If you are looking to buy property overseas, the process might be fraught with uncertainties and worries as you look for that dream house in an area in which, to be frank, youre not all that familiar. Here, Cyprus is no different. So, how do you go about finding the right real estate agent in Cyprus?
First off, authorised real estate agents in Cyprus need to be both licensed and registered. However, not speaking the same language as you do, and having their fees paid for by the seller, may give you serious cause to wonder whether they have your best interests at heart or the sellers! If this is the case, then your first port-of-call should be the Cyprus Real Estate Agents Association (Association). While the Association can not be able to give you conclusive evidence that your chosen real estate agent is either the best or worst in the business, they should speak English and should be able to give you some reassurance towards calming your worries. Also, with the European Confederation of Real Estate Agents trying to harmonise the standards of real estate agents across Europe (which these days includes Cyprus), the Association should be able to give you the title of some reputable real estate agents in the area where you are looking.
Besides checking the details of any real estate agent with the Association, if you know anyone in Cyprus, you might also want to inquire of them if they have any recommendations. In fairness, there is rarely anything as great as a dazzling recommendation given by word-of-mouth.
Finally, if you are still in the UK looking for property in Cyprus before you go, then the Internet has a wide selection of Cyprus real estate agents selling their wares. In most cases, the sites also have a great selection of pictures of properties, which, if nothing else, will give you some idea of the types of property that the agent almost always deals with. But, keep in mind that although many Brits do make use of the services of English-speaking real estate agents they found on the Internet, the Internet itself is no assurance that the real estate agent is going to be nice so if you do find an agent this way, try to get testimony from someone who has used them before or ask for proof that theyre a member of the Association.