Explanation of Turkish Title Deeds
The amount of confusing material expounded by the media relating to the various different types of title deed in North Cyprus hasn’t helped the development of the real estate market in TRNC at all. Many media sources are simply regurgitating propaganda and false facts.
There are three general types of title deed in the North and they are those that are internationally recognised (even by the Greek Cypriots), those that are subject to a final resolution on the island (these include Turkish title deeds) and those that you would be seriously advised to avoid or to take further legal counsel on (these include titles relating to properties owned by Greek Cypriots pre 1974).
Titles that are accepted internationally are those belonging to Turkish Cypriots pre 1974 or foreign owners (such as British or German for example) pre 1974.
The majority of new property in Northern Cyprus is being built on ‘exchange land’ which was land nationalised after 1974 and these properties all have Turkish title deeds, which all our properties have been built on. The land being developed was given to Turkish Cypriots in exchange for land they lost on the South when they were forced to flee or to Turkish people whose families fought in the 1974 conflict.
For the Turkish Cypriots, they had land on the South which was nationalised by the Greek Cypriots and also given in exchange to those Greek Cypriots who lost land on the North.
Turkish title deeds have been guaranteed by the government of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The final types of title deeds and those which are not considered ‘safe’ are Greek Cypriot owned 1974 and ‘cases pending’ where land or property exists but doesn’t yet have an official title deed.
New Build Property in Northern Cyprus In terms of the properties available in Northern Cyprus the majority are brand new and off plan property. These often offer the best value for money as they come complete and require no renovation whatsoever. Furthermore, if bought off plan such properties can be built and finished to the specific taste of the purchaser.
As mentioned the majority of new build homes are being constructed on exchange land. In terms of what’s available, property types range from apartment complexes with communal facilities and beach access to private villas with extensive grounds, swimming pools and fine views.
Some good news - the quality of houses being built in TRNC has always generally been high but lately it has improved dramatically as all developers compete with each other to offer better quality, more features and higher standards. It’s an area where competition is definitely healthy for the purchaser.
There are three different types of Title Deeds ("Kocan" in Turkish) available in Northern Cyprus:
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Freehold Title (Foreign or Turkish) |
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TRNC Title (Esdeger or Tahsis) |
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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.
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
