The wheels of reconciliation have been set in motion as determined peace talks begun at the beginning of September '08 to once more attempt a reunification between the north and south of Cyprus. Since the Turkish invasion in 1974, Cyprus has remained divided and dominated by hostility. Now, despite the islands history, the Greek president Demetris Christofias and his Turkish counterpart Mehmet Ali are determined to reach a settlement which will clearly be beneficial, more than ever before the future of Cyprus is looking positive.

At the moment the Turkish Cypriot presence is only recognised as an authority by the Turkish government who keep around 30,000 troops in the north of the island. Spurned by the European Union, Turkey have realised the economic benefits that will come from making peace with the Greek Cypriots. The talks have also been spurred on since the election of Demetris Christofias as the Greek president in February 2008. A more relaxed ruler than his predecessor, he has immediately began talks with Mehmet Ali Talat on reuniting the country.

If these talks succeed - which seems more than likely, it will not take long for the economic benefits to come into play. Many green measures will be implemented alongside the plans for renewal. According to a report entitled, 'The day after: Commercial opportunities following a solution to the Cyprus problem', reunification should bring about 1.8 billion euros every year in new business, and each household could benefit on average 5500 euros a year, for the first seven years after the conflict.

In particular the property market, which has seen large growth in recent years, is set to benefit from the reunification. According to France24, the property boom began in Cyprus even before its accession to the Euro in January 2008. The news provider stated that the rise was continuing after the currency changeover, despite the fall of property value in other parts of Europe. It is estimated that property values in Cyprus should go up by at least three per cent this year and the economy is set to expand even more. The Financial Mirror reports that the Economic Intelligence Unit is expecting its gross domestic product (GDP) to go up by 3.7 per cent.

The joining of the island should end the stigma over land ownership in the North and prevent investors worrying over title deeds. Property prices in the north will rise dramatically once the reunification is implemented to level with those of the south - which are currently much higher.

Cyprus presents great opportunities to investors. It is changing to meet the increasing tourist demands, particularly in the North where several developments, such as the Whiterocks five-star luxury apartments, have sprung up. Shopping centres, golf courses, marinas and gardens are being created to cater for visitors and these alongside the hot weather (300 days of sunshine a year), natural beauty, gorgeous sandy beaches and original charm of Cyprus is making the island incredibly appealing to those who wish to purchase property, for holidays or investments.