In 2024, Maartje and her husband began searching for an apartment in Cyprus where they could retire. They considered several cities but eventually chose Larnaca, attracted by its quieter atmosphere compared to Limassol and its more affordable property prices.
At first, the task seemed straightforward. They wanted a two-bedroom apartment in a peaceful neighborhood close to the sea and essential amenities. In reality, however, the search lasted several months. The family was assisted throughout the process by DOM broker Sergey Gumenyuk.
What the Buyers Were Looking For
The couple had a clear list of requirements:
- two bedrooms;
- a spacious terrace or private outdoor relaxation area;
- an elevator;
- no busy roads nearby;
- an established neighborhood with little risk of major future construction outside the windows;
- shops and medical services within a short drive.
According to Maartje, they were not looking for an investment property to resell but for a home where they intended to spend most of the year.
During the search, the family viewed more than ten properties from different developers together with Sergey Gumenyuk. Some apartments did not meet their layout requirements, while others were located in areas where intensive construction was expected to continue for several more years.
Why They Had Second Thoughts at the Last Minute
Eventually, the couple selected a penthouse in a new residential development in Larnaca. The property met almost all of their requirements: two bedrooms, a rooftop garden, a convenient elevator, and a quiet neighborhood. All that remained was to sign the contract. However, the day before closing, they began to hesitate. Their concern was not the apartment itself but whether the neighborhood would remain peaceful five years later.
There was a construction site nearby, and an industrial zone was located not far away. The buyers feared they might end up living with constant noise that could not be eliminated. For the family, this was one of the largest purchases of their lives, and making the wrong decision could have been very costly.
What They Decided to Check Before Signing the Contract
To make a confident decision, the buyers prepared a list of questions they wanted answered:
- When would the nearby construction projects be completed? Through Sergey Gumenyuk, the family requested the construction schedules for neighboring developments. According to the documents, the main noisy construction work was expected to be completed before the apartment would be handed over.
- Could new construction projects appear nearby? The buyers reviewed the area's urban development plans. Based on the available information, most of the surrounding plots had already been developed or had approved zoning, meaning the risk of major new projects was relatively limited.
- How quiet is the area in reality? The couple visited the neighborhood with Sergey several times at different times of the day, checking noise levels in the morning, afternoon, and evening. According to the buyers, the area turned out to be much quieter than they had expected after their first viewing.
How the Story Ended
After reviewing the documents and evaluating the neighborhood, the family decided to proceed with the purchase. They bought a two-bedroom penthouse with a rooftop garden in Larnaca. The property is scheduled for handover in 2026.
The deciding factor was not the apartment itself but the confidence that their decision was based on verified facts rather than a single first impression.
What You Can Learn from This Case
If you are buying property to live in, it is worth evaluating not only the apartment itself but also its surroundings.
Before completing the purchase, it is advisable to find out:
- what construction projects are currently taking place nearby;
- what future developments are planned for the area;
- how noisy the neighborhood is at different times of the day;
- how the local infrastructure is expected to develop over the coming years.
Such research cannot guarantee a perfect outcome, but it helps buyers make decisions based on reliable information rather than assumptions.
Larnaca's Sustainable Urban Development Strategy 2021–2030 is available on the www.larnaka.org.cy website.

Great Property Opportunities in Larnaca
If you are also considering Larnaca as a place to live or retire, you may be interested in similar properties located in established neighborhoods with well-developed infrastructure and a peaceful atmosphere:
1-Bedroom Penthouse in Oroklini
Apartment in a modern residential complex situated on a quiet hillside in Oroklini village, just minutes from the beach and Larnaca city center. The project combines minimalist architecture, energy-efficient solutions, and high-quality finishes using natural materials. Bedrooms feature spacious verandas with sea or garden views. Residents enjoy a central swimming pool, relaxation area, and barbecue facilities. Thanks to its excellent location close to developed infrastructure and convenient motorway access, the apartment is ideal both for comfortable living and investment.

3-Bedroom Penthouse in Kiti
Modern residential development in the Kiti area of Larnaca, designed for comfortable living and attractive investment opportunities. The apartment offers thoughtfully designed layouts, spacious living areas, an open-plan kitchen, and high-quality modern finishes. Residents benefit from parking and landscaped communal areas. The complex is located in a peaceful village close to shops, schools, restaurants, and all essential amenities, just a 15-minute drive from both the sea and Larnaca city center.

2-Bedroom Penthouse in Livadia
Modern gated residential complex located just minutes from the coastline and city center. The development features bright interiors, spacious layouts, and beautifully landscaped communal areas. Residents have access to a 20-meter swimming pool, jacuzzi, gym, sauna, yoga area, relaxation spaces, and barbecue facilities. This off-plan penthouse is currently available at an attractive introductory price.
2-Bedroom Penthouse in Aradippou
Modern residential complex in the Aradippou area of Larnaca, consisting of two buildings with 26 apartments, some of which—including this penthouse—feature private rooftop gardens. The development offers high-quality finishes, bright interiors with panoramic windows, and natural materials throughout. Residents enjoy a swimming pool, gym, sauna, relaxation areas, barbecue facilities, covered parking, and private storage rooms. The complex is conveniently located close to shops, restaurants, and all necessary amenities, just a few minutes' drive from the sea.

2-Bedroom Apartment in Ground-Floor Level in Aradippou
Completed premium residential development in Aradippou featuring 15 spacious apartments, five of which include private rooftop gardens. The project stands out for its contemporary architecture, harmoniously combining glass, steel, wood, and concrete, together with high-quality finishes and carefully designed layouts. This is the same development where Sergey Gumenyuk's Dutch clients purchased their apartment, and a move-in-ready 2-bedroom ground-floor apartment is currently available.

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