Larnaca Property And Golf In Cyprus

Wherever there’s golf and sun there is also money in property. Perhaps that’s why Larnaca in Cyprus is causing a stir amongst property speculators and holiday home investors alike. A new golf resort in the Larnaca area of Cyprus has been extensively talked about over the last few years. These ambitious proposals also include the building of a new super marina suitable for luxury yachts and a whole host of associated development. As the countries economy continues to grow investors are enjoying a new confidence in Cyprus with some grand projects already under their belts. The Islands capital Nicosia continues to develop at a rapid pace and the recent building of it’s first shopping mall including the Ikea store bears testament to investor confidence in the Island. In fact the climate now appears ideal for further bold investment.

The influx of foreign money generated by the Cyprus property boom has been a major contributing factor to this optimistic view for sure. However this new wealth has created a large amount of disposable income and those that have it are looking for places to spend it.This has created the demand for European shopping centers like the Cyprus mall and improved leisure facilities such as golf. Some observers are predicting the building of more shopping centers in the principle towns and further investment in golf property. Larnaca therefore would look set as the ideal location for both. It’s close proximity to the Islands principle airport coupled with ease of access to the rest of Cyprus strengthens this argument even further.

Larnaca property is not the most expensive in Cyprus right now but of course all that could change very quickly. Once golf arrives in an area prices tend to increase rather quickly and tardy investors often find themselves left behind. The trick is to pre empt the market and buy property before any plans for leisure complexes or major infrastructure changes are rubber stamped by the planing authorities. This is of course a highly risky business but that’s why so much profit is made from such speculation by savvy investors. Even those looking to buy a holiday home for themselves could edge their investment bets by purchasing in Larnaca as apposed to other parts of Cyprus. The resort area of the town is after all a beautiful location for that dream home in the sun.

Anyone who has visited Cyprus a few times in recent years can see just how fast the Island is developing not just in terms of residential building work either. Many of the larger chain stores are opening outlets and foreign investment continues to pour in. The new generation of Cypriots have seen what the rest of Europe enjoys and they want a piece of it for themselves. The battered pick up trucks are giving way to the likes of Mercedes and BMW whilst the marinas are filling up with luxury power boats. There is new money in Cyprus which in turn is attracting plenty more of the same. Larnaca and other resorts in Cyprus could be perched on the crest of a second much larger investment wave.

No one can accurately predict how the economy will perform in the future but leisure and property have always yielded long term sustainable growth. Larnaca could soon be at the center of one of the most lucrative phases of the Islands recent history with the heady mix of golf,sun and holiday property. So if you are looking for that dream home in the Cyprus sun it may be that Larnaca property is just what you are looking for. The other positive factor of the golf equation is that it could turn a summer only holiday resort into an all year golfing centre. This would likely have the knock on effect of putting the town on the map as the East coast’s all year resort just as golf did in the paphos area. Maybe it’s time to consider making your investment in Cyprus Larnaca property.

Larnaca Cyprus - Something For Everyone

Larnaca in Cyprus could be described as the resort with everything. It’s a major municipality,a town and a holiday resort all rolled into one. It’s also home to the Islands main airport and and boast a great selection of shops too. Add to that a pretty marina along with Cyprus’s main port and Larnaca certainly appears to have plenty to offer holiday makers and residents alike. That’s before we get started with the historic buildings including a medieval fort and several other listed buildings. There are also several modern industrial estates on edges of the district and a thriving commercial center too. There’s a modern promenade thronged with trendy sea front cafe bars,restaurants and the obligatory fast food chains for the youngsters.

The beach at Larnaca is one of the best in Cyprus and is actually man made though you wouldn’t have guessed so. Most of the restaurants and cafes run opposite the beach making them the ideal place to relax whilst taking in the superb view. It’s a nice stroll from Larnaca marina at one end to the ancient medieval fort at the other. Across the road from the marina is a small public gallery and a beautiful paved area built around an ornamental fountain. Some of the buildings in Larnaca are centuries old and many of them have been painstakingly restored to their former glory. A short walk to some of the quaint back streets behind the main promenade will reveal many more that are still awaiting renovation.

The history of Larnaca stretches back further than any other part of Cyprus and the town has been continually occupied since the bronze age. The town is built on the ancient site of Kition which was in fact once the capital of the whole of Cyprus. Legend has it that the original city of Kition was founded by the grandson of Noah and the biblical connections don’t end there. The church of saint Lazarus in Larnaca square is actually named after the same Lazarus that Jesus raised from the dead. The legends say that after his resurrection Lazarus traveled to Cyprus where he became the Islands first Bishop. The church is actually reputed to have been built over his tomb and visitors can go down into the tombs below the building. Like most of the churches in Cyprus Larnaca church is beautifully adorned with icons and intricate decor.

