"Increasing the Number of Real Estate Agents Does Not Scare Us!"

Arzu Aygın, the director of Henry Charles Estate Agency, has been working in this sector for many years and is now running one of the best companies in the North Cyprus property sector. We asked her for her point of view of the sector and the company’s position in today’s market.

• When was Henry Charles Estate Agency established and what are the company aims?

Henry Charles Estate Agency was established in 2003 in Kyrenia. We are celebrating our 15th year this year. As a well-known company in North Cyprus, our aim has always been to offer high quality services and provide maximum customer satisfaction. We believe we have reached this goal with our trustworthy and honest work ethnics.

• Today, the number of estate agencies has increased and the market has become more challenging. It isn’t easy to stay afloat, however, Henry Charles Estate Agency is an exceptional and well-established company that we have been advertising since our first issue. We were wondering how you have maintained this success?

The company has been about for 15 years. Of course we have taken certain precautions and used certain techniques over the years. We adapted to the conditions of the property sector and signed on many successful projects. Also, we have seen other agencies come and go. As Henry Charles, we choose to move forward and reach our goals. We never felt uncomfortable with the increasing number of agencies, we aimed to increase our share in this rivalry brought upon the sector. Propertync Magazine is North Cyprus’s only property magazine and has become a great success by representing the market at an international level. Therefore, advertising in this magazine is our top priority. As long as both companies are around, we plan to continue this work cooperation.

• What are the most popular areas you recommend to investors who do not know North Cyprus very well but want to buy a house?

The most important criteria for an investor is the reason for wanting to buy property. If they want to rent it, live in it, or have future plans then we recommend according to their needs. Due to have been doing property consultancy for many years, we have a large portfolio of properties that we can offer to the investor at the best prices. If I need to give an example, if a property is going to be used during retirement, I would recommend the area of Esentepe. If the property is going to be rented out then somewhere in the Kyrenia city centre will be suitable but if they are looking for a luxury villa in an elite area, then I would recommend they invest in the Bellapais area.

• Do you come across Turkish Cypriots who would like to invest? Which area do they prefer?

As Henry Charles Estate Agency, we tend to sell land, flats in the city centre and villas in Ozanköy, Çatalköy and Alsancak to Turkish Cypriots. Especially when the property has credit viability, ready title deeds and is in the customers price range.

• How do you reach out to foreign investors?

We have network systems which took years to create. Foreign investors can easily reach us with the help of our contact portfolio created with contacts from every exhibition we have participated in since 2003. Of course, having Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic, German and English speaking team members at the office helps with providing better consultancy. Also, investors can contact us through social media and our website.

• We know that you are keen on participating in exhibitions, from which country have you got the most positive feedback?

Since 2003, Henry Charles Estate Agency has been to many exhibitions in London, Manchester, Sweden, Russia, St Petersburg, Dubai and Istanbul. It is best to participate in exhibitions taking place in London where there is a high interest from the British market. Exhibitions in Russia are very intense as here we have to find new agencies and make new acquaintances. There are a lot of requests for the Esentepe and Tatlısu area from exhibitions in Sweden. We had a lot of attention from the Turkish investors at the exhibition we participated in 2017 in Istanbul.

• We would also like to ask you about the 6th Propertync Awards. How has being the 2014 winner of best estate agency platinum award influenced your projects?

We hope this years award ceremony will be as magnificent as always. We did not only win an award in 2014, but in 2011 and in 2009 we were elected best estate agency and best sales team as well. We are very proud to have won this award because it has given us the opportunity to present ourselves to foreign investors and has separated us from other companies in this sector. This award has always been a privilege to any estate agency therefore we use it to our advantage and are proud to have been considered the best.

• If we are not mistaken, you are working your way in to the Arab world. What would you like to say on this project?

Yes, it is true. We have started a project focusing on investors in the Arab world. We believe our competitors will follow us. You can follow our updates on social media or on our website. At the moment, we are introducing life in North Cyprus. We have had some positive feedback and some sales have been finalised. We hope to make sales that will liven the property sector in North Cyprus.