Types of Title

The issue of title to immovable property in Northern Cyprus is a complex one and arises due to the nature of the political situation in Northern Cyprus. As a result of the troubles between the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots which occurred mainly in the 1960s and culminated in the Turkish military intervention of 1974, property on both sides of the island was left or abandoned by its original owners.

Turkish Title Deeds Pre-1974

Property which was not owned or abandoned by a Greek Cypriot during this period and which was owned prior to the military intervention in 1974 by a Turkish Cypriot is known as Turkish Title Pre-1974 or Pre-1974 Title. These deeds are internationally recognised. In order for you to take title you require the approval of the council of ministers. This procedure takes approximately 6 months.

Foreign Title Deeds Pre-1974

Property which was not owned or abandoned by a Greek Cypriot during this period and which was owned prior to the military intervention in 1974 by a British or foreign person is known as Foreign Title or Pre-1974 Title. These title deeds are internationally recognised. In order for you to take title you require the approval of the council of ministers. This procedure takes approximately 6 months.

TRNC-Es-Deger Title (Exchange Title Land)

This is land or property originally owned by a Greek Cypriot prior to 1974, with new title deeds issued by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus government for compensation of land or property owned by Turkish Cypriots given up in the South of Cyprus.Those Turkish cypriots who had left land or property in the south were given points calculated on the value of the land or property which they had left behind. These points were then used by the Turkish Cypriot to acquire freehold title to a piece of abandoned immovable property which should, theoretically, be of equivalent value to the land or property they left behind in the south. Immovable property to which title was aquired in this way by a Turkish Cypriot is known as Es-Deger Title Deed. Es-deger Translates as Exchange. These title deeds are recognised under the United Nations "Annan Plan" and are safe to purchase.In order for you to take title you require the approval of the council of ministers.This procedure takes approximately 6 months.

TRNC-TMD Title Deeds.

This is land or property originally owned by a Greek Cypriot prior to 1974, with new title deeds issued by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus government.The government issued points to other people, not for property which was left behind in the south, but as a reward for military service. These points were then used to acquire freehold title to a piece of abandoned immovable property. Immovable property to which title was acquired in this way is known as TMD Title Deeds.