GC44

We (my wife and I) are just starting to research the prospect of retiring to Cyprus, what we would like to know from this post is what if any are the positives of living in the Greek part of Cyprus over the Turkish side or indeed the Turkish side over the Greek side?
Any information would be greatly appreciated.

scot47

The problem with the Turkish part is that you might find that the house you buy is on land that actually belongs to a Greek Cypriot who left after the Turkish invasion.

themajor

We have lived on both sides and for the last 11 years off and on lived in the Republic (South). There is no comparison.

We found the North far too aggresive and more military in outlook. Thousands of speed cameras every where and many armed guards. Non of the above in the republic.

Many other reasons but far too many to go on about on here.

good luck.

GC44

Thanks for those replies folks, we have obviously got a shed load of research to be getting on with.
If anyone else has anything to add then please do. The more info and opinions we have the better.

Gordon Barlow

You'd certainly be a damn fool to buy property any place where the title is open to dispute. It would be like buying a farm in Palestine or Cuba! Or East Germany before the Wall came down. Still, a lease might be okay. Even if Erdogan is overthrown by the Army some time soon, I can't see Turkey giving up its settlers in Northern Cyprus.

scot47

It seems to me that Cyprus is on the front line between Islam and Christendom, and in the Sea currently used for transit by tens of thousands of desperate refugees.

Pulaski

This. Northern Cyprus has been occupied by the Turks since 1974. There hasn't been military activity in many years, but that doesn't alter the fact that it is land occupied subsequent to an invasion.

Talagirl

Having lived in both areas my choice is South Cyprus, but that may change if the UK exits the EU and there are changes in the availability of state medical care for retirees. Very friendly and hospitable island and always made to feel most welcome by the residents.

Worth coming to Cyprus for a holiday and spending some time in each!

Gordon Barlow

The wife and I were on the Island for a week in our 20s, in 1965, on our way from Egypt to Lebanon, in the middle of our big backpacking adventure. The Island was divided, then, with barbed wire all over the place, but Pulaski is probably right in saying it hadn't actually been invaded at that time. The Turkish parts were separately governed, though, I think. All the residents treated us wonderfully well. We slightly preferred the Turkish Cypriots; Greek Cypriots seemed to have a bit of a chip on their shoulder about the Brits. Is that still the case?

teejaydee

Pulaski is always right

Gordon Barlow

I'm wondering if there has been any change in the past 12 months regarding the comparison of life in the Greek and Turkish parts of the Island. I'd be grateful for any comments. Thanks.

themajor

What a fantastic Island it is. Have now lived here for 13 years. We find the Cypriots are very fond of the British expats as long as they are not the larger lout types.

We often visit the TRNC and also find them to be friendly there as well. We do however prefer the Southern side.

Pulaski

So being a little loutish is tolerated?

Tweedpipe

M. Hughes

We have been coming to TRNC for about 17 years on holiday, and after about 5 years we decided to buy a property here. Now 12 years on we still love the place, and have now lived here for nearly 3 years full time. We do cross the border to go south every now and then and yes it is different up in the north, but the pace of life seems a lot slower and more relaxed. It is also cheaper in the north to eat and drink out. As for the
Turkish army being on guard all over the place, well lets just say maybe a few years ago but not now. There are fewer army camps now than there was a few years ago.
There are good and bad points for both the north and the south, so I think you should come and see both sides before you take the plunge.