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Cypriot parliament passes final parts of title deeds law

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Cypriot parliament passes final parts of title deeds law

On the 14th April 2011, the remaining two parts of the “town planning amnesty” bill aimed at alleviating the backlog created by the current system were passed by the Cypriot parliament. This is a boon for Cyprus holiday home owners as the current system has created problems due to the lack of clarity over who is liable for the land.

Previously, the bank would own the land until the loan or mortgage agreement had been settled in full. This lead to further bureaucratic issues with the land registry where on occasion, some owners were not able to complete their title deed request even if they had fully paid for their property to the developer or seller.

One of the new laws that has been passed is the Immovable Property Sales Law. This will help those holiday home owners to have the law on their side if the ownership of the land on which they own the property is called into question. They will have the land contract and will therefore not be liable for any bad debt bought about by the landowner. Other changes will include planning permission on co-owned land. Until now land that was co-owned would require the signatures of both parties to apply to build on the land. Under the new laws, the only signature needed will be that of the person who owns the particular part of the land which is to be built on.

As reported on cypruspropertynews.net, the Chairman of the House Legal Affairs Committee, DISY’s (Democratic Rally) Ionas Nicolaou, said that laws are reflective of the changes that are required to better protect buyers rights in an open market based on European laws. “The new law will allow the buyer to have Title Deeds, independent of whether the seller owes money on that property…It is a very important bill as it will help reactivate the property market in Cyprus.” Currently, there are around 130,000 title deeds applications currently pending. It is thought that this is manly due to developers failing to pay their mortgages on the land and properties that buyers have already purchased.

The new laws passed will help legalise property that currently lacks a title deed due to what is termed “town planning irregularities” creating a simpler system for home owners.

 

UNESCO adds six sites to its World Heritage List

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UNESCO adds six sites to its World Heritage List

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has granted World Heritage status to six sites across the globe.

Of the 35 site nominations being reviewed by the Committee, whose 35th session ran from 19-29 June 2011 at their Paris Headquarters, the six that are confirmed to appear on the World Heritage list are the following:

1) Ancient villages of Northern Syria (Syrian Arab Republic). This site encompasses eight parks comprising of 40 well-preserved villages, dating from the 1st to the 7th centuries, depicting life in times of the ancient Romans and early Byzantine Christians. Features of this site include a beautifully preserved landscape and architectural remains such as pagan temples, churches, cisterns, bathhouses etc.

2) The cultural sites of Al Ain (United Arab Emirates). These sites are a testament to human occupation of a desert region and contain traces of prehistoric cultures such as circular stone tombs from as early as 2500 B.C., wells and various primitive constructions. An ancient example of the aflaj irrigation system, dating back to the Iron Age, can be found at Hili, one of the sites.

3) The Persian Garden (Iran). Nine gardens in nine different provinces collectively form this site. They demonstrate the evolution and adaptation of garden designs dating back to the 6th century B.C. to varying climates. The gardens, which have influenced garden design in other countries such as India and Spain, also feature ancient buildings, pavillions and walls.

4) The Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana (Spain). An unexpected array of vegetation and agricultural terraces can be found on this steep mountain range that runs along the north-west contour of the Spanish island of Mallorca. A network of water management devices has been established, taking advantage of the unusually high precipitation levels to provide for the farms of Middle Age origin.

5) Pile Dwellings around the Alps (Switzerland, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Slovenia). 111 separate sites, found on the fringes of lakes, rivers and wetlands in and around the Alps, constitute these stilt house (pile-dwelling) settlements which were built between 5000 and 500 B.C. The sites offer a window into the prehistoric eras of the Neolithic and Bronze Age. Fifty six of these well-preserved archaeological sites are found in the Swiss Alps.

6) Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex (Turkey). This square monument, characterised by its single great dome, is a prominent feature of Edirne, the former Ottoman capital. The Mosque’s creator, Sinan (the most famous 16th century Ottoman architect) deemed the monument to be his greatest creation. The complex as a whole is managed as a single institution, comprising the Mosque and the buildings surrounding it.

 

Top locations for budget beach holidays

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We all dream of jetting off to an idyllic beach for a sunshine getaway, but all too often budget constraints can mean it is hard to make this a reality. Choose your destination wisely, however, and you will find that relaxing in balmy climes can be done without breaking the bank.

