Buyer's Guide
Land and Property Purchase
With regard to the purchase of land or buildings, you will need to
first look at the different types of property, and the title deeds which
one is likely to be offered.
There are 4 Types of Title Deeds in Northern Cyprus:
- Foreign Title Deeds Pre-1974
This shows ownership by a British or foreign person with the
“kocan“ (title deed, pronounced kochan) clearly stating this. This
foreign title deed is internationally recognized and are 100% safe.
They do not require the approval of the Council of Ministers and so
the title transfer process is quick. Usually less than 6 months.
- Turkish Title Deeds Pre-1974
This is property that is owned by a Turkish Cypriot. These deeds are
100% safe, but before the property can be registered in your name,
you will have to make an application, for approval of your
ownership, to the Council of Ministers. This is a formality and can
take 6-12 months.
- TRNC - Eşdeğer Title
Kesin Tasarruf - absolute possession document - Title deed.
This is land or property originally owned by a Greek Cypriot prior
to 1974, with title deeds issued by the Turkish Republic Northern
Cyprus Government on a points basis in compensation for land given
up in South Cyprus. They would then sign over their properties in
the South to the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus Government, who in
turn would hold them pending a negotiated settlement between both
the North and South Cyprus Governments. The Turkish Cypriot would
then be issued with a new title deed for his recompensed property.
He would only be able to sell his property once he had received this
new title deed. TRNC - Eşdeğer - title deed properties are safe to
purchase.
- TRNC - TMD Title Deeds
There are two different types of TMD Title deeds:
Type 1: Points for National Service
These are points that are awarded to a soldier who does more than
the two years compulsory National Service in the TRNC. These points
can be exchanged for land, the title of this land is called TMD.
This type of TMD land according to the latest information from the
North Cyprus solicitors is deemed to be safe as long as the land has
been improved. Improvement of the land can either mean that the land
has been built on, or, started building, or, percolated into
individual building plots.
The question that could arise is that, if there was ever a full
settlement in Cyprus then compensation may be due to be paid. This
will be at pre 1974 prices plus inflation / interest. Under the Kofi
Annan plan the new owner would be liable for up to 50% of the
compensation due, the remainder being met by the TRNC government
Type 2: Farming Land
The second TMD Title deed is land which has been given by the TRNC
government to main land Turkish people who have settled in North
Cyprus on the understanding that the land has to be farmed for a
period of ten years.
This type of TMD land may have restrictions placed upon it in the
future by the TRNC government. The long term position of this land
is still unclear at this present time but consensus is that this
land can still be purchased as long as its been improved upon in the
same ways as type 1 of TMD land.
Legal opinion is that this type of TMD Title deed is deemed to be a
safe title deed as long as the land has been improved.
Leasehold
Here the land is owned by the government. These properties are
usually derelict houses, which the government will lease out for periods
up to 49 years to foreigners who renovate the properties at their own
expense, and then pay a nominal ground rent for the leased period. This
is safe to purchase.
Land
Land in Northern Cyprus is measured in DÖNÜMS.
1 ACRE = approx 3 DÖNÜMS or 4,046 m2 or 43,560 ft2
1 DÖNÜM = 1,338 m2 or 14,400 ft2
1 DÖNÜM = 4 EVLEKS
1 EVLEK = 3,600 ft2
Foreign buyers may purchase up to 1 dönüm of land per family name
Land Purchase/Own Build
For our clients who wish to purchase land and build a house or villa, it
is easy to do it with us. Meeting with our architect for an initial
consultation session would be the first step in starting to design your
house. During that session we will gather information so we can
specifically define your ideal home. We will first provide you with a
2-D drawing and then if you wish we will make a small-model of your
villa where you can understand the details as well as be able to see how
the villa will look like once it is totally finished. We work in
partnership with you and involve you in every level of the process.
Working in partnership with you, we will identify, analyze and
prioritize what it is that you want and need. Based on the information
received from this consultation, we will custom design a new home for
you.
If you don’t already have your own plot of land for your custom design
home, we have some of the most idyllic locations in Northern Cyprus and
will assist in finding your ideal location whether it be sea view,
Mountain View or both.
Residence
A foreigner coming to Northern Cyprus to live and/or work must apply for
a temporary visitors permit from Lefkosa. A full permanent resident's
permit is not usually issued until the recipient has been in residence
in the TRNC for five years. For retired persons, the residents permit is
all that is required. |
