WHAT IS THE QUICKEST WAY TO GET TO NORTHERN CYPRUS?

The main airport in Northern Cyprus is Ercan which has recently been modernised and there is a back-up airport at Gecitkale.  There are no direct flights to Northern Cyprus other than from Turkey, therefore, all flights are routed through Turkey where a stop over at either Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya or Dalaman is made for a period of around 45 minutes before continuing your journey to Northern Cyprus. Flights from the UK can be taken from most of the larger airports and including the stop in Turkey flıght times are approximately 6 hours with a 20/30/40 minute drive to Lefkoşa (Nicosia), Girne (Kyrenia) or Gazi Mağusa (Famagusta).

Alternatively, you can fly to Larnaca or Paphos in Southern Cyprus where the flight time is approximately 4.5 hours then a 1.5/3 hour drive to Northern Cyprus.

WHAT FLIGHTS ARE AVAILABLE TO NORTHERN CYPRUS NOW?

Northern Cyprus has dırect air links only wıth Turkey, where all planes from Europe must land prior to flying on to Northern Cyprus. This is due to the chşcago Convention whereby Northern Cyprus has no recognised international ports and all air and sea traffic must land in Turkey before proceeding to Northern Cyprus as an ‘internal’ flight. More than 120 flights arrive at Ercan Airport per week during the summer months and currently approximately 30 flights per week arrive from UK airports (ie Heathrow, Stansted, Gatwick and Manchester). For passenger convenience most flights arrive in Northern Cyprus in the evening and some overnight flights are also available. In addition, flights are available from Dublin, Glasgow and Birmingham but these will necessitate a change of plane in Turkey.

WHAT IS THE COST OF LIVING IN NORTHERN CYPRUS?

The cost of living in Northern Cyprus is relatively cheap compared to the UK, other Mediterranean countries and most of Europe. Utility bills are on average approximately £70 per month for mains water, electricity and annual council tax. Most properties are built with solar water heating systems which are efficient and cost-effective. However, dependent upon the type of property you purchase there are other factors to take into account.  For instance, do you have a pool? Is this private or communal? If you purchase a property on a complex or an apartment what are the maintenance charges?

With regard to food/drink, in recent years the number of supermarkets that sell foreign food, including leading English brands, has grown, which has brought the cost of these foods down in price, however, they are more expensive than in the UK. Locally produced foods are cheaper than imported foods, are varied and of good quality. Alcohol and cigarettes are exceptionally good value as these are much cheaper than in the UK.

There are restaurants galore in Northern Cyprus where every taste and pocket is catered for. An average restaurant bill with drinks is around £15-25 per person.

HOW LONG CAN A FOREIGNER STAY İN NORTHERN CYPRUS?

On arrival in Northern Cyprus most British citizens or Western Europeans would be issued with a 90 day visa. Should you decide to stay longer you can apply for an extension or, should you decide to settle here permanently you would need to apply for a residency permıt. We can point you in the right direction on how to go about this.

ARE THERE ANY LIMITATIONS ON THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTY BY FOREIGNERS IN NORTHERN CYPRUS?

Yes, there is a limitation. The land in Northern Cyprus is measured in dönüms (1 dönüm = 1,338 m2/approximately 1/3 acre) and foreigners are limited to purchasing 1 dönüm, which will satisfy the majority of our clients. However, should you want a larger piece of land/plot you can achieve this by including other members of your family as owners or by forming a local company when the property/land would be purchased in the company’s name.

WHAT ARE THE PROCEDURES TO PURCHASE PROPERTY IN NORTHERN CYPRUS?

Should you decide to purchase a property whilst you are in Northern Cyprus

-        Please ensure you are able to pay approximately £1,000 as a reservation deposit.  It is not possible to pay this by cheque and many people will not accept a credit card payment for this.

-        You will need to see a lawyer during your visit and issue him/her with a Power of Attorney so that he is able to act for you in your absence.

         -        The lawyer will check and confirm Title Deeds and if these are in order a Contract of Sale will be drawn up.  The contract will define payment terms, completion date and other points of importance.

         -        Stamp Duty is paid to the Tax Office within 1 month of signing of contracts and the contract is then lodged with the Land Registry Department.

-        A Subject Access Form must be applied for from your local Police Headquarters to confirm that you have no serious criminal convictions and your lawyer will present this and other information to the Council of Ministers who need to approve your permission to purchase, following which Title Deeds will be issued in your name.

