Is it safe to shop in Northern Cyprus?

Today, the construction and purchases of real estate abroad are declining than can be seen with the naked eye. Many foreign buyers and investors think there is a problem on the north side of the island. The one caused by the Greek protests. So why the problem or is there really a problem? Let’s start with the story and give some brief information.

Due to the strategic importance of Cyprus, since the siege of Troy in ancient times, many powers have sought to conquer and claim the island of Cyprus, including the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans. In 1960, the British ceded control of Cyprus to a power-sharing government of Greek and Turkish Cypriots. However, the Greek Cypriot elements began to squeeze the representatives of the Turkish Cypriot minority and their influence, until events reached a boiling point. In 1974, the Turkish authorities intervened in the north of the island to protect the rights of Turkish Cypriot residents residing in Cyprus. The resulting “Green Line” boundary between north and south has been in place ever since, dividing the island. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has been established in the north, but is not recognized by the UN Security Council, while the Republic of Cyprus in the south has recently become a member of the EU.

During the events of 1974, the Turkish Cypriots fled north leaving their homes and lands in the south, and the Greek Cypriots did the opposite, moving from north to south. It is the state of these abandoned lands on both sides of the border that is at the heart of Cyprus’ property problem.

The issue is based on the status of land titles attached to land and property in Northern Cyprus. There are four types of land titles in Northern Cyprus established by the government.

1- Turkish property deeds prior to 1974: This is known as the best title insurance. Implies ownership by a Turkish Cypriot before and after 1974.

2- Foreign property titles prior to 1974: This is known as the best secure land title as the Pre-1974 Turkish Land Title. It implies that property of Foreigner before 1974 and internationally recognized.

3- Property titles of the TRNC Stock Exchange: This is known as the second secure title deed. It implies that the property of the Greeks before 1974 and given to the Turkish Cypriots after 1974 with exchange to their property on the south side. The government assessed the value of the land and assets left behind and assigned the land or property in the north, in exchange for relinquishing rights to their land in the south. This is also known as the Esdeger deed.

4- TRNC TMD property title: This is land title given to Turkish Cypriots for military or government service, or to Turkish settlers to foster economic growth in certain parts of the north, after 1974. As with Esdeger, the original pre-1974 owner of the land or property would have been a Greek Cypriot, who abandoned the land or property after 1974.

These deeds are also considered “safe” for potential buyers. Some land and property have not been claimed by Turkish Cypriots and have no deed; investors should probably avoid them, as their future status is uncertain.

So is it safe to buy property in Northern Cyprus?

If the title deeds are valid, the short answer is yes. Property and land with pre-1974 Turkish Cypriot and foreign land titles are not in dispute, and are probably the safest option for buyers. It goes without saying that land and property with these titles come at a premium. TRNC deeds granted in compensation for lost land in the South are considered the next best option.

Your best safeguard when buying a property in Northern Cyprus is to hire an independent lawyer who will examine the title deeds with scrupulous care and advise you of their true status. As with all major investments, seek professional advice at every stage and never feel rushed or pressured into buying a property in North Cyprus. A good real estate agent or developer will give you time and space to make your own decisions.

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