THE HISTORY

Cyprus takes its name from being a rich source of copper and is the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. According to legend, Julius Caesar gave this island to Cleopatra as a token of his love.

The remains of ruined castles at Kantara Buffavento and St Hilarion bear the insignia of Richard the Lion Heart who was captivated by the area and celebrated his marriage here.

Lost empires from the Hittites of Anatolia to the Ancient Egyptians, from Mesopotamia to the Aegean civilisations all left their splendid remains. Roman Salamis dating back to 100BC, the Chapel of St Barnabas where St Paul visited in early 45AD, Bellapais Abbey and the church founded by Augustinian canons around 1250 and Kyrenia castle used by Byzantines, Lusignans and Venetians.

Northern Cyprus Tourist Guide

The island of Cyprus is located in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Its neighbouring lands at the nearest coastal points are Turkey 40 miles north, Syria 60 miles east, Lebanon 108 miles south-east, Israel 180 miles south-east and Egypt 230 miles south. Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. It is smaller than Sicily and Sardinia and larger than Corsica and Crete. The area of the whole island is 3584 sq. miles. (9250 sq. kilometers)

Northern Cyprus has four major towns, the capital being Lefkosa (Nicosia), which serves as the main administration and business centre. The other main towns Magosa (Famagusta), the country’s principal port; Girne (Kyrenia), the main tourist centre well known for its ancient harbour, and Guzelyurt the centre of the citrus fruit industry.

The British interest in the island dates back to the 12th century and has remained until present day with many British ways being adopted by the government of the Northern Cyprus. Therefore, the British are genuinely welcomed and the transition could not be easier, as English is widely spoken and driving being on the left hand side of the road.

Climate:
The climate of the island is an eastern Mediterranean type with long, hot summers and relatively cool, short winters. There are over 300 days of sunshine a year, the sea temperature is rarely below 16°C and rises to 28-30°C during summer months, making Northern Cyprus one of the healthiest places in the world in which to live. The air condition is excellent and many respirations difficulties either disappears of significantly reduce as a consequence.

Shopping:
There is an extensive range of consumer goods and services available throughout the island. Many of the popular imported brand names are readily available and can be found in local supermarkets. Fresh local produce can be purchased from a wide variety of markets and small stores and there is wide range of wines and spirits at very low costs: retailing at approximately. VAT (KDV) is levied on most goods and services with rates ranging from 20% down to 2%.

Banking:
Northern Cyprus offers a well organised banking system, with all banking facilities catered for. Some banks operate their own branches in London and others have arrangements with major UK banks HSBC has a full service presence here. A deposit account can be opened with ease in Sterling or any other major currency and funds can be drawn in that denomination or in Turkish Lira (TL), which is the local currency.

Investments:
Foreign investment is actively encouraged by the government of Northern Cyprus and has led to numerous incentives to help foreign nationals. Some of the facilities which have been made available include exemptions on import duties, income tax and corporation tax, in some cases up to ten years. Tourism in all forms is actively rewarded by the government and in many cases grants have been made available to assist in set-up costs.

Education:
General education standards in the TRNC are of a very high standard and are borne out by the fact that there are four universities based in Northern Cyprus. The majority of schools offer bilingual education starting with kindergarten through secondary school and finally university.

Medical:
The cost of medical treatment in the local hospitals is lower than comparative care in the UK depending of course on the type of treatment required. Accident and emergency facilities are available at local hospitals. It is recommended that you seek a local GP, many of whom have had UK experience, for many minor ailments. Private healthcare is also available through a number of international medical insurance companies if required. Dental treatment is of a high standard and charges are moderate.

Churches:
The Anglican Church of St. Andrew’s, Kyrenia is conveniently located near the town centre and services are held on Sundays and Thursdays. All Christian communities are welcome. The Roman Catholic Church is also based in the centre of Kyrenia with mass being celebrated on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month. Other Christian churches are located in Famagusta and Nicosia.

Other Useful Information
Electricity:
The supply is 220/240v AC 50HZ, with a standard UK 3-pin plug. Water: By mains supply and in some cases supplemented by wells. There has been a shortage of water in the past, however, the government has taken major steps to rectify the situation.

Telecommunication:
International telecommunication facilities are a rapidly growing sector of the economy. The company responsible for all telecommunication also provides telex, fax, telegram transmission and ISDN/e-mail facilities. When making international calls the cheap rates are from 20:00 to 08:00 hrs. Monday –Friday and all hours over the weekend. To dial from TRNC to UK dial 00 44 and omit the first 0 of the UK code. To dial from UK to TRNC dial 00 90 392 then the area code, followed by the number required. N.B. Northern Cyprus is 2 hours ahead of GMT.

Northern Cyprus Buyer's Guide

The timescale for purchase will to a large degree depend upon the type of title that exists.

Buying a Turkish or TRNC title property will require a number of checks to be carried out by the Ministry of Interior, and therefore this type of purchase will take approximately 6-8 months to complete.

