North Cyprus Property Guide

North Cyprus Property Buyer Guide

North Cyprus Properties Buying Options

Its remarkably easy to buy property in North Cyprus, especially when you know how.

Buying property in North Cyprus is the hot topic amongst those wanting to buy their own place in the sun, but which type of North Cyprus property is right for you? Heres our guide to the types of property for sale in Northern Cyprus and why they might be just right for you.

Holiday homes in North Cyprus

First of all, consider what you are looking for when buying a North Cyprus Property . Do you want a low-maintenance property with lots of amenities, or a private home, or something in between?

North Cyprus Apartments

North Cyprus holiday apartments are a great option for those who like to holiday in North Cyprus, and then "lock and leave". Modern apartment blocks offer holiday North Cyprus properties built to the highest standards and with full amenities including a communal pool, often in good locations. Of course, when youre not enjoying your property in North Cyprus, someone else can, and there is ample opportunity to rent your apartment to other holidaymakers throughout the year. Many holidaymakers are looking for somewhere thats easy to live in for their relaxing North Cyprus holiday and your apartment could be just their ticket! North Cyprus apartments are available with up top three bedrooms, so there is plenty of space for everyone to relax.

Top Apartment Developments in North Cyprus

Looking to buy a North Cyprus apartment, but dont know where to start? Explore the apartment section in our website! Categorised by area, price and features, youll see at a glance what developments offer the type of apartment in north cyprus you are looking for, and at the right price.

Bungalows in Northern Cyprus

North Cyprus bungalows are worlds away from the British expectation of small rooms and dated dcor. North Cyprus bungalows are cool and airy, designed to keep cool in the summer months, and giving easy access to the grounds at all times. No wonder many North Cypriots live in bungalows themselves if it was good enough for a Roman villa, why change a good design idea!

North Cyprus Villas

When only your own little palace will do, your ideal property is a North Cyprus villa. These range in size from modest 65,000 properties for sale in North Cyprus to 500,000 villas that would make any footballers wife proud! Your North Cyprus villa really can be your castle, and such a property is ideal for those planning to stay more than a couple of weeks at a time. Villas will require more maintenance than other types of North Cyprus property investment, but there are plenty of management companies willing to take this burden from you for a reasonable fee. North Cyprus property is also much in demand on the holiday rental market, so you can fill the weeks you are not in residence with rental clients.

Off-plan properties in North Cyprus

If you want to customise your North Cyprus holiday home, buying off-plan gives you that opportunity. There are no builders to hire, no contractors to chase, and you can simply sit back and wait for your dream Northern Cyprus apartment or villa to be completed. There are some great deals to be had from developers, including two-year guaranteed rental agreements and buy-back options, so off-plan really can provide you with a cheap property in North Cyprus.

Renovating properties

For those who love a challenge, and the chance to really create something special. From traditional Cypriot houses to villas that need some dedicated TLC, Remax Da Vinci Estate will be able to show you a range of renovation projects to really set the pulse racing. This is another good way to get a cheap property in North Cyprus.

Land for sale in North Cyprus

Its not just property for sale in North Cyprus, you can also purchase a plot of land and build your own dream home yourself. Remember, youre the boss, so youll need to keep on top of the process, even if it is from the comfort of a chair while your North Cyprus building firm do the hard work!

Commercial properties

For anyone wishing to set up their own business in North Cyprus, or to buy an investment property in North Cyprus, a commercial property could be the answer. It may not be very glamorous, but commercial property investment in North Cyprus could be very lucrative

Re-Sale properties in North Cyprus

Finally, why not let someone else do the hard work? Many North Cyprus property purchasers sell their properties and move on the next, allowing you to come into a ready-made, ready to rent property with a proven track record. OK, so the dcor may not be 100% to your taste, but with so much to see and do in North Cyprus, you wont spend much time looking at it!

