Title Deeds

There have been 3 types of freehold title in Northern Cyprus.
Pre-1974 Turkish Title or British Title refers to land, or property built on land, which was always part of North Cyprus and never owned by Greek Cypriots
TRNC Esdeger Title. Also referred to as Exchange Title, this is where aTurkish Cypriot owner has been given this land by the TRNC government in exchange for an equivalent piece of land, which they previously owned, in the South of the island. Esdeger land is increasingly hard to find.
TRNC TMD Title. This is land where no exchange has taken place, and theoretically there may be some compensation payable as part of a future political settlement of the Cyprus issue.
These now fall into two main categories: Pre-74 and TRNC Title which includes Esdeger Title and TMD Title.
Pre-74 Title Deed land only makes up around 10% of Northern Cyprus land. TRNC title refers to the other 90% of land, or new property built on land, which is a new title deed issued by the North Cyprus government since 1974. In March 2010, the European Courts of Justice gave official recognition to the North Cyprus Immovable Property Commission, which fully recognises that any theoretical compensation due to a possible original pre-74 Cypriot landowner (if they’re still alive) is, since 2010, now paid by the Commission upon application. Since March 2010, consensus amongst international investors is that both types of title deed in North Cyprus are equally safe.
There’s probably more risk buying from an unverified small developer who has an unpaid debt on his land, than you are by buying a TRNC title deed from a reputable developer. Buying a TRNC title deed, or looking at both types, will generally give you better range, types and prices to consider buying, including land near to sought after facilities like the Karpaz Gate Marina or Korineum Golf and Beach Resort. When you’re looking to buy any property, it’s a good idea to use agents who make sure that correct land titles are in place, and every individual property has the correct individual title deeds either ready to pass to the new owner, or likely to be forthcoming soon, or once the new-build site is completed.