What is the general procedure of buying a property in Northern Cyprus?

Purchase Procedure

The price of the property is agreed.

The sale contract will be drawn up expressing the terms of the purchase and both the vendor and the purchaser sign.

The purchaser pays 10% deposit (the amount of deposit may vary according to the payment terms of the seller).

The solicitor or appropriate appointed person will then apply for a purchase permit from the Interior Ministry. This can take approximately four to eight months.

Once the Purchase Permit has been granted from the Interior Ministry the remaining balance is due from the purchaser.

After final payment the vendor assigns the title deeds into the name of the purchaser.

By buying a Foreign Title property the purchaser will not have to wait for a Purchase Permit and therefore the above procedure will be much quicker.

When buying a Turkish Title or a TRNC Title foreigners are restricted to 1 donum of land (1,388 sq.m. or 1/3 acre. This restriction does not apply when buying Foreign Title property. Please enquire as to which title is attached to the property of your choice.

Access to North Cyprus?
As Northern Cyprus remains unrecognized by most of the international community, there are no direct flights from Europe. However, some charter companies avoid this problem by touching down in Turkey before proceeding to Ercan, the airport located a few miles to the east of Nicosia. In addition, there are regular flights by Cyprus Turkish Airlines and Turkish Airlines between Ercan and all the major airports in Turkey, which are linked by the international carriers to most destinations in Europe.

There are also regular car-ferry services between Famagusta and Mersin (Turkey), and Kyrenia and Tasucu (Turkey). It is possible to drive from London to Cyprus in four days, or travel with one of the several bus services which operate between England and North Cyprus, but this can be an exhausting and sometimes harrowing way to start a holiday. For non package tour visitors, the addresses below of two airlines which fly to Northern Cyprus may be useful.
Turkish Airlines, Cyprus Turkish Airlines (CTA - KTHY)

Can I bring my pets?
All pets entering Northern Cyprus have to be quarantined for a short period. Your local vet must chip your pet and help you complete the pet passport form. For advice contact Margaret Ray chairperson of Kyrenia Animal Rescue on 00 90 533 863 1950

What is the education system in North Cyprus like?
The education system in North Cyprus has vastly improved. There are several state schools offering good education. There are five universities on this small island. The most famous one is the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) of Famagusta - http://www.emu.edu.tr - serves to more than 15,000 students from all over the world. The Near East University and International Cyprus University are the two in Nicosia, the Lefke European University is located in Lefke and one of the most popular, the Girne American University (GAU) is in Kyrenia - from a nursery to a University. http://www.gau.edu.tr

Can I get Health insurance?
There are several insurance companies who provide Health insurance. The British Residents Society are the best people to contact. Local medical care is good and extremely reasonable. The majority of expatriates use the local treatment.

How long can I stay? Do I require a permit?
These can be applied for once you have purchased your home. The British Residents Society will provide all the necessary information. You are issued a 3 month tourist visa when you arrive, after which you must apply for a residents permit

Can I use my UK Driving license?
For 3 months you can drive with your UK license, after that you can only drive with a TRNC license. Once you have been issued with your residency permit a local license can be administered within days.

Where are the best beaches?
North Cyprus has plenty of sandy beaches. The best beaches are in Karpas - the worldwide famous Golden Beach (7 km. long) is here. The Malibu Beach is also another lovely beach of Karpas area. After Karpas comes the beaches of East Kyrenia - the best of these is the Alagadi Beach (also known as the turtle beach), then Acapulco Beach, Lara Beach and the beautiful Esentepe Beach. The Escape Beach in Alsancak is one of the safest beaches close to the west of Kyrenia. There are many hotels with private bays which permit non-residents to use them for a small fee - the best one is the Acapulco Beach.

Where are the villages?
Kyrenia is the main town. East of Kyrenia in order are Karakum, Ozankoy, Dogankoy, Catlakoy, Arapkoy, Esentepe, Bahceler, Kucuk Yenierenkoy. West of Kyrenia in order are Zeytinlik, Karaoglanoglu, Edremit, Karaman, Kervansaray, Alsancak, Ilgaz, Incesu, Malatya, Lapta, Karsiyaka, Guzelyali.