North Cyprus Property Title Deeds

It is always important when investing in North Cyprus property as anywhere to get the property title deeds. The current situation between North Cyprus and south Cyprus means that many people are confused over this issue. The events of 1974 divided the island, and hence this year is vitally important in deciding property ownership. Here is a quick guide to current North Cyprus property title deeds, to help you secure the North Cyprus property of your dreams.

1. Pre 1974 Turkish Freehold Title
This is the title for land or property owned by a Turkish Cypriot before 1974.The property with this title has always been Turkish and of course still is.

2. Pre 1974 Foreign Freehold Title
This is the title for land or property owned by a foreign national (i.e. non Turkish Cypriot) before 1974. These titles are recognised internationally.

3. TRNC Exchange Title
This is the title for land or property given to a Turkish Cypriot in exchange for land and property they owned in south Cyprus before 1974, and which they were forced to leave behind on moving to the North. The government assessed the value of both land and goods left behind, and allocated the land or property in the North cyprus, in exchange for the waiving of the rights to their land in the south. This is also known as the Esdeger.

4. TRNC TMD Title
This is the title for land given to Turkish Cypriots for military or government service, or to Turkish settlers to encourage economic growth in certain parts of the North, after 1974.

Which Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Title Deed to consider

It is generally considered safe to purchase any North Cyprus property or land, which has any of the above title deeds. However, as with all Northern Cyprus property purchases, whether for enjoyment or investment, you should always employ an independent solicitor to check that the deeds are indeed legal and above board.

No Deeds Property in North Cyprus, and Leasehold Properties

Some properties are offered without title deeds. There are also leasehold properties, which are government owned and have a lease for 49 years with an option for a second 49 year extension. In theory, leasehold properties could be handed back if the whole island agrees on a settlement deal between north and south. Again, if you are in any doubt as to the status of the title deeds on a property in North Cyprus, always employ an independent solicitor to examine the deeds and check the propertys history. All legal documents are in English, most solicitors are bilingual in Turkish and English, and the legal system is based on the English model. Given the right circumstances, you can be the owner of a North Cyprus property in just a day!

Five easy steps to buying property in Northern Cyprus

1- Secure your ideal property in North Cyprus
Once you have found your ideal property in North Cyprus, a simple deposit will secure it for you, and ensure the property is taken off the open market. You can pay by cash or credit card whilst in Northern Cyprus, or pay a deposit from Britain via wire transfer, as cheques can take up to 28 days to clear through the banking system. A typical deposit is 10% of final price. Non-nationals require a purchase permit from the government in order to buy property in North Cyprus, and such permits may take 4-12 months to come through.

2- Find a local solicitor in North Cyprus
The easiest way to get your permission permit is to engage a local notary or solicitor, the latter being the better choice. Most North Cyprus solicitors are bilingual in both Turkish and English, and hence will be an invaluable guide to the legal process ahead. If buying off-plan, you should consider engaging an independent solicitor who is not connected with the developer in any way. Your North Cyprus solicitor who will look after your interests throughout the buying process, including checking on the company or individual you are buying from, organising your permits required to buy a property as a non-national, and confirming the status of the title deeds. In addition, the solicitor will also deal with all government paperwork and also draw up the contracts, in English. The government will also assess the transfer fees due on the property based on its value.

3- North Cyprus Property Contracts
Any contract should be properly examined and read; after all, you want it to work in your favour as the purchaser! Many Northern Cyprus property developers have standard contracts, which your solicitor should check to ensure that any clauses contrary to your interests are re-negotiated. A contract should include:

-full property details
-full property specifications, including floor plans for new build properties
-the official government site plan plus any provided by the developer or seller
-correct and valid title deeds
-payment and completion dates schedules

Once the contract has been scrutinised and both parties agree, the contract can be signed. If your solicitor has Power of Attorney, he can sign for you in your absence, once you have read and approved the faxed or emailed copy of the final contract. Your solicitor will also send you a copy of the final signed contract.

