Property buying process

01Find a Property and Due Diligence

Identify the property you wish to buy and verify its Title Deed and legal status. It’s recommended to hire a local solicitor to conduct due diligence – checking the title type, ensuring no encumbrances (like mortgages or liens) on the property, and confirming the developer has necessary building permissions.

Property buying process

02Sales Contract

Once terms are agreed with the seller, a Sales Contract is prepared (in English and Turkish). You will sign this contract and typically pay a deposit (commonly 5-10% of the price). Make sure the contract clearly states the payment schedule, property details, and obligations of both parties.

Property buying process

03Stamp Duty and Contract Registration

After signing, arrange the contract stamping and registration promptly with your lawyer and the responsible authorities. The source guide referred to a 21-day deadline and stamp duty of 0.5% of the contract price; confirm current registration deadlines and charges before signing. Correct registration is intended to protect the buyer’s contractual position and should be checked against mortgages, liens and earlier agreements.

Property buying process

04Council of Ministers Approval (Foreign Buyers)

Foreign purchasers normally need Council of Ministers permission before title can be transferred. Applications typically involve identity documentation, property details and background checks; the competent authority can request additional documents. The original article quoted a permit fee based on the minimum wage and a 2024 TL estimate; those figures are not current. Confirm the current fee, application procedure and permitted property type before committing to purchase.

Property buying process

05Purchase Completion and Title Transfer

After any required purchase permission and satisfaction of the contract conditions, coordinate tax payments and title transfer at the District Lands Office. Under a May 2026 decree, payment deadlines can be linked to the publication of purchase permission and expressed in working days. Do not rely on the original article’s 60–75 calendar-day estimate; the current applicable rule and any later amendments must be checked with the Lands Office.

• Taxes and transfer charges: Pay the applicable transfer fee and, where required, VAT or other taxes. The correct rates depend on current regulations, purchaser status and the type of sale; see the separate NCP24 Costs, Taxes & Fees article.
• Title deed transfer: Buyer and seller (or authorised representatives) attend the Land Registry with the appropriate approvals, identity and tax documentation. The deed (Koçan) is transferred when the legal conditions are met; payments should follow the written contract and legal advice.

Property buying process

06Post-Transfer

Once you have the Title Deed in your name, you officially own the property. Keep the title document in a safe place. You should also update utility accounts to your name and consider making a will in TRNC (especially if you’re an expat) to cover this new asset. Property owners in North Cyprus can use their ownership as a basis to apply for residence permits (details below).