Ideally situated only a few kilometers from the airport the town has become a thriving vibrant community. In 1974 following the Turkish invasion and subsequent occupation of the North of Cyprus Larnaca offered to accept 40,000 refugees. These displaced persons tripled her population to a then 65,000 inhabitants. With great motorway links to all the coastal resorts and the capital Nicosia the town is perfectly located for those wishing to visit the Islands many places of interest. With the recent boom in holiday home purchases Larnaca has also become something of a property hotspot. The fringe coastal villages such as Oroklini make ideal settings in which to own an apartment or villa and the prices are still quite reasonable compared with other parts of Cyprus. In fact many locals are selling up and buying villas in such places due to their out of town exclusivity which in turn is creating some prime locations.

With so much going for Larnaca it is no surprise that it is earmarked by many to be the next Cyprus property boom area. With this in mind many speculators are investing in off plan purchases on these new developments. They plan to profit from the rising market by selling when the developments are completed. The speculation is being further fueled by the proposals of a larger modern marina for the berthing of luxury yachts and a possible golf development. Golf sun and property are part of any speculators mantra so this is bound to affect values. If the area didn’t have more than enough to offer already these new proposals could turn it into an investors dream come true. So maybe if you are looking to invest in a place in the sun you should take a look at Larnaca Cyprus.

Larnaca Apartments

Anyone thinking of investing in Larnaca should consider the development of luxury apartments in this south-eastern region of the island. Ranging from compact studio apartments to sprawling penthouses there is plenty of choice no matter what your budget.

Larnaca could be misinterpreted as an industrial town and on first impressions doesn’t always impress. The large port and disused oil refinery are an eye sore and the outer areas of the town need some attention.

However Larnaca is going through a period of change,huge investment by the European Commission has meant investment into the towns infrastructure including new motorways,airport terminal,PGA Golf Course and a 750 berth marina with 120 retail units. All coming in the next 5 years.

The government in Cyprus plan for Larnaca to be THE tourist hotspot for the island and they certainly have the plans in place to achieve it.

So back to the apartments…

Apartments in Larnaca can be bought for a relatively low investment and recent changes have allowed non-Cypriot residents to obtain local mortgages and buy their properties on a freehold basis. With Larnaca’s average house price being one of the lowest in Europe and with 6bn Euros worth of investment being plowed into the island it makes for an attractive combination of high capital growth and strong re-sale value for Larnaca Apartments.

It is worth bearing in mind that the Cypriot Government are imposing strict development restrictions to curb market saturation and prevent any adverse affects on the property market,citing long term growth and healthy returns for investors.

Larnaca - From Ancient Civilisation To Tourist Destination

Legend has it that the first settlement in the area that became Larnaca (then known as Kition) was founded by Noah’s great-grandson Kittim. At one time Kition was the principal colony in Cyprus,of the ancient civilisation of Phoenicia until becoming part of the Greek Hellenistic world.

The ancient site is at the north end of modern day Larnaca,with the earliest remains believed to go back to the Mycenean age (circa 1400-1100 BC). It was during this period that The Kition City Kingdom was established by the Greeks,and it enjoyed the dual position of being both a rich port and a major centre of the copper trade. It is also alluded to,in a list of allies of King Assurbanipal of Assyria,that Kition was still a recent settlement in the 7th century BC. The discovery of an official monument of King Sargon II also suggests that Kition was the administrative centre during this time.

During the Ionian Greek revolts of the 4th century BC,Kition led the side that was loyal to Persia and was besieged by an Athenian force in 449 BC. Relics from this siege can still be seen at Larnaca’s ancient site.

The Byzantine period of Larnaca was of great importance. This period left many great monuments,including the 9th century AD Basilica of Saint Lazarus - a stunning reminder of Larnaca’s rich history. The town regained its former standing during the time it was under Ottoman rule,when it became the diplomatic and commercial centre of Cyprus,and it was into Larnaca that the British landed in 1878; thus beginning their rule of the island - a rule that lasted until 1960.

The more recent development of the city follows the fast development of the entire country. Larnaca’s population in 1973 was just 22,000 but after the Turkish invasion of 1974 when 200,000 people were forcibly displaced by the Turkish army,Larnaca welcomed over 40,000 refugees,tripling its population practically overnight,adding another chapter to its history and helping to reinforce its growing reputation as a prime tourist destination,with car hire in Larnaca helping visitors discover the ancient site and monuments for themselves.

Being in existence from the early dawn of history,Larnaca has had its fair share of visitors over the years with the Greeks,the Persians,the Egyptians,the Romans,the Venetians,the Turks and the British having occupied the land at one point. The visitors continue to come to the city to this day,with three million tourists entering Cyprus annually from Larnaca’s airport,Port and the Marina,eager to take a step back into ancient times.