Final payment on your North Cyprus Property

Final payment on a freehold North Cyprus property is due on receipt of the purchase permit. Again, the safest method of payment is via wire transfer, and on receipt the title deeds are signed into your name by the seller. If you are buying a property off-plan, the payments are usually made on completion of specific works, with the final payment securing the title deeds and the keys to your property in Northern Cyprus.

Now all you have to do is move in and enjoy your new place
in the North Cyprus sun!

North Cyprus Property , Apartments, villas, bangallow FAQS

Q. Is it safe to buy property in North Cyprus?
A.It is safe to buy property in North Cyprus provided the right title deed applies to the property. There are three types of freehold title in North Cyprus

Pre 1974 Turkish Title. This is OK, but very hard to find now.
TRNC Esdeger (Exchange) Title. This means that the Turkish Cypriot owner has been given this land in exchange for the equivalent piece of land they owned in the South. This type of land is increasingly hard to find, especially close to the sea.

TRNC TMD Title. This is where no exchange has taken place, and therefore there may be some compensation payable as part of some future political settlement to the Cyprus issue. Most developments are being built on TMD land.

Caesar Resort title deed is TRNC Esdeger (Exchange) title.

North Cyprus and Turkey establish The Immovable Property Commission in North Cyprus to instead hear claims actually in TRNC rather than at the European Court of Human Rights – it was hoped The Immovable Property Commission would fulfill all the terms of the proposed Annan Plan which wanted an internationally recognized body formed in North Cyprus to deal with the property claims.

An amendment was made to the North Cyprus property law dealing with the Commission so that it is now theoretically possible for land restitution – but under the current terms of the Commission’s guidelines as it stands to this day, esdeger or ‘exchange’ land will be immune from restitution – i.e., it cannot be ‘given back’.

This amendment satisfied all parties concerned – the UN, the European Court of Human Rights, the terms of the Annan Plan, Turkey and the TRNC – and so the pending claims at the European Court of Human Rights were moved to The Immovable Property Commission.

So, to summarize the significance of recent events especially for those considering buying property in North Cyprus where the title deeds are esdeger or exchange land: the fact that the European Court of Human Rights recognizes The Immovable Property Committee and has referred all outstanding Greek Cypriot claims to it means that there is a normalizing of relations between TRNC and the European Union.

Greek Cypriots can no longer go to the European Court of Human Rights about their property claims. The European Court of Human Rights has upheld proposals in the Annan Plan for a Cyprus-based legal agency to resolve property matters – and what’s more, the TRNC Immovable Property Commission has no Greek Cypriot control or membership.

