1. Passport: required to start the buying process. 2. Criminal Record: Foreign nationals must submit a criminal record document obtained from the judicial authorities of their country to the state offices in North Cyprus. The documents can be submitted in English or Turkish.

1. Stamp Duty: 5% of the sales contract price is paid by the buyer within 21 days of purchasing a property, legitimizing the sales contract and making it financially legal. 2. Immovable Property Transfer Fee: Normally 6% and paid to the Land Registry Office, this is reduced to 3% if it is a foreign national’s first property. Payment can be made a couple of months after the deeds and keys to the property have been handed over to the buyer. The fee is based on the value of the property which is determined by the government and below the sales price, not on the sales price. 3. Value Added Tax: %5 paid by the buyer. If buying from a private seller, no VAT is paid. 4. Stoppage: Paid by the seller to the Tax Office. For-profit sellers (contractors) pay %4 whereas non-profit sellers (owners) pay 8%.

Unfortunately, permit procedures in Northern Cyprus can start only when you obtain a certificate of ownership.

If the purchase permission has been rejected or revoked, your closest relatives can handle all transactions related to buying property, given that you grant them custody.

Legally, there is only one title deed in the TRNC, but in terms of the origin of land and property, the deeds are divided into three different categories: Turkish Title Deeds:Properties owned by Turkish Cypriots or Greek/foreign citizens before 20 July 1974. These are considered legal by international states and the Greek Cypriot Administration. Exchange Title Deeds: Greek-owned properties prior to 1974 awarded to Turkish Cypriots who migrated from the south after 1974 in exchange for their properties in the south with equivalent points. These titles are deemed valid according to international laws depending on various conditions. TRNC Title Deeds: Properties owned by Greeks until 1974, after which the TRNC first rented and later handed over new title deeds to 3rd parties.

1. Fixed-Interest Housing Loan: The interest rate determined at the time of the loan does not change until its maturity date. The payment plan determined at the start remains valid throughout the term. Fixed-rate mortgage loans are given up to 120 months, but some banks may offer maturity options up to 180 or even 240 months. Some banks lend the entire loan amount requested. Generally, credit usage rates are between 70-75% of the price of the house to be purchased. 2. Floating Interest Rate Housing Loan: The initial interest rate starts off the same as the fixed-rate, but the interest rate is changes on a monthly, quarterly, bi-annually or yearly basis in line with inflation and other economic developments, provided that it is determined according to the bank's option at the start of the loan. There are subcategories of the Floating Interest Loan such as Falling/Declining Interest or Floating Interest Rate mortgage loan. For this option, the bank charges a service fee which is a single one-off payment. On the other hand, some banks will announce interest rates for each year in advance and can pre-determine installments for each year according to the maturity the consumer desires.

Although not mandatory, hiring a lawyer is highly recommended to ensure the validity and follow-up of financial and official transactions. For a fee, lawyers follow all the proceedings in local government institutions. At the same time, lawyers review and revise sales contracts to ensure their legality and validity.

In Cyprus, lawyers usually charge between £1,000 and £1,300 for drawing up a sales contract and £300 for the permit. This includes the fee for all applications required to live in North Cyprus. However, lawyers also guarantee the validity and legality of these transactions.

Before investing in real estate, you might want to consider all factors influencing real estate prices. One of these factors is location, or to be more precise, the city center. A property located in the city center is always going to be more advantageous due to its time-saving quality and proximity to public offices and social activities. A second factor is ‘basic human psychology’ and certain trends. It has been clearly observed that cities are growing and modernizing westward, and the preferences of younger generations confirm this trend. In other words, westward growth and proximity to the city center is a key factor in determining price. Thus, by keeping this in mind, you can profit by investing in these ‘trending’ regions.

There are two peak seasons for buying and selling real estate in the TRNC: 1. Between Spring-Summer: Starting in March until mid-July is the time when young couples are busy with wedding preparations and finding a new home. Newlyweds-to-be start searching for their new home, villa, or flat approximately 2.5-3 months before their wedding day and look for properties where they can build a family. Turkish Cypriots living in the UK also tend to show a lot of interest in property around this time due to summer holidays. There is also high demand for land in Northern Cyprus. 2. Between September-December: There is an increase in real estate purchases starting with the new school term in September until mid-December leading up to the New Year. The demand for all types of real estate such as flats, houses, villas and land as well as rental properties soar, especially in the districts of Kyrenia, Famagusta and Nicosia. Likewise, a peak of interest in foreign investors can also be observed.

