If you are looking for an up and coming location to invest, where it is possible to  maximise returns for low money down, you may be surprised to hear that you do not have to travel to Malaysia or Brazil but can find an opportunity much closer to home. In fact you do not have to leave Europe.

Southern Cyprus has been raising eyebrows in investment circles for a few years following inclusion into the EU 2004. Investment in this eastern Mediterranean island has been increasing steadily as investors seek to take advantage of excellent capital appreciation of up to 20% per annum, and the expected price rises which follow entry into the Euro (January 2008)

Cyprus can be reached in a few short hours from the major airports in the UK, with budget airlines just starting to move in. Monarch was the first of the low cost carriers to start operating flights to the island, with 4-weekly flights from London Stansted. With over CYP 200 million being invested in the airports at Paphos and Larnaca, it is only a matter of time before this is extended to the other low-cost carriers and more services are expected to be offered in the coming months as the redevelopment of the airports is completed providing more opportunities to reach the island from the regional UK airports.

For first time overseas investors Cyprus represents an excellent option with the familiarity and transparency of the law, and of course the British based banking system – the legacy of British rule of the island.

For the seasoned investor the cold, hard facts speak for themselves:

• High capital appreciation
• High LTV mortgages
• Low capital investment
• Good rental income
• Overseas and domestic resale market
• Strong economy
• Entry into the euro in January 2008

The golfer is well catered to on the island, with many high quality courses available and many more in the planning stages. It is the ambition of Cyprus to capture 5% of the northern European golfing market in the next few years, and with the high quality of courses available, and not to mention the 340 days of sunshine every year this should be easily achievable.

If you then wrap up all of this in the genuine Cypriot charm and friendliness, some of the best cuisine that Europe has to offer, pristine golden sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of the eastern Mediterranean, you have not only a solid investment but one of the most idyllic holiday locations available in Europe. However don’t just take our word for it, the news is out there and investors are fast catching on!