-        When your permission to purchase has been approved VAT and Transfer Fee must be paid by the purchaser and Capital Gains Tax is paid by the vendor.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS INVOLVED WHEN PURCHASING A PROPERTY IN NORTHERN CYPRUS?

-        Lawyers’ costs are in the region of £1,000-£1,200, however, please note that some lawyers charge an hourly rate which could increase your costs dramatically.  We can  recommend you to one of several lawyers who is conversant in your language.

-        Stamp Duty (0.5%) is paid on signing of contract, VAT (5%) and Transfer fees (3% option for first purchase) are paid once permissions are granted.  These three taxes are generally paid by the purchaser.  Capital Gains Tax is paid by the Vendor. Percentages are based on the contract price of the property.

         -        Electricity, water and gas installation costs should also be considered, especially if your purchase is in isolation to the main road, a village or other construction.

In effect, you can expect to add a further 10% onto the purchase price to cover the above items but please see our Buyers Guide for more information.

WHAT TYPE OF TITLE DEEDS ARE AVAILABLE?

Similar to the UK there are leasehold and freehold properties, however, leasehold properties are, as a rule, once derelict properties which are leased from the Government for a period of 49 years.  Ground rent is negligible but it is the lessee’s responsibility to maintain and upkeep the property. Karmi Village, in the mountains above Girne, is a good example of leasehold property where originally all foreign nationals settled.

There are various types of Title Deed for Freehold property and these differ significantly.

-        Turkish Title

These lands/properties were Turkish Cypriot owned prior to 1974.

-        Foreign Title

These lands/properties were Foreign owned (British, German, American etc) prior to 1974.

-        TRNC Title (Eşdeğer – Exchange Title)

         These lands/properties were Greek owned prior to 1974.  Following the liberation of the Turkish Cypriot people in 1974 they were forced to migrate to the North of the island leaving everything they owned in the South.  The Government awarded these Turkish Cypriots properties/lands according to the value of the properties/lands they had had to leave in the South.  These were awarded on a points basis and based upon the amount of points awarded these Turkish Cypriots could take Greek Cyprıot properties/lands to the equivalent of that which they had left ın the South.  Their properties/lands in the South were signed over to the TRNC government who are holding them until a settlement is agreed between themselves and the government of South Cyprus. The Turkish Cypriot owners of these former Greek Cypriot properties/lands were then issued with a Title Deed but were unable to sell such assets until this was issued.

-        TMD Title

These lands/properties were Greek Cypriot owned prior to 1974 and no Title Deeds have yet been issued. These lands/properties are usually offered for sale at lower prices.

PLEASE NOTE If you do not have the Title Deeds checked by your lawyer your home could be at risk.

HOW LONG DOES IT NORMALLY TAKE TO FULLY COMPLETE THE PURCHASE OF A PROPERTY İN NORTHERN CYPRUS?

Be prepared to wait! It can take up to 2 years to fully complete the purchase, ie receive the Title Deeds in your name, however, the Government are making inroads into reducing the timescale. This is nothing to worry about as long as you are not planning to sell the property within this time (see our Sellers Guide).

WHAT ARE THE TERMS OF PAYMENT FOR PURCHASING A PROPERTY IN NORTHERN CYPRUS?

The terms of payment depend entirely upon the type of property you decide to purchase. Re-sale and completed new properties are paid for in full at exchange of contracts, however, it is advisable to have paid a reservation deposit to ensure the property is taken off the market.  This will be taken off the total payment.

Payment terms for partially constructed, off plan or custom built properties vary depending on the construction company, and payments can vary from 10-30% deposit with stage payments being made at various construction stages, or you could pay 100% in advance.

Although we are a construction company in our own right we sell properties for other construction companies, therefore, if we have some knowledge of your financial status this can help us enormously in choosing the right properties to suit your requirements.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO BRING PERSONAL POSSESSIONS SUCH AS FURNITURE / PETS INTO THE COUNTRY?

It is possıble to bring personal possessions to Northern Cyprus although there is generally duty to pay to the Customs Department. There are various companies that offer this service and price is calculated upon the cubic metre capacity of the container.  We would recommend that you make enquiries and obtain quotes before making a decision and we can supply you with information should you require.

