USDA begins Conservation Loan program
<p>California farmers and ranchers, who want to implement conservation measures on their lands, can now get additional assistance with up-front costs.</p> <div class="og_rss_groups"></div><p><a href="http://westernfarmpress.com/government/usda-begins-conservation-loan-program" target="_blank">read more</a></p>


Middle East, Russia and its former states and United States, as well.

According to Glen Young of SunSeaker Investment Property in Cyprus, the island has the twin benefits of being popular for retirees and tourists. Retirees buy property in Cyprus for their own use, largely to bask in the warm Mediterranean sun and escape the snow and cold winds of winter. The attraction of Cyprus as a second home (or a new first home) is helped by a skilled work force, relatively affordable prices and a friendly, welcoming population.

But Cyprus is also a popular tourist destination, with frequent inexpensive flights from major European cities. Visitors to Nicosia and Larnaca and Paphos need quality accommodation, such as villas and apartments. This makes Cyprus property a good investment, earning an income until the owner wants to sell and cash in...or until the owner decides to retire and use the property for his own purposes.

Of course, over 320 days of sunshine certainly don't hurt land values on this Mediterranean island.

Unlike in many other sunshine destinations, the legal system in Cyprus is mostly based on the British legal system and is designed to safeguard the property purchaser. This makes it particularly attractive to UK investors. Once the contract of sale is signed and a deposit is paid, the contract is registered at the land registry office. This procedure protects the purchaser's ownership rights until the title deeds are issued and transferred to his or her name. The contract in the hands of the Land Registry cannot be withdrawn by anyone, and therefore the property cannot be leased, sold, transferred or mortgaged. Only the purchaser himself can alter this status.

Does Cyprus property come with challenges?

With so much going for it, even Cyprus is not perfect. Sometimes it does take patience to buy property in Cyprus. As with many sunny locations, the bureaucrats don't always see the need to rush and paperwork can take longer than an eager buyer would sometimes like.

In the case of buying property "off-plan", it can often take a couple years for the development to be completed...meaning that the buyer might need some bridge financing until the property can be let and income starts rolling in. Mortgages, usually up to 75%, are readily available, and the wise investor will look for one that requires only 30% to be paid down over the period of construction, making financing affordable to average investors.

With a little planning and patience, property in Cyprus can be easy to obtain and well worth the investment. And with retirement on its way sooner or later, it's never too early to stake out your favorite beach.

David Leonhardt is a professional freelance writer. Read more about at Cyprus investment property, or about very popular investment property in Larnaca, Cyprus.

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