Orestis Kyprianou, a 39-year-old former fishmonger from London, has transitioned from a lifestyle defined by 2 a.m. starts and 17-hour workdays to a more balanced routine in Paphos, Cyprus. Kyprianou, who previously managed a wet fish shop and assisted at his family's fish-and-chip establishment, cited the relentless demands of his UK-based career as the primary motivation for the move. "I was working extremely hard, but I was always tired, and most of my money was going on bills," Kyprianou stated. "I also thought about the future. If I had children, when would I actually see them?"
Relocating to Cyprus
The decision to move was influenced by the desire for a better quality of life and the prohibitive cost of housing in London. Kyprianou noted that the prospect of spending decades paying off a UK mortgage made moving to Cyprus, a place he had visited previously, a more appealing long-term prospect. The final impetus came when his shop lease renewal presented a significant commitment, prompting him to re-evaluate his priorities. After approximately a year of selling the business and organizing finances, Kyprianou and his wife relocated to Cyprus.
His wife, who is British, navigated a residency process that required proof of income, sufficient funds, health insurance, and a clean criminal record, a procedure Kyprianou described as manageable with legal assistance.
Financial and Lifestyle Adjustments
Since moving, Kyprianou has observed significant savings in his cost of living. He reported that his mortgage payments in Paphos are approximately half the rent he paid for a one-bedroom flat in London. Council tax, car insurance, and road tax are also considerably lower in Cyprus. While grocery prices are comparable, Kyprianou highlighted the improved freshness and quality of food available. He also noted that traditional Cypriot meals at local eateries are reasonably priced.
Kyprianou has since transitioned into property sales, a career change he feels is well-suited to his previous customer-facing experience. He believes his years in the fish trade honed his ability to listen and understand people's needs, skills that are invaluable in real estate. "Moving to another country and buying a home isn't like buying a pair of smoked kippers. People are thinking about their savings, their children, schools and work," he explained.
Daily Life and Future Prospects
The move has allowed Kyprianou to spend more time with his family. He now has the flexibility to take his children to school, engage in relaxed work meetings, and enjoy leisure activities such as visiting the beach. "I often say that in Cyprus, you can live a millionaire's lifestyle without being a millionaire," he remarked.
Kyprianou has found making friends straightforward, integrating into the local community through various activities and expat groups. He expressed no desire to return to the UK, stating, "Cyprus is my home."