The Algarve

Situated in the south of Portugal, the Algarve is a hugely popular holiday destination – particularly as it boasts some of the best weather in Europe. It is, of course, also home to a wealth of splendid beaches, from lively stretches packed with water sports opportunities to hidden coves that provide you with an authentic slice of Portugal.

The Algarve is especially famous for its wonderful golf courses, such as those at Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo, while natural wonders like the Ria Formosa lagoon keep keen nature-spotters busy. The main resort is Albufeira, which offers a little bit of everything – including some of the best beaches – while Faro is perfect for history enthusiasts.

Turkey

Spanning some 600 miles, the Turkish Riviera is a fantastic place for a budget beach holiday. The Antalya area is especially appealing, as it is home to some of the Mediterranean’s cleanest beaches. Combine this with its year-round sunshine, and it is not hard to see why so many people flock here.

As an added bonus, this part of the country is bursting with splendid tourist facilities, while adventure enthusiasts can busy themselves with everything from scuba diving to paragliding. Antalya is more than just a resort for beach holidays however, particularly due to its selection of fascinating archaeological sites, such as Phaselis and Termossos, as well as the amphitheatre of Aspendos.

Costa del Sol

Having been a favourite among Britons for many a year, the Costa del Sol is one of the ultimate budget beach break destinations, thanks to its mix of low-cost beach hotels, sun and readily-available cheap flights.

Situated in southern Spain, the Costa del Sol is famous for being a home-from-home for UK visitors – albeit in a sunnier environment! The region still finds room for variety, however; Nerja is renowned for its natural beauty, while Malaga City is known for its culture. If you have your heart set on really letting your hair down, meanwhile, Torremolinos is the place to go.

Cyprus

An island in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is a wonderful destination for low-cost beach breaks. Families, couples and partygoers alike can all enjoy holidays here, as there is a good mix of resorts and attractions.

Its fascinating capital, Nicosia – which is famously divided in two – is bound to intrigue culture vultures, while beach lovers will find seemingly endless stretches of golden sand. Indeed, it is these that make it such a popular destination among couples – particularly thanks to the presence of Aphrodite’s Rock and Beach, where local legend dictates the goddess of love emerged from the water.

Cyprus is also a good choice if you are keen to spend a little time away from the sand. Its Troodos Mountains, for example, will delight keen hikers, while the Tombs of the Kings – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – will be fascinating to visitors of all ages. You will find this complex of underground tombs and chambers in Paphos; visit in the morning to avoid traipsing around at the hottest time of day.

French toll roads introduce automated payment

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French toll roads introduce automated payment

Regular British visitors to France are now offered the opportunity to take advantage of the automated payment toll lanes. The French toll road operator, Sanef, has launched a UK-based initiative, selling ‘Liber-t’ tags to UK motorists.

The opportunity comes as part of the nationwide French movement to implement a direct debit payment system for tolls, in place of the current widely-used option to pay by debit or credit card at the point of sale. French toll road operators hope to have completed this transition by the end of 2012, where payments will be automatically debited from French bank accounts.

UK residents who make frequent trips to France are invited to opt for this automated monthly debit service via Sanef’s wholly-owned British subsidiary, Sanef Tolling, which will accept payments solely from UK bank accounts.

The service is based on the use of a small electronic transponder (Tag) that should be attached to the interior of the windscreen, behind the rear-view mirror. Upon reaching the toll barriers, the unique reference will be read by a device which will recognise the car owner as being a carrier of the Liber-t Tag and will open the barrier automatically, allowing them to pass without having to make payment there and then. At the end of the month, an invoice will be sent to the Tag holder comprising of all toll fees collated in that month and payment will be automatically taken via direct debit from a UK bank account.

More information about Sanef Tolling and the automated toll system can be found on the organisation’s website.

 

Low-cost things to see and do in Marmaris

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Marmaris is a popular option for Brits booking a low cost holiday in Turkey – packages here offer excellent value for money and lots of sunshine in a scenic setting. You can save more cash by choosing free or cheap activities to do upon arrival – read our guide to get some ideas.

Beach relaxation

Of course, the most obvious way to enjoy your holiday in Marmaris without breaking the bank is by spending the bulk of your time on the beach. You’re unlikely to go broke by sunbathing and swimming to your heart’s content, although you will need to stock up on cheap sun cream beforehand thanks to the high summer temperatures the resort experiences.

