FAQ's

1. Do you organise the viewing trips to Northern Cyprus?

We can recommend several travel agents who would be able to organise your accommodation and cheap flights to Northern Cyprus. Please refer to "Our Services" page. Our representative will meet you at the hotel to take you on the viewing tour. We will only be taking you to the view the properties which fall within your search requirements indicated earlier. Please let us know when you are planning to visit Northern Cyprus, the duration of your stay and hotel in advance so we arrange the viewing for you. We would recommend you give us as much notice as you can so we can search the best suitable options for you.

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2. What is the fastest route to travel to Cyprus?

Currently there are no direct flights to Northern Cyprus (Ercan is the main airport in Northern part of the island). Due to the rapid increase of the international number of flights, Ercan airport is on reconstruction at the moment, which will be re-opened earlier next year. Gecitkale is a back-up airport where all current flights to the island are made. All flights are through mainland Turkey. You do not have to leave the plane as a general rule and remain on board for 45 minutes in one of the airports in Turkey (Dalaman, Antalya, Izmir, etc).
It takes 20minutes drive to get from Ercan to Nicosia (Lefkosa) – the capital of Northern Cyprus, 30 minutes to Kyrenia (Girne). In the nearest future it will be direct flights from London, Manchester and Frankfurt.

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3. What flights are available to Northern Cyprus Now?

North Cyprus has direct air links only with Turkey (see Q.2), where all planes from Europe must land. More than 90 flights to Northern Cyprus per week arrive at Ercan airport during the summer. Currently there are approximately 20 flights per week to N. Cyprus from London (Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead). For the passengers convenience most of them arrive in the evening.

There are also flights to Northern Cyprus from Manchester, Glasgow and Dublin. From Turkey, you can arrange a connected flight to Northern Cyprus from Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Adana and Antalya.

There is also a big selection of ferries from Turkey, the fastest is 2 hours.

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4. What is the cost of living in Northern Cyprus?

The cost of living in Northern Cyprus is cheap compared to other countries in Mediterranean region (Southern part of the island in particular) or popular European destinations. The utility bills are exceptionally affordable. Living in Northern Cyprus, you will be looking to pay £ 200 a year for electricity and water for an apartment. A lot of the houses and apartments are built with the solar water heating systems, which ensures cheap running costs even in winter. Communal maintenance fees are also payable, depending what facilities you share (pool, security, sewage, etc)

Northern Cyprus living is changing for the better. In recent years the number of the supermarkets that sell foreign (including leading English brands) food has grown, which has brought the price of the export goods slightly down but it they still remain higher than in the UK. Turkish produced food could be purchased at a fraction of that and is good quality and varied choice. Northern Cyprus is a paradise for smokers and alcohol is exceptionally cheap. For a bottle of a local larger (EFES) you would pay 50p, a bottle of a local Red/white wine (Cankaya) £ 2.50.

Northern part of Cyprus has restaurants galore – on every taste and pocket. An average restaurant bill with drinks per person is £ 10-20. You can pay in all restaurants and supermarkets directly in pounds and in Euro, without losing in conversion rates. The cost of living in North Cyprus is very cheap compared to UK.

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5. How long can a British citizen stay in Northern Cyprus?

British and the majority of Western Europeans on arrival would automatically receive three month visa. If you decide to stay on the island for a longer period you can get an extension or if you decide to permanently settle there, you would need to get a residency permit. We will put you in the right direction how to receive it quickly.

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6. Are there any limitations on buying property in Northern Cyprus for foreign person?

Yes, there is a limitation. The land in Northern Cyprus is measured in donums. The foreign national cannot buy more than 1 donum of land (which is 1,338 square metres or approximately 14,000 square feet) for one property. This area of land will satisfy the majority of our clients. In the case where you want a bigger piece of land, this can be easily met by adding members of your family as the owners or by forming a local company to buy the land in its name.

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7. What are the procedures to buy the property in Northern Cyprus?

Due to the buoyant market situation, we do advise our clients to arrange finance before traveling to Northern Cyprus and to have the reservation fee available, if you find something you like. Otherwise it could be a wasted journey. Please also note that a debit/credit card payment is not acceptable when it comes to a reservation fee. You would need to see a solicitor during your visit if you decide to purchase a property and issue him with the Power of Attorney, so he can follow your instructions during your absence.