Under the current system, any compensation will be limited and capped, esdeger or ‘exchange’ land is immune from restitution (i.e., it cannot be given back)– furthermore, any compensation awarded will be paid by The Immovable Property Commission with funding from Turkey.
Q. Can I pay for the property in northern cyprus from overseas?
A. Of course this can be done quite easily.
Q. What documents are required when purchasing property in northern cyprus?
A. Just your passport is required to purchase a property.
Q. Who will do all the paperwork for the property sale?
A. We advise all our customers to appoint a solicitor to deal with the paperwork for your permission to purchase and Power of Attorney.
Q. Can we use our own UK solicitor?
A. No, you must use a solicitor based here in North Cyprus. You can use a solicitor of your choice, however we do have solicitors we would be happy to introduce you to, all of an extremely high standard.
Q. How much are solicitor fees?
A. You will need to hire a local solicitor, we have recommended the reputable solicitor and they'll charge our clients 1000GBP.
Q. Can I buy a property in North Cyprus from overseas?
A. We have many buyers who due to their busy programmed are unable to visit in the first instance but do not want to miss out. If you do want to buy remotely this is a very easy process and we will be happy to guide you through this every step of the way.
Q. What is the purchase procedure?
A. Once you have chosen your unit type, you will be required to pay a reservation fee of £1,500. Following, You should appoint a solicitor of your choice (we can recommend) who will deal with the contract. You are able to appoint him/her power of attorney if you are not able to travel across at that time and he can then also apply for the purchase permit from the Interior Ministers office and transfer of title. Most solicitors charge approximately £1,200 for this service.
Q. Extra purchase charges
A. The closing costs are at present 6% stamp duty and 5% VAT. These taxes are based on the valuation, by the Tax Authorities, of the cost of replacing the building; therefore this total is significantly lower than 11% of your purchase price. There is currently available a one off opportunity for foreign investors buying for the 1st time, to reduce the stamp duty to 3%. These taxes are payable several months after key handover. There is also initially a small contract stamp duty to pay; your solicitor will advise you of this cost.
Q. What is the payment plan?
A. Deposit payment 1500 GBP
15% minus deposit on signing of contract
25% completion of foundations
20% completion of concrete and brickwork shell
25% completion of tiling
15% keys handover
Q. Do all units have parking facilities?
A. All apartments have outdoor parking within the project.
Q. Once the property is completed how do I ensure that I am satisfied with the property before making the final payment?
A. We take photographs in the at every staged payments and sent you an email showing the advance. However, this is a considerable investment on your part and this is probably the most crucial time that you should if possible come out and view your property in north cyprus.
Q. Maintenance charges
A.Expected maintenance charges are approximately £20-50 per apartment, per month (depending on unit type and size). Charges will cover all maintenance of shared and public areas, the gardens, swimming pools, fitness centre, security, lighting of shared areas etc. The site management company will offer additional services such as a rental service for owners wishing to rent out their units.
Q. Can I own more than one property in north cyprus at a time?
A. At present you are only allowed to own one property in north cyprus at a time. However see legal advice for more details.
Q. Any accommodation recommendations?
A. We recommend venusbeach hotel which is a luxury hotel which charge decent prices from our guests. www.venusbeach.cc/
Q. What are the money and banking regulations in North Cyprus?
A. Northern Cyprus offers a well organized banking system, with many banking facilities catered for. Some local banks operate their own branches in London and others have arrangements with major UK banks. HSBC has a full service presence here in North Cyprus. A deposit account can be opened with ease whether in Sterling pounds or any other major currency and funds can be drawn in that denomination or in Turkish Lira (TL), which is the local currency of North Cyprus.
Q. What is the climate like?
A. Cyprus has long, hot summers and short mild winters. The island receives around 300 days of sunshine a year and in summer temperatures easily reach the 30s. The sea temperature even in winter rarely drops below 16 degrees, making the opportunity to swim in clean, clear waters stretch long past the usual summer.
Q. What is the official language spoken?
A. Turkish is the official language, but English is used widely, especially in business.
Q. How long are we allowed to stay on the island legally?
A. You are issued a 3 month tourist visa when you arrive, after which you must apply for a residents permit .
Q. What is the time difference with the UK?
A. Northern Cyprus is 2 hours ahead of UK GMT time.
Q. Can I bring my pets in north cyprus with me?
A. Yes, providing that they have the necessary vaccinations on their pet passport form, which will have been completed by your local vet. They then spend a 4 week period in quarantine.
Q. Can I drive with my UK license?
A. You can drive with your UK license for a period of 3 months, after this time you will need to apply for a permanent TRNC driving license. All driving in Cyprus is as UK, on the left.
Q. Can I ship my personal possessions over from UK?
A. There are several container companies that provide this service, we recommend you obtain a selection of quotes beforehand.
Q. What is the education system like in Northern Cyprus?
A. There are many bi-lingual schools in Northern Cyprus from infant through to University. The level of education given in the schools is generally high.
Q. Will I need permission to live in North Cyprus and if so how do I apply for this?
A. Yes you are required to submit an application to apply for residency in North Cyprus. This is generally a formality but is essential for peace of mind. When you arrive on the island you are automatically given a 90 day visa and if you intend staying beyond that date you must apply to the immigration office for a temporary residency permit.
Q. What is the voltage used?
A. The voltage is the same as UK and the plug sockets are 3 pin as in UK.