Bringing your pet from Europe to Northern Cyprus can be easily arranged. The Ministry of Agriculture requires you to provide a certificate from a European vet stating that your pet is free from any major disease. Your pet will then be kept in quarantine at the government facility in Lefkoşa, usually for four weeks. However, care for your pet is your responsibility and you must feed and exercise your pet yourself every day as this service is not provided.

IS A LOCAL DRIVING LICENCE REQUIRED IN NORTHERN CYPRUS?

In Northern Cyprus traffic keeps to the left, as in many other ex-colonies. You can drive on your ordinary licence for a period of 90 days after which time you must apply for a TRNC driving licence.

ARE THERE ANY LIMITATIONS ON REPATRIATİNG RENTAL OR OTHER INCOMES FROM NORTHERN CYPRUS?

There is no limitation on repatriating profits, including rental income from your property in Northern Cyprus. There are no questions asked about the origin of income.

WHAT IS THE BANKING SYSTEM LIKE? IS IT POSSIBLE TO OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT IN NORTHERN CYPRUS?

There are many local private banks in Northern Cyprus as well as branches of Turkish banks. You can open a GBP sterling account, which offers reasonable interest rates. If you become a resident you are able to open YTL accounts as well. We do recommend that you go to a reputable bank, such as HSBC, Türkbank and others, who have branches in the main areas of Northern Cyprus.

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR TOWNS/CITIES ıN NORTHERN CYPRUS AND WHAT DO THEY OFFER?

Lefkoşa

Lefkoşa (Nicosia) is the capital of Northern Cyprus with a population of 150,000. The city is fascinating, being steeped in history, architecture and places of interest. Lefkoşa is the business and commercial area of Northern Cyprus and therefore might attract purchasers planning to work for the local government or for international companies. Any investment in property here might be very rewarding if and when Northern and Southern Cyprus are reunited. There is masive potential for investment growth here.

Gazi Mağusa

The main port of Northern Cyprus is at Gazi Mağusa (Famagusta) and this is also home to the main cultural area of Northern Cyprus.  The city itself is like an outdoor museum with many historical sites and places of interest. The landscape in Gazi Mağusa is relatively flat in comparison with Girne but its golden sandy beaches are beautiful. This area is likely to suit families with children, as is Girne, but property prices here are slightly less expensive.

Girne

Girne (Kyrenia) is the most popular area for foreign purchasers and has a large British community. The scenery and sea views are stunning with the blue of the Mediterranean to the north and the backdrop of the Beşparmak mountain range to the south. The area is prosperous with many shops, hotels, restaurants, casinos, golf course and, of course, historical sites and places of interest. The majority of foreign residents live in Girne and the head office of the British Residents’ Society is based here.

Guzelyurt

Guzelyurt (Morphou) is located 30 miles west of Girne and the area is particularly famous for its citrus and olive orchards. Apples, pears, grapefruit, melons and all manner of tasty fruits and vegetables are grown there due to the underground water springs in the area. In fact, Guzelyurt hosts an annual Orange Festival, which is a major event lasting 2 weeks. Places of historical interest are in evidence there as in all areas of Northern Cyprus. A 9-hole golf course is situated just outside the town, which is open every day. Clubs are available to hire and should you want to meet some of the friendly, local members and perhaps have a round with them, Tuesday and Thursday are the best days.  However, so you will not be disappointed, this golf course is not up to European standards but the location is fantastic and you can watch the sun going down over the blue waters of the Mediterranean as you sink your last ball. Foreign property owners have not settled in Guzelyurt to the same degree as in the other major towns and prices remain relatively low.

WHAT IS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF NORTHERN CYPRUS?

The official language of Northern Cyprus is Turkish, however, English is widely spoken in business and commercial circles.  Many people speak a small amount of English and are eager to learn.  There are good Turkish/English teachers here if you want to try your hand at learning the language.

WHAT IS THE TIME DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NORTHERN CYPRUS AND THE UK?

Northern Cyprus is 2 hours ahead of the UK. This is consistent throughout the year as clocks go forward/back in Spring and Autumn as they do in the UK. 

IS THE TRNC RECOGNISED ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD?

The TRNC has an Embassy in Ankara and Consulates in Mersin and İstanbul.  There are Offices of Representatives in London, Washington, New York, Brussels, Pakistan and Abu Dhabi. There are also Honorary Representatives in Italy, Germany, Austria, Canada, South Africa and Finland.

 There is a Turkish Embassy, British High Commission and German Consulate in the TRNC.