home or even a completely new place to live, Northern Cyprus—as a safe country with a relatively close location—is certainly an excellent option to consider.
I warmly welcome you to discover this somewhat hidden and lesser-known, yet authentic Mediterranean gem: Northern Cyprus!
Discover Northern Cyprus is Jouni, originally from Finland, who fell in love with Northern Cyprus at first sight years ago. Now I want to help You to find this maybe a bit less known country, which, in addition to its natural beauty, offers quality, relaxed living in the middle of magnificent landscapes.
We have a great and positive team who will help You in every possible way, so that your buying process is safe, secure and smooth.
Come with me and discover this real Pearl of the Mediterranean! Read more about Inspection Trip.