You appoint a solicitor who checks and confirms the title deeds. The next stage is to draw up a sale contract. It will define the payments terms and the completion date. Your attendance is not essential as the solicitor will act on your behalf if you issue a Power of Attorney.

On the day of the completion, the monies are paid to the vendor and the Land Registry (Stamp duty at 6%) by your solicitor. Your name will be included into the Land Registry's books, but it takes up to 12 months for the new title deed to be issued.

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8. What are the costs involved when buying a property in Northern Cyprus?

The solicitor's costs are in the region of £ 1000 (be aware that some solicitors charge an hourly rate fee, that could work out very expensive) when buying a property in Northern Cyprus. We can always refer you to the solicitor we work with, who is more competitive and charges at £ 700.

The stamp duty is 6% of the property value, but more often than not the valuation is lower than the selling price of the property. Some may consider to build their own house as the stamp duty will be payable on the cost of the land than the built property, if the permission to buy is received before the construction begins.

Also the buyer has to bear in mind the sales tax (VAT) at 5% on newly built property.

Sales and stamp duty tax is payable to the Land Registry office when the permission to buy is granted and the property is completed as well as a nominal registry fees (in the region of £ 200).

The buyer also should enquire about the other costs in relationship to the electricity, water, gas installation. Sometimes, the costs are built into the selling price, but more often than not there is a separate cost, especially if you are building your villa in isolation to the main road or the nearest village and there is not construction nearby.

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9. What types of deeds are available?

Like in UK there are two main types of deeds in TRNC, like in UK – Freehold and Leasehold deeds. However, there are some significant differences the UK buyer should be aware of when he comes to buy a property in Northern Cyprus.

Leasehold property or land is as a rule restored buildings which are leased to the foreign nationals by the Government for the period up to 49 years. The ground rent is negligible. Typical example of such properties could be found in the well established Karmi Village near Kyrenia (Girne), where originally all foreign nationals settled. Most of them are English, but also other European nationals, like Germans, Swiss, and Dutch live here.

There are three types of deeds for Freehold property, which differentiate significantly, but all of them are absolutely legal.

The first one is the Freehold property that belonged to the foreign owner (pre-1974), which could be rarely found on the market these days, as the owners consider it a good investment and do not feel like parting with it when the property prices are going up.

Second type is the deeds that belonged to Turkish Cypriots before 1974, which are also internationally recognised title deeds.

Third type is the TRNC absolute possession document, which was issued to Turkish Cypriots in compensation of their lost property in the Southern part of island by TRNC Government. The land or property before the conflict belonged to the Greek Cypriots. The Turkish Cypriots signed over their property left in the Southern part of the island in favour of the TRNC, who used the full possession title in return. It is also often referred to as a basis points land. However, the buyer should be aware that some plots of land or property located close to military sites cannot be completed (e.g. your name will not appear on the title deeds). It is a common belief that the TRNC title deeds issued to the military serviceman for their service on the island carry the high risk of repossession, as they were issued not on a basis point system, but as a reward for the services.

The land and property with no title deeds issued (that belonged to Greek Cypriots pre-1974 and not reclaimed by the Turkish Cypriots) as well as “pending ownership” (the purchase that did not complete pre-1974) are illegal and are not considered safe.

Your new home could be at risk if you complete your purchase without confirmation of the titled deeds by a solicitor! Sunny Property Estate Agents does not deal with a property without title deeds!

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10. How long does it normally take to complete the purchase of the property in Northern Cyprus?

Be prepared to wait. It could take up to 12 months to complete the purchase, but it nothing to worry about of course if you are not planning to sell the property during this period of time. The waiting will be rewarded by becoming the owner of your dream home.

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11. What are the terms of payment for buying a property in Northern Cyprus?

The terms of payment depend upon the property you buy. Re-sale property is paid fully on the exchange of the contracts, however a reservation payment to your solicitor is advisable, which takes the property off the market until the title deeds are checked and the contracts exchanged. . The payment terms for a newly built or build on order varies depending upon the construction firm. It could be from 100% upfront to 10-30% deposit with monthly installments afterwards till completion. Please indicate your financial position and your preferences regarding how you would prefer to settle your purchase. As we are not tied to one specific contractor we would be able to find the right property for sale in Northern Cyprus that you would suit your financial status.