There are a number of types of title deed in North Cyprus:

a) Foreign ownership pre-1974: For example British, with title deed. Property in this category provides the quickest route to purchase as there is no requirement for Council of Ministers approval.

b) Turkish Cypriot owned pre-1974: Before the property can be registered in your name, an application must be made to the Council of Ministers for approval. The procedure for obtaining approval can take up to 6 months.

c) TRNC: - absolute possession document - title deed. Land or property, originally owned by a Greek Cypriot prior to 1974, with title deeds issued by the TRNC Government on a points basis in compensation for land given up in the South. The owner of such a title deed is allowed to sell to foreigners. It seems unlikely in any settlement of the dispute between the North and South, that anyone who has been so compensated through Government issue of such a title deed, or indeed any subsequent purchaser of such title, will loose the value of such issue or purchase. We consider almost all such purchases very safe and we can advise you further on the purchase of this type of title.

d) Greek Cypriot pre-1974: Land or property, where there are no title deeds. Some people offer for sale, such properties without registered deeds for relatively small amounts of money. We advise against such purchases.

e) Contractual or "cases pending" land or property: These are properties where title deeds were never issued, due to delays at the time of the division of the island in 1974. Following the formation of a Turkish Cypriot Government, a statement was issued that all foreign land and property ownership, once registered, would be respected. This has been done and the first cases have been to court, and as long as the owner can substantiate his original payment for the property, then deeds are issued and are safe to purchase. Purchase before formal issue of deeds needs should be cautioned and subject to legal advice.

f) Lease from Government: It is also possible to lease land or property from the Government. These are usually derelict houses, which the Government will lease out for periods up to 49 years to foreigners who renovate the property at their own expense, and who pay a nominal ground rent for the lease period.

The process for buying a freehold property is as follows:

1. Decide the best property for you and agree price.
2. Contract drawn up by solicitor, setting down the terms of sale, i.e. price, timescale, vendor, purchaser, and any special conditions.
3. All relevant paperwork to be signed by vendor and purchaser.
4. Purchaser provides 10% deposit.
5. Solicitor applies for a Purchase Permit from the Council of Ministers, (takes 6 to 8 months).
6. As soon as purchase permit is received, remaining balance due from purchaser.
7. Purchaser pays balance and Vendor signs title deed into name of purchaser.
8. Sale completed.

Buying from a foreigner (i.e. English, German etc.)

The checks have already been carried out by ministry and therefore the process will be a lot simpler and quicker.

1. Decide the best property for you and agree price.
2. Solicitor prepares contract as before and sets timescale.
3. Vendor and purchaser sign contract.
4. Purchaser pays full amount, unless a delayed completion is agreed in which case purchaser pays a 10% deposit and remaining balance on completion.
5. Title transferred to purchaser’s name.
6. Sale completed.

Process for buying a leasehold property is as follows:

The process to purchase is much the same as freehold purchases, however, instead of an application going to the Ministry of Interior, you must apply either directly or via a solicitor to the Ministry of Tourism, who will grant the leases.

At the time of application a deposit of 10% must be paid and held on behalf of the Vendor. Once the application is accepted, the sale can proceed to completion at a convenient time for both vendor and purchaser. At this stage the lease will be transferred into name of the buyer.

1. Decide the best property for you and agree price.
2. Contract drawn up by solicitor agreeing terms & conditions.
3. Vendor & purchaser sign.
4. Vendor applies to Tourism Office to transfer lease.
5. Purchaser applies to take over lease. (May include personal interview)
6. Once Purchaser application is approved, 10% deposit transferred.
7. On completion, remaining balance paid over to vendor and lease transferred.
8. Sale completed.

The typical costs of buying property:
The main costs incurred are as follows:
- Purchase permit application, e.g. TRNC or original Turkish title = £1000
- Contract of transfer – e.g. foreign title = £600
- Stamp Duty = 6% of valuation levied by Land Registry
- Legal fees.

Northern Cyprus F.A.Q.
F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q.Can I pay for the property from Overseas?
A. Yes this can easily be done from any International bank.

Q.Who will look after my property whilst I am not there?
A. DREAM ESTATES can arrange property management to take care of your property.
i.e. paying of bills, security and general maintenance (subject to your approval) for a small monthly fee.

Q. How can I purchase my property in the TRNC?
A. There are different procedures depending on the title of the property you have chosen. We suggest you take a look at our Buyer's Guide section for details of the following.
1. Freehold TRNC/Turkish
2. Leasehold.

Q. If I were to buy land, where would I go to have my house designed and built for me?
A. We can arrange for you to meet with qualified and reputable Architects and engineers.

Q. Can I bring my personal belongings from overseas?
A. YES! We can introduce you to a number of different freighting companies, specializing in shipping of goods to Northern Cyprus, who will bring your personal items carefully to your new home.

Q. How do I become a resident of Northern Cyprus?
A. To become a resident in North Cyprus is a very simple process.
Certain documentation is required to be stamped by the relevant authorities, which will enable you to stay on the island, for as long as you wish.

Q. Can I bring my pet’s to Northern Cyprus?
A. Pets are welcomed in Northern Cyprus, so long as all the relevant documentation from a UK Vet are completed prior to your pets arrival. Quarantine period approx. 28 days.

Q. Can I do an Inspection trip
A. We are able to organise flights, accommodation and car hire.

Q. Can I get Health insurance
A. There are several insurance companies who provide health insurance. The British Residents Society are the best people to contact. Local medical care is good and extremely reasonable. The majority of expatriates use the local treatment centres.

Q. Can I use my UK Driving license ?
A. For 3 months you can drive with your UK license, after that you can only drive with a TRNC license. Once you have been issued with your residency permit a local license can be administered within days.

Q. Where are the best beaches ?
A. The Escape Beach in Alsancak is one of the safest beaches close to Kyrenia. There are many hotels with private bays which permit non-residents to use them for a small fee.

Q. What extra charges are there when buying a property or land ?
A. There are extras which may not be clear at the time of purchase. All purchases are subject to a 6% stamp duty. The amount is assessed by the Land Registry Office.

Q. What is a donum of land?
A. 1 donum = 14,400 ft² or 1,337.8m²