Uzunyali Beach – or Long Beach, as it is also known – is probably the most popular stretch of sand here. It does tend to get very busy, so arrive early to claim your sunbathing spot. Bring a picnic to cut costs further; this can be much cheaper than eating at one of the local cafes or restaurants. If you do fancy going out in the evenings, the bars along the promenade here range from budget-friendly to pricey, so do your research beforehand.

Active fun

There are plenty of ways to get active in Marmaris without spending a fortune. Walking is one obvious option – go for a short walk along the beach you’re staying near, or head off on a longer trek if you like. One potential route to take goes along the coast from Marmaris to nearby Icmeler. This will take up to two hours depending on your speed, but you needn’t rush; go slowly to fully soak up the amazing coastal scenery.

If you don’t mind paying to indulge in other pursuits, consider going on a jeep safari tour, heading out to sea on a yacht or hiring some diving equipment to explore the underwater world. This type of activity can be well worth the money, as it gives you a completely different perspective on the area.

Local sightseeing

There are lots of free or cheap sights to take in during your stay in Marmaris. One of the biggest attractions is Marmaris Castle, which is believed to have been constructed by the Ionians before being attacked and repaired multiple times. You can still view some of the original fortifications and learn all about the castle’s history in the museum and galleries.

Other impressive structures you can see include the 18th century Ibrahim Aga Mosque – recognisable by its spectacular dome – and the Sariana Mausoleum. You can also head further afield to check out ruins at various sites, including the ancient city of Amos near Kumlubuk Bay and the famous Loryma ruins, which once formed part of the nearby island of Rhodes.

Bargain hunting

Even holidaymakers on the strictest of budgets won’t want to leave Marmaris without taking a souvenir or two home with them. Luckily, there are several markets where you can pick up a memento at a bargain price. Individual stalls line many of the streets in the historic quarter, while more organised markets open every Friday at a former bus terminal in town.

If you don’t mind doing a bit of travelling, you can also peruse a variety of goods at Icmeler’s street markets, which are open every day, and a larger one in the same area each Wednesday. You can expect to browse spices, clothing, rugs, carpets and much more at these stalls, so take the time to find the perfect souvenir and haggle for a better price if needed.

Greece most affordable holiday for October half term

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Tuesday, 16 October 2012 02:14

Greece is the most affordable destination for a half term holiday this October, according to the latest research released today.

M&S Bank studied the price of holidays in ten of the top family trip destinations and found that Corfu was the least costly choice at £662 per adult.

Alicante in Spain came a close second at £687 per adult, but third placed Turkey was a long way behind at a staggering £870 each.

The M&S figures placed Tenerife third in the table, costing £1,005 per adult, while Faro in Portugal stands to set holidaymakers back by £1,035 a person.

However, the survey also revealed that seven in ten of these holidays are less expensive this October half-term than they were a year ago, costing an average of £30 less per adult.

Researchers suggest this is largely due to favourable exchange rates as relatively low inflation (1.7%) and the increased strength of the pound against the euro (up 7.6 %) means the five most affordable holiday destinations are all in Europe.

With some of the shortest travel times, European breaks also mean families have more time to enjoy their holiday.

Those with young families will be pleased to hear that a holiday to France, including a day pass to Disneyland Paris, has seen the second largest price decrease this half-term with costs down by £49 per adult  However, it is still only the sixth cheapest location overall.

Despite being 6.7% more expensive this year and a decreasing exchange rate (down 1.2%), Turkey’s low local costs and flight prices mean it is still the third cheapest holiday destination overall.

Gill Roberts, head of travel money at M&S Bank, said the finding that 7 out of 10 foreign holiday destinations are cheaper this half-term compared to last would be welcome news for families.

She added: “With value for money increasingly important, the strength of the pound against other currencies and relatively low inflation rates may well enable more families to book a getaway in the sun this October.

“To maximise your holiday budget, be sure to take into consideration factors such as local costs and exchange rates as well as getting the best deals on flights and accommodation. A favourable exchange rate can make many destinations more affordable and could have a significant impact on how much money you can spend while you’re away.”

While Florida has low accommodation costs, flight prices make it one of the most expensive holidays you can take this half term (£1,734.61 per adult).

Florida is beaten only by Mauritius (£2,204.45 per adult), where both local costs and flight prices are high, despite the favourable exchange rate (up 7.4 %).

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Holiday Places

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