North Cyprus Property Title Deeds
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus enjoys a typical Eastern Mediterranean climate with long hot summers and short mild winters. The northern coastline which borders the Girne (Kyrenia) mountain range is accepted as being one of the most beautiful areas in the world in which to live. The natural beauty of the island, the lovely climate, the warmth and generosity of the Turkish Cypriot people and the abundance of fresh foods make Northern Cyprus an unspoilt and uncommercialised haven. There is virtually no crime to speak of and this country is reminiscent of UK standards long lost where hospitality, politeness and the general enjoyment of life are the daily norm.
As this country eases towards a settlement with the south of the island and a possible accession into the European Union, we examine the pros and cons of the freehold and leasehold property purchasing opportunities. The most crucial factor in buying property, whether it be land or buildings, is to use a qualified lawyer in all cases for all contracts and Government applications. There are various forms of title deeds, as described below:
The Title Deeds
There are three different types of Title Deeds ("Kocan" in Turkish) available in Northern Cyprus:
- Freehold Title (Foreign or Turkish)
- TRNC Title (Esdeger or Tahsis)
- Leasehold Title
FREEHOLD - FOREIGN TITLE
This is property owned by European residents, (eg. British, German, Dutch). The title deed is internationally recognised. There are a number of checks to be carried out by the Council of Ministers, which means the sale will take approx.
6-12 months to complete.
FREEHOLD - TURKISH TITLE
This is property Turkish Cypriots owned prior to 1974. Foreigners are limited to one dönüm per person (husband and wife count as one person unless they have different surnames). There are a number of checks to be carried out by the Council of Ministers, which means the sale will take approx. 6-12 months to complete.
TRNC TITLE - ESDEGER
The property with TRNC Title Deed was previously Greek Cypriot owned prior to 1974 - before the war. Again there are a number of checks to be carried out by the Council of Ministers, which means the sale will take approx. 6-12 months to complete. When the Turkish Cypriot refugees came to the safety of the north after July 1974, they left all their possessions behind in the south. Accordingly, the Government then assessed on a points basis, the value of the refugee's forsaken assets in the south. With these points, the Turkish Cypriot refugee could take a relinquished Greek Cypriot house or land in compensation for his lost properties.
Regarding to 1977-1979 Nicosia Summit which was signed by Mr. Denktas (Turkish Cypriot Leader) and Mr. Makarious (Greek Cypriot Leader) under United Nations provision; division of the island, Greek Cypriots moving to South and Turkish Cypriots moving to North was agreed and signed. Any further agreement is going to be based on this agreement; was also agreed and signed.
TRNC TITLE - TAHSIS (TMD)
Again, the property with TRNC Title Deed was previously Greek Cypriot owned prior to 1974 - before the war. And, there are a number of checks to be carried out by the Council of Ministers, which means the sale will take approx. 6-12 months to complete. This type of land was given to the families from Turkey as a compensation for the lives of the soldiers who died while trying to save the lives of the turkish Cypriots.
LEASEHOLD TITLE
The Government owns this property. Long-term leases are granted for 49yrs. You can apply directly or via a solicitor to the Ministry of Tourism to transfer the lease.
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