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Top 7 tips for buying a property in Northern Cyprus

With many high-quality developments now coming to completion, there has never been a better range of properties for sale in North Cyprus, or a better time to invest.

Tip #1 for properties in Northern Cyprus: Do your research online

When considering buying any property in Northern Cyprus, always research your options online first. Most of the North Cyprus property developments have websites complete with glossy site maps and impressive floor plans, which only tell half the story. To get the full picture, join an online North Cyprus property forum, where real buyers compare buying experiences in specific developments. You can post questions or just browse the post titles to see which Northern Cyprus developers keep their promises and which don’t. Best of all are the independent Northern Cyprus websites that offer independent reviews of the developments along with feedback from their forum members.

Tip #2 for properties in Northern Cyprus: Choose your area

Northern Cyprus is a beautiful country with several distinct areas, each with their own particular appeal. If you’re buying a home for yourself, decide what you want most; a short distance from a sandy beach or a mountainside location overlooking the sea. The same applies to the consideration of potential rental markets or investment potential; golf vacationers will want to be close to the new Esentepe course, while couples with small children will prefer to rent a beachside vacation home. Make a short list of one or two areas that interest you, then check out your online forums for local information, like good schools, the best restaurants, or problems with your water supply.

Northern Cyprus Property Top Tip #3: Visit Northern Cyprus

At this stage, don’t go on a developer-organized tour of inspection; you need to be free to follow your instincts. Armed with your short list of areas, spend the first two days just driving around and familiarizing yourself with the places that interest you. Visit the local cafe for a coffee and chat with the locals. See for yourself which developments are actually occupied with residents or workers, and which are empty or half-finished.

Northern Cyprus Property Tip 4: Estate Agents Days

Visit local estate agents and get details of properties in your chosen areas. Only accept details on properties within your price range and arrange viewings for any property that checks all the boxes. Follow the realtor in your own car to any viewings of the property, so if you don’t like them, you can quickly move on.

Northern Cyprus Property Tip #5: Understanding TRNC Deeds

You need to make sure your property comes with a Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Freehold Deed. Due to the division of Cyprus in 1974, these come in four formats;

1. Pre-1974 Turkish Land Title, for land or property owned by a Turkish Cypriot before 1974.

2. Pre-1974 foreign property title, for land or property owned by a foreign citizen before 1974. These titles are internationally recognized.

3. TRNC Title Exchange, for land or property given to a Turkish Cypriot in exchange for land and property they owned in South Cyprus before 1974, and to which they have relinquished their rights.

4. Title TRNC TMD, for land granted to Turkish Cypriots for military or government service, or to settlers.

All four titles are acceptable, with the first type commanding a premium of around 30%.

Property tip 6 in Northern Cyprus: Save money with ‘As New’

If you want to buy a property in Northern Cyprus that you can move into right away, consider reselling in recently completed developments. Your property should already be in order with all utilities, minor issues resolved, and yet the property should still be in excellent condition. Unlike new construction properties, where your money can be tied up for two years with no return, a resale property can be enjoyed or rented out as soon as you receive the keys.

Tip number 7 for properties in Northern Cyprus: get professional advice

Buying any property is a major financial commitment, so don’t be pressured into signing any deal. Always use your own independent lawyer to advise and act on your behalf, never one suggested by a property developer. With a complex buying process, new tax laws and various permits that must be obtained, a good Northern Cyprus lawyer is well worth the modest fees they charge. Again, online forums are good sources of feedback on companies to trust, and those to avoid.

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