Why we decided not to buy property in Cyprus - a matter of principle

[livecyrax]

Hello everyone!

After several years of research, discussions with lawyers, developers and other expats, my wife and I have made a final decision not to purchase any property in Cyprus, despite having both the desire and the means to do so.

Our decision is not based on personal disappointment, nor on fear of financial loss. It is a moral and systemic choice.

Through this forum and especially through Nigel’s articles and tireless work over the years, we have learned to see beyond the surface of the “property problem.” His publications provided the factual foundation that allowed us to understand the reality - and ultimately to make the right decision for ourselves. For that, we are sincerely grateful.

We have come to understand that the fundamental issue is not one developer, not one lawyer, and not even one set of regulations. The problem is the structure of the system itself - a framework that quietly rewards opacity and selective enforcement of law.

When economic incentives favor those who conceal information or manipulate process, honesty becomes a disadvantage. In such an environment, to participate is to perpetuate.

As buyers, our money would become part of that mechanism. Every euro spent on property under these conditions strengthens the very system that makes fairness impossible - hidden charges, unregistered mortgages, incomplete transparency, and institutional tolerance of it all.

We realised that, for us, it would be morally inconsistent to invest in something that contradicts our values - transparency, accountability and respect for genuine property rights.

We love Cyprus - its people, light and spirit - but loving a place also means refusing to legitimise what is wrong with it. Our decision is therefore not an act of rejection, but an act of respect - for our conscience, and for those Cypriots who still hope to see their country rebuilt on integrity.

Thank you, Nigel, for giving so many of us the knowledge and courage to see things clearly. Without your work, we would not have been able to reach this decision with confidence and peace of mind.

[Nigel Howarth]

Hi livecyrax

Thanks for reasons that made you decide you wouldn't buy property in Cyprus.

Things have improved over the the 23 years we've been living here, but there's still some way to go to fully deal with the systemic problems.

We haven't had any problems, probably because we did a lot of research, and there are many others who've had a trouble-free experience.

There isn't a country in the world that doesn't have problems of one sort or another.

Regards,