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TYPES OF PROPERTY PURCHASE
Title deeds
In North Cyprus there are basically four types of title deeds.
Foreign title deed (Freehold)
This is an internationally recognised deed – It is a foreign title deed that was issued for a property purchased by a
foreigner before 1974.
T.R.N.C. title deed
A T.R.N.C title deed was given to a property that was once owned by a Greek Cypriot before the population exchange in 1974.
Turkish title deed
A Turkish title deed is and was issued for a property or land that has always been Turkish owned.
Leasehold title deed
A leasehold title deed is normally issued in the form of a lease by the government for terms of up to 49 years. Evkaf, a
religious foundation, also lease out properties that they own.
Freehold Property Purchase - any title but not leasehold.
Once you have decided to buy a piece of land or a house and have agreed the price you must consult a solicitor (we are able
to recommend good solicitors to you) who will draw up a contract of sale that will cover any eventuality in the context of
your particular circumstances. Normally the purchaser will pay a deposit equal to an agreed percentage of the value of the
asset (this is usually 10 percent). In North Cyprus it is necessary for the council of ministers to approve the sale of
property to a foreigner. While this procedure is only a formality it could take several months for approval, but once
permission is granted the remaining balance is paid and the title deed signed over, a stamp duty payment of 6% of purchase
value must be paid (the vendor pays 3%) plus 1% local authority tax. The sale is then complete; although it will be a
couple of weeks before the land office issue you with your new title deeds, which again is only a formality.
Leasehold property purchase
Same as above except that your solicitor must apply to the ministry of tourism rather than, as in freehold property
purchase, the ministry of the interior for permission.
Your purchase costs
In addition to the stamp duty mentioned above you will also have to pay your solicitors fees. Generally for an application
for your purchase permit and conveyancing a solicitor will charge a thousand pounds. It is also possible to employ the
services of a certified notary who can write up contracts. They are much cheaper than solicitors.
House Building
All land in TRNC is measured in donums
3 donums = 1 Acre
1 donum = 1388 m²
4 evleks = 1 Donum
At this moment in time – foreigners are restricted to buying 1 donum 1 evlek of land in any one married name.
It is possible to build a house using excellent builders in North Cyprus. The domestic architecture here is quite splendid.
Prices do vary but a general guide is from £200 per square metre upwards depending on the quality of materials used. Always
ensure that your builder is registered as it is illegal to use one that is not. Likewise it is illegal for a builder to
work without being registered. At Eden Estates, we only use tried and tested architects and builders and can show our
clients many examples of their work. It normally takes 8-12 months to complete a house.
On your behalf we at Eden Estates can monitor the quality and progress of the building works providing you with regular
updates and photographs via email, you can therefore rest assured that your dream home in the sun is made properly.
General Information
Pets
Your pet can be brought to North Cyprus so long as you can show that it has been examined by a vet and declared free of
disease and that a rabies vaccination has been given within the last six months before entry to North Cyprus. As with all
countries there is a quarantine period. A pet ‘passport’ is also advisable. For further information please contact us.
Banking
A wide range of facilities is available here and money transfer and the opening of accounts is now a straightforward
transaction. Credit cards are widely used and accepted in North Cyprus. There are no financial restrictions on individual
capital transfer and all transactions are conducted in the strictest of conditions. Bank loans are normally short term,
perhaps 3-4 years and are expensive – perhaps 10% or more, it is far better to source finance in the country of origin. For
further information on this matter please contact us as we are able to offer a financial service to expatriates with a
reputable mortgage financier in England.
Health Care
The standard of medical care in North Cyprus is considered good the range of treatments is not as comprehensive as the UK
at the moment but things maybe changing at the time of writing. Major illnesses, such as heart disease, at the present
moment in time are treated in Turkey where facilities and healthcare are as good if not better than the U.K. but of course,
has to be to paid for. However, for general healthcare and routine surgery the service in North Cyprus is excellent. Dental
services are also of a high standard. Chemists are excellent and quite often provide a friendly and helpful back up service
to the local hospitals.
Transport
There are several routes to reach North Cyprus. Ercan and Gecitkale, are the two main state airports, which at the time of
writing, are the only airports being used by Kibris Turkish Airlines and Turkish Airlines. Ercan, handles the tourist
traffic, whilst Gecitkale, usually serves as a back-up airport - *Ercan, is currently being refurbished and should be
reopened in time for the tourist season* Several European countries and mainland turkey have daily flights via turkey
every day.
In North Cyprus itself, there is a comprehensive network of local buses between towns as well as taxis and private car
hire. Expatriates, please contact our office if you want to import or buy a vehicle in North Cyprus. Driving is on the left
hand side of the road.
Utilities (Gas, Electricity and water)
The electricity supply in North Cyprus is 220/240v ac 50 HZ with a standard UK 3 pin plug, therefore all of your electrical
goods will function here. Unlike the UK there is no mains gas here so gas is obtained from gas cylinders this is an easy
operation* Cyprus experiences long periods without rain and therefore depending on the area you may find that your water
may be rationed. This is not as severe as it sounds however as your water tanks will be filled during the period of supply,
this system merely ensures that people do not waste water.
Telephone and T.V
Yes, you can still watch Eastenders in North Cyprus. Digiturk, the Turkish equivalent of SKY, provides comprehensive TV
packages now. Also you could receive SKY TV although this requires the purchase of a large dish. The telephone system is
good and mobile phones are in wide usage, possibly more than the UK = Internet connection is also available as is
broadband. We can put you contact with local suppliers.
Residency
After 3 months residing in North Cyprus guests are obliged to apply for a residents permit. This is a formality normally.
The permit is valid for one year after which it is renewable. Permanent residency can be applied for after 3 years.
Recreation & Leisure
North Cyprus is a beautiful place, its climate is healthy and its scenery magnificent. Environmentally it is largely
unspoilt, its people are warm, friendly and welcoming. There is no crime to speak of! As yet we have nothing akin to
Benidorm or Ayia Napa, indeed compared to these places North Cyprus is sedate.
For lovers of walking, bird watching and botany North Cyprus is a paradise. Swimmers can enjoy the clear and clean
Mediterranean from April to October and for those keen on water sports there are abundant opportunities here, Divers are
also well catered for.
For the brave hearted there is a world class go kart track (1200 metres) near lefkosa (Nicosia)
There is a 9 hole golf course beyond Guzelyurt by the sea and a 10 pin bowling alley in (Lefkosa) Tennis is also available
at several centres - you can play badminton, football, basketball at the sports centres.
For the young, There are literally hundreds of bars and restaurants - without the lager louts and if you went out every
night for 6 months you will still not have visited them all.
For lovers of history and archeology there is much to study and see and for the more practical cultural types there are art
and sculpture classes available cheaply.
All in all we think this is a beautiful place, as they say Cyprus, is a corner of earth touched by heaven….so why not come
and join us at Eden Estates and let us help you to live the dream…We will welcome to North Cyprus your home in the Sun.
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