North Cyprus Houses

Title Deeds in North Cyprus

It is always important when investing in North Cyprus property – as anywhere – to get the property title deeds.
This title comes in four formats.
1. Pre 1974 Turkish Freehold Title
This is the title for land or property owned by a Turkish Cypriot before 1974.
2. Pre 1974 Foreign Freehold Title
This is the title for land or property owned by a foreign national (i.e. non Turkish Cypriot) before 1974. These titles are recognised internationally.
3. TRNC Exchange Title
This is the title for land or property given to a Turkish Cypriot in exchange for land and property they owned in south Cyprus before 1974, and which they were forced to leave behind on moving to the North. The government assessed the value of both land and goods left behind, and allocated the land or property in the North, in exchange for the waiving of the rights to their land in the south. The original pre-1974 owner of the land or property would have been Greek Cypriot. This is also known as the Esdeger (pronounced Esh-day-air).
4. TRNC TMD Title
This is the title for land given to Turkish Cypriots for military or government service, or to Turkish settlers to encourage economic growth in certain parts of the North, after 1974. As with the Esdeger, the original pre-1974 owner of the land or property would have been Greek Cypriot, who abandoned the land or property after 1974.

No Deeds Property in North Cyprus, and Leasehold Properties

Some properties are offered without title deeds. There are also leasehold properties, which are government owned and have a lease for 49 years with an option for a second 49 year extension. In theory, leasehold properties could be handed back if the whole island agrees on a settlement deal between north and south.