Guide to Registering a Property Sale in North Cyprus

 Guide to Registering a Property Sale in North Cyprus

🏡 Guide to Registering a Property Sale in North Cyprus

Buying a property in North Cyprus? Here's a step-by-step guide to registering your sale and securing your new home with the Land Registry.

🕵️‍♀️ 1. Hire a Lawyer

• Strongly recommended to handle:

  • Legal checks on the title.

  • Site permissions & plans.

  • Drafting and registering the contract.

• Protects you from fraud or complications.

✅ 2. Sign a Sales Agreement

• Buyer & seller (or their lawyers) sign a contract of sale.

• Include all key details: price, payment plan, property description, etc.

• Pay stamp duty (0.5%) within 21 days of signing.

🏢 4. Register the Contract

• Must register the sales contract at the Land Registry within 21 days of signing.

• This protects your purchase from being sold or mortgaged again.

• Small fee applies.

  
  

🌍 3. Apply for Permission to Purchase (Foreign Buyers Only)

• Required by non-TRNC citizens.

• Applied for through your lawyer.

• Can take 6–18 months (you may still move in before it’s granted).

💰 5. Pay Taxes & Fees

Before the title deed can be transferred, you must pay:

For the Buyer:

• Transfer Fee:

  • 3%-9% depending on Nationality

• VAT (KDV): 5% (only if applicable – e.g., buying from a developer)

For the Seller:

• Capital Gains Tax: 2.8% or 4.7% (depending on exemption eligibility)

📜 6. Transfer the Title Deed

• Once Permission to Purchase is approved (if required), go to the Land Registry Office with:

  • Title deed

  • Contract

  • Tax receipts

  • PTP letter (if foreign buyer)

  • ID or passport

• The Land Registry completes the transfer and issues a new title deed (koçan) in the buyer’s name.

🔑 Important Notes

• Foreign buyers can only own 1 property up to 1 donum (1,338 m²) unless purchasing through a company.

• Always check the title type:

  • Pre-1974 Turkish Title – most internationally recognized.

  • TRNC Title / Exchange Title – common and widely used, but not recognized internationally.

📌 Need Help?

Work with a reputable lawyer and estate agent to make sure everything is legal, smooth, and stress-free.

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🔧 Ways to Streamline the Process & Ensure Compliance

1. Use a Reputable Lawyer with Power of Attorney

• Both parties should appoint a trusted lawyer early.

• Granting Power of Attorney (PoA) allows your lawyer to:

  • Register the contract,

  • Submit tax payments,

  • Finalize title deed transfer—even if you're abroad.

• Reduces delays from travel, communication gaps, or misunderstandings.

2. Pre-Sale Checklist for Sellers

Before listing, ensure the seller has:

• A clear title deed (free of debts or mortgages),

• Planning permissions / building permits in order,

• A tax clearance certificate ready,

• Proof of property boundaries or subdivision, if needed.

📝 Optional: Provide this as a checklist to sellers before marketing the property.

3. Use a Standardised Sales Agreement Template

• Use a vetted, bilingual sales contract template with:

  • Clear payment schedule and deadlines,

  • Penalties for non-compliance,

  • Clauses covering late PTP approval, tax issues, or delays.

• This avoids negotiation errors and ensures legal completeness.

4. Set Up a Secure Escrow Payment Process

• Use a lawyer-held escrow account to:

  • Secure the deposit until contract registration,

  • Release funds upon milestone completion (e.g. after taxes are paid, or PTP is granted).

• Builds trust and ensures both parties meet obligations.

5. Centralised Timeline Tracking

• Provide both parties with a simple timeline of key steps:

  • Contract signing

  • Stamp duty deadline

  • Contract registration

  • Tax payment dates

  • PTP submission/approval

  • Transfer appointment

• Use shared calendars, reminder emails, or an agent-provided tracking document.

6. Register the Contract Immediately

• Don’t delay registration. This legally protects the buyer from any future sale or debt being placed on the property.

🛡️ Make contract registration a mandatory clause in your sales agreement.

7. Conduct a Pre-Transfer Audit

• Before the title deed is transferred:

  • Ensure all taxes are paid and receipts collected,

  • Confirm final payments are in place,

  • Double-check identity documents and permissions (e.g., PTP).

✅ Can be coordinated by the lawyer or estate agent.

8. Post-Sale Handover Protocol

Create a formal handover checklist, covering:

• Utility transfers (water, electricity, etc.),

• Keys, remotes, codes,

• Final meter readings,

• Inventory if furnished.

📄 Optional: Sign off with a “handover confirmation” to avoid disputes later.

💼 BONUS TIP FOR AGENCIES & LAWYERS:

Offer a “Property Sale Pack” – a ready-to-use kit with:

• Sale process timeline,

• Sample contracts,

• Seller’s legal checklist,

• Buyer’s document list,

• FAQ on title deeds, taxes, and PTP.

It builds trust, saves time, and helps close deals faster.