Things to look for in a rental listing in Cyprus

For a large majority of people, renting property is not only the most affordable way to live, but also the most liberating. And renting property in Cyprus takes it that extra step further. As the third largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus is fast becoming an ideal location for expats to consider laying down some roots and beginning their life in the sun.

However choosing to rent raises a host of questions, from location and landlords, through to finishings and finance. This week we focus on some of the things you need to look at to ensure that you are ticking all the right boxes and can live out your lease in comfort and peace of mind.

It pays to do a thorough inspection of your Cyprus property rental

Questions about any rental property

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Before deciding about personal requirements and the specifics of what it is that you are looking for in a Cyprus rental property, it's important to understand the things that should be in place, no matter what. This is after all going to be where you spend most of your time, and so it needs to suit your lifestyle. Questions like how safe and secure do you feel in your surroundings? Is there adequate lighting during the evenings? Are there alarm systems in place (and are they necessary)? Is it clean and free of things like damp or mould?

Then you need to think about the non essentials, but nice to have things. A parking garage is very often a big added bonus, but this could be circumvented if you have adequate off street parking in the vicinity. Add to this a good knowledge of property age and era. Oftentimes certain areas of the house such as the kitchens and bathrooms may have been renovated, but this could be masking older structural elements. Older properties will also tend to be a bit larger and have external space such as a garden or yard, which are a major benefit if you have pets. Armed with this knowledge, you will be better placed to begin focusing on the specific needs that you have.

What you look for depends on what you need from your Cyprus property rental

Personal questions about your property rental

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Everyone is unique in their requirements for a rental property in Cyprus. For example a large family will need more space than a couple, or person living on their own. Storage goes hand in hand with this, and whether you are a minimalist or a hoarder, your home rental property will need to accommodate this.

Then consider the property add ons. Does everything work properly like fridges and stoves? If the property comes as furnished, is the furniture in good condition and matching with the interiors? In addition, for a country like Cyprus, where summer temperatures sit between 30 and 40 degrees celsius, having a fully functioning air conditioner installed is essential to ensure seasonal comfort.

Last but definitely not least, Location and pricing definitely need to be factored in. There’s no point getting the perfect property, when a work commute takes 3 hours each way, or your nearest shop to get bread and milk requires leaving at the crack of dawn to make sure you get there before they close. And even if you do find a Cyprus property rental with everything in close proximity, it's useless if it means having to take out a bank loan just to make rental payments each month.

Damaged or damp areas should be a major red flag in your Cyprus property rental

What to avoid

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It may sound like common sense, but look for any visible damage to the property. Being an island, things like mould and damp can be a common problem, particularly in the winter seasons. Major repairs like boilers or roof works can end up being incredibly costly, but are often easily missed or hidden by other impressive property features.

Going back to general questions about rental properties, also consider the neighbourhood and community in which you could potentially be living. Do the neighbours seem friendly, and is it adequately maintained by the local municipality? If the answer is no, this could result in you questioning your decision later down the line.

At the end of the day, only you know what you want. At QuickLets, our goal is to help you achieve this through our wide access to the market and extensive experience dealing with Cyprus rental properties of all descriptions. By visiting our website, you can browse our vast selection of properties for rent in Cyprus, with options for every budget. If you are still unsure, feel free to contact us and one of our agents will gladly guide you through the process and help you find your place in the sun.