The dream of buying a privately-owned house by the sea is like-minded by many.

For living or further rental. Intentions are different. Anyway, to avoid mistakes with real estate investment in Northern Cyprus, it is important to be familiar with the legal aspects of the issue.

Today we would like to talk about land titles in the TRNC. A land title is a formal document that confirms ownership of the property. The document defines the identifier number of the land parcel, its size, buildings and constructions on the land, property owner’s name, etc.

What titles are used in Northern Cyprus

Pre 1974 Turkish freehold title refers to a land owned by a Turkish Cypriot prior to 1974 with undisputed title.

The foreign pre 1974 title deed has the same benefits. That is a land owned by non-citizens (English, German or French) and purchased prior to 1974. All such land a priori has the land title of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The property documents will not even indicate the title of the land by default.

Exchanged title refers to a land belonged once to a Greek Cypriot that he left behind on moving to the North, and then registered as a result of an exchange of lands between a Greek Cypriot and a Turkish Cypriot in 1974. The right to this land is guaranteed by the TRNC government.

TMD title refers to a land that is owned by the TRNC government. This land has been granted to Turks or Turkish Cypriots normally in recognition for services. (It was given as a reward to Turkish soldiers who fought in the war in 1974). The possibility of legal difficulties with this type of land is a long shot. In any case, there have been no precedents in the entire history of the country.

Leasehold title refers to public lands that are intended only for long-term leases for up to 49 years, with an option to extend.

You can get additional information on processing real estate documents in Northern Cyprus by sending your request in a private message or by phone: +90 533 883 74 84 WhatsApp/ Viber.