TO DO LIST BEFORE PURCHASING PROPERTY (Updated as of May 2024)

We at Erginel Law, have prepared for you the list of things you must do in advance, before purchasing a property in Northern Cyprus:

1. Make your own physical inspection of the property
2. Check the location, access, infrastructure and so on.
3. Do not be afraid to ask the vendor about any issues.
4. Ask for a copy of the title deed or Kat Irtifak Title Deed and make sure that the property is registered on the title deed.
5. Ask for a search issued by the District Lands Office, which will show the details of the property and if there are any impediments on it.
6. If you are buying a property in communal site, please if the at Irtifak Title Deed  has been issue and check the maintenance fee you are obliged to pay annually.
7. Refuse to pay any deposit until you have spoken to a lawyer.
8. Find an independent and qualified lawyer who can help you with any potential issues

Under the Law on Acquisition of immovable property and long-term lease (Aliens Law) 52/2008, non-citizens of TRNC and the foreign legal entities are entitled to purchase ONLY ONE immovable property under the following conditions and subject to obtaining purchase permit from the Council of Ministers:

1. If Land is being purchased, such land must be in compliance with building regulations, not exceed 1,338m2, and only one residence can be built on it;
2. If an Apartment is to be purchased, only one apartment is allowed. ‘Kat Irtifak’ title deed (pre-registration of floors for apartments to be built) or separate individual title deed must be provided in order to purchase; However, foreigners who are citizens of the states that recognise the TRNC as an independent state (i.e. Turkey) can buy up to 3 apartments.

3. If a Detached House is to be purchased, the surface area cannot exceed 3,300m2 and no additional house or apartment can be built on the land.
4. Foreigners are not allowed to buy an immovable property on shared title deeds unless it is a detached house or apartment. A maximum of 3 (three) foreign persons can buy such a shared title deed.
5. If the property to be purchased is an apartment, less than half of the total apartment units built or to be built on the same plot can be purchased by foreigners of the first degree relatives or foreigners of the same nationality. In any case, 20% of such developments must be sold to citizens of TRNC or to the citizens of the states that recognise the TRNC (i.e. Turkey).