North Cyprus Title Deeds

One of the most commonly asked questions when purchasing property is that of title deeds. Title Deeds in North Cyprus come under three categories, Pre '74 Turkish or Foreign Freehold, TRNC Freehold and Leasehold title deeds. Currently, Cyprus-Homes.com does not promote leasehold properties or land so we will address the Freehold title deeds only. It is important to remember when considering title deeds that most of what you will have already heard will have been a biased account produced by the Greek Cypriot propaganda machine. It is strongly recommended that when considering a property buy in Northern Cyprus to research the situation yourselves. A small amount of background research will alleviate any fears about purchasing property or land in Northern Cyprus.

Pre '74 Turkish or Foreign Freehold Title Deeds

Pre '74 Turkish or Foreign Title Deeds are issued on properties and land that before the 1974 peace action was simply owned by either a Turkish Cypriot or a foreign resident. These title deeds are recognised by the international community.

Northern Cyprus Freehold Title Deeds

Slightly more complicated than Pre '74 title deeds, TRNC Freehold is property or land that
was owned by Greek Cypriots Pre '74. After the Peace Action in July 1974, when Turkish
Cypriot refugees fled to the new safe haven of the northern section of the Island, the majority
left their homes and possessions in the South. At this time the newly formed government
commenced transferring this land to the Turkish Cypriot refugees for either economic
development or in compensation for lost assets in the South. These losses were assessed on a
points system and Turkish Cypriot refugees were allowed to use these points to make use of
an abandoned property or land in the North but in exchange for signing over control of their
assets in the South, to the Government. The Government have since held these assets until a
negotiated settlement can be reached between the two administrations.

It is important to note that at this point in time the Government of North Cyprus will not distinguish between any type of freehold title deed, instead opting to advise that all titles in the North are TRNC freehold.