Risks of buying in Northern Cyprus

1. The special status of the territory

Northern Cyprus is recognised as a state only by Turkey. That affects banking, mortgages and a buyer’s legal protection outside the region. It is important to understand these limits and factor them into the decision before you buy.

2. Types of title

Different types of title appear on the market. The calmer option is usually the so-called “Turkish” title — land that belonged to Turkish Cypriots before 1974. Titles issued in exchange for left-behind property (exchange/equivalent title), and land that belonged to Greek Cypriots before 1974, carry a risk of claims by former owners.

Ask a lawyer to check the land history and the type of title before you pay a deposit.

3. Permission to purchase

Foreigners need permission from the Council of Ministers (permission to purchase) to register ownership. The process includes checks and can take months. Until it is granted the buyer is protected by the sale contract, so it is important that the contract is registered with the land registry.

4. Buying off-plan

• check the developer’s reputation and already completed projects;
• confirm the developer has title to the land and a building permit;
• tie the payment schedule to construction stages;
• work with an independent lawyer, not the developer’s lawyer.

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