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12. Is it possible to bring personal possessions (furniture, pets, etc) into the country?

There are several removal companies that offer this service. The price depends upon the cubic metre capacity. To shop around for quotes would be the best route to follow. We can provide you with several contact numbers to get in touch.

There are no harsh requirements on bringing pets into the country if you have a UK vet certificate stating that the animal has not got any infectious diseases, which needs to be presented to the Ministry of the Agriculture. The quarantine period is 4 weeks. Bear in mind that you would have to look after your pet during the quarantine period as this service is not offered.

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13. Is the local driving license required in Northern Cyprus?

Driving in Cyprus like in many other ex-colonies is on the left, which should not create any problems. You would be allowed to drive on your UK Driving License for the period of three months, after that you would need to apply for a permanent driving licence.

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14. Are there any limitations to repatriate rental or any other income from Cyprus?

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

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15. What is the banking system like? Is it possible to open a bank account in Northern Cyprus in £?

There are a lot of local private banks in N. Cyprus as well as branches of the Turkish banks. You would be able to open the currency accounts (in £) which offer good interest rates. However we do recommend you to go for the reputable banks as there were instances of bankruptcy of the local banks in the past. HSBC International has opened its branches in Kyrenia (Girne) and Nicosia (Lefkosa), which is a sign of financial and political stability on the island.

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16. What are the major cities and what do they offer from the point of view of buying a property in Northern Cyprus?

Lefkosa (Nicosia) – is the capital of the Northern part of the island with the population of 150,000 and it is divided into Turkish and Greek sectors by a boundary known as the `green line' which runs through the city. The place is fascinating with its history, architecture and places of interest. The place might attract the buyers who are planning to work for the local Government or international company. The investment in property here might be very rewarding if and when the island reunites. There is a massive potential for the investment growth.

Famagusta. The place is like an outdoor museum in itself, but also here is so much historical interest concentrated with many museums. To name but a few, Saint Barnabas Monastery and Museum, Agios Ionnis Greek Orthodox Church and Icon Museum. This is a very much the cultural centre of the island, including the University. This area would appeal to families with children of different ages, just like Kyrenia. However, the landscape of this area is very different, it is more flat and the sea view is more restricted, but the golden sand beaches are the best on the whole island. This area is becoming increasingly popular amongst foreign buyers, not just British. The British Community here is smaller than in Kyrenia at the moment, but this keeps the property prices lower and more attractive to other European buyers.

Girne (Kyrenia) – is famous for its resorts, beautiful seaside, restaurants, casinos and large British community in the town itself and its vicinities. The head office of the British Residents Society is located here.
Few minutes drive from Kyrenia there is Karmi (an English Village settlement), situated high in the mountains. The property for sale there is leasehold, not freehold.

Gyzelyurt (Golf course) is famous for its olive and orange trees orchards. It is located 30 miles west of Kyrenia (Girne). This area is famous for its tasty apples, vegetables, grapefruit and melons due to the underwater springs. Gьzelyurt is also famous for its annual Orange Festival, which is a major event lasting two weeks. The golf club (9 holes) is located outside the town. It is open every day to the public.  Clubs are available for hire at the clubhouse and the best days to meet and play with the friendly local members are Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, do not expect to see a sophisticated golf course by European standards. It is basic, but the views are fantastic. Imagine finishing the game just before the sun dips over the horizon across the blue shimmering sea?

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17. What is the official language in the TRNC?

The official language is Turkish; however English is a business language and widely spoken.

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18. What is the time difference with UK?

Turkish Cyprus is two hours ahead of UK GMT time.

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19. Is TRNC recognised elsewhere in the world?

The TRNC has an Embassy in Ankara and Consulates in Mersin and Istanbul; Offices of Representatives in London, Washington, New York, Brussels, Pakistan and Abu Dhabi's Honorary Representatives in Italy, Germany, Austria, Canada, South Africa and Finland.

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

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