A British family who grew so fed up of dreary UK life and moved to Cyprus have revealed how much happier they are with their new life.
Sarah, 48, and James Moore, 47, relocated from Middlesbrough with their two children, nine-year-old Bea and Miles, five.
They now live on just one salary, and ditched their 60-hour work weeks in the UK and £400-a-month heating and council tax bills.
IT technician James had lived in Cyprus in his 20s while working in the military and suggested the family move there.
They were hoping to find better schools, improved work life-balance, lower crime rates, and more affordable living.
The Moores made the big move in April, after James was offered remote a job in Protaras, Cyprus, but on on a UK wage with a UK company, in November last year.
James works less hours but earns enough that they can live on just one income.
Now, the family of four spend more time together and were ‘instantly happier’ soon after they relocated.
Sarah, 48, and James Moore, 47, relocated from Middlesbrough with their two children, nine-year-old Bea and Miles, five
They now live on just one salary, and ditched their 60-hour work weeks in the UK and £400-a-month heating and council tax bills
The cost of living in Cyprus has worked out in their favour, as the Moores now rent a villa that costs the same as their mortgage payments back home despite having more space, a beachfront location and a pool.
The mother-of-two explained: ‘James and I were working such long hours but life is so expensive in the UK.
‘James applied for a job in Cyprus almost on a whim. We thought, if it didn’t work out, we’d call it an adventure and then move back home.
‘But everything is amazing and the place is absolutely beautiful. It’s a dream I never thought would be possible.’
Now, they live in a three-bed house with a pool, just a stone’s throw from the beach in a family-friendly neighbourhood.
It costs just €1,500-a-month (£1,311) and James works 20 less hours than what he did in the UK.
Sarah does not work due to her visa, but the Moores are still able to live comfortably.
She said: ‘We can afford the life on just one income. The council tax here costs for the year what we paid per month in England.
The cost of living in Cyprus has worked out in their favour, the Moores now rent a villa that costs the same as their mortgage payments back home despite having more space, a beachfront location and a pool
‘Petrol is definitely cheaper too – and you don’t even fill your car yourself, someone comes and fills it for you!
‘We go out for a meal once a week and what would cost £100 in England costs just £68 here.’
Sarah, a former teacher, explained how their two children were ‘unhappy’ in the UK education system.
She said: ‘In the UK schools there is so much pressure on the kids and they were both unhappy.’
Bea in particular struggled with the pressure and even struggled to sleep at night as a result.
The stay-at-home mother added: ‘Bea is very intelligent but the environment – well, oppressive is too strong a word, but it was not enjoyable.
‘In my experience over 20 years of teaching at several UK schools, it’s the same everywhere.’
Now, Sarah revealed her daughter is much happier in school and everything is more child-oriented.
Sarah, a former teacher, explained how their two children were ‘unhappy’ in the UK education system
Miles will be in pre-school to ‘learn through play’ until the age of seven, rather than four or five in the UK – with a maximum class size of 20.
Sarah said: ‘English is widely spoken but the kids learn Greek too – my son’s class is entirely bilingual.
‘Everyone is absolutely lovely – a wide variety of nationalities – the teachers, parents and our neighbours are so friendly and make an effort.’
For Sarah, their new lifestyle is better than she thought it would be.
She said: ‘It’s beautiful with gorgeous beaches and more family time than I ever imagined.
‘The kids get home at 2pm and my husband is home by 3pm so we can go for a lovely walk, or the beach or in the pool after school.
‘On the weekends, we go to the beach, visit lovely villages or go to attractions like the waterparks or camel park.’
They love it so much they can never see a move back to the UK for themselves.
Sarah does not work due to her visa, but the Moores are still able to live comfortably
‘It’s a dream I never imagined would be possible,’ Sarah added.
‘What we’ve gained in terms of lifestyle and family time leaves me seeing no reason to return to the UK.’
It comes after a five-star hotel in Cyprus announced it’s offering a ‘sunshine guarantee’ for everyone that stays there.
It’s also offering a free stay if there’s rain during your holiday at the resort.