Foreign investors looking to buy real estate should gather information on the proximity of their desired property to military zones and whether permit procedures will be allowed. Apart from this, a criminal record of the buyer needs to be obtained from the judicial authorities proving that the buyer has no criminal charges in their name.

The legal system in Northern Cyprus is the same as in England and the property acquisition process is relatively simple. Legal documents are in English and there is an abundance of lawyers in Northern Cyprus who speak both English and Turkish. Once the type of property to be purchased has been decided on, the buyer must follow all the necessary procedures. The buying process is completed in about 3-6 months, however, it is possible to rent and sell the purchased property during this period while awaiting the approval of transactions. Non-TRNC citizens must obtain a "Real Estate Purchase Permit" from the TRNC State to buy real estate in Northern Cyprus. Title deed transfers cannot be made without the "Real Estate Purchase Permit". Once the property to be purchased has been decided on and its price has been established, a lawyer facilitates the signing of a sales contract between the buyer and seller, which includes the price, timing of payment installments, and delivery conditions for the title deeds, and property details. The sale takes place when both parties sign. Current legislations state that the sales contract approved by the Tax Office must be registered at the Land Registry Office within 21 days by paying Stamp Duty, which is 0.5% of the contract price. The completion of these transactions legitimizes the buyer’s ownership of all property rights. The seller must also register a ‘letter of undertaking’ with the Land Registry Office, stating that the real estate sold will in no way be passed on to third parties. Once the payment has been settled and a purchase permit has been issued, the real estate title deeds can be transferred to the name of the buyer. After the buyer and seller fulfill their obligations in the sales contract, the seller must transfer ownership of the property to the buyer at the Regional Land Registry Office depending on the property’s location. The buyer must pay the ‘Title Deed Transfer Fee’, which is a fee paid to the North Cyprus Land Registry Office when a transfer of ownership of a property’s title deed is in order. If this is the buyer's first property, a transfer fee of 3% of the discounted property sales price is paid. To register financially legal immovable property in the name of a foreign national, an application for a buying permit must be made to and obtained from the TRNC Council of Ministers. Foreign nationals without companies registered in North Cyprus can buy 1 house with up to 5 decares of land per person or a maximum of 1 decare of land in North Cyprus. Married couples are considered as a single person, but may be able to buy 2 separate properties if they have different surnames. If they wish to purchase more than 1 immovable property or property larger than 1 decade, they must apply for the escrow agreement or start a company in the TRNC. A construction permit should be obtained for any incomplete structure and/or house on the immovable property, and there should be no mortgage and/or restrictive measures on the immovable property in question. The seller must be the real owner. Once permits have been obtained, a predetermined annual fee must be paid to the Tax Office based on the area (per m2) of the purchased property. This annual fee applies to every property registered to the owner’s name, however, procedures vary for foreign companies.

You are allowed to stay in the TRNC for up to 3 months, without any special permit, upon request or at the discretion of local authorities. If you wish to buy property, a TRNC residence permit can be obtained upon application. Foreign nationals are required to obtain a "Real Estate Purchase Permit" to buy real estate in Northern Cyprus. You can start permit procedures in North Cyprus upon acquiring a certificate of purchase for property, which takes anywhere between 3 to 6 months to complete.

To live in Northern Cyprus, you need to apply for a permit. When coming to the island, you will automatically be issued a 3-month tourist visa. If you have the option to continue your vacation or buy a property after the expiry date of your visa, you can apply for a temporary residence permit in the TRNC from the Immigration Office. To obtain citizenship in the TRNC, you need to have lived in Cyprus for 5 or more consecutive years.

Citizens of the UK and European Union do not need a visa to visit Northern Cyprus and a valid passport would suffice. Those who do not want their passports stamped upon arrival can request an entry paper to be stamped instead. If you wish to live in Northern Cyprus, you will need a visa. Citizens of Great Britain and major EU countries receive a standard 3-month visa upon entry. You can extend this period in the event that you wish to live in Cyprus permanently and apply for a residence permit. We advise that you work with a lawyer for your visa application to ensure you take the necessary steps in the correct order.

You can ship second-hand (used) goods from many countries to North Cyprus by ship, which takes about 3-6 weeks to arrive. All kinds of household goods can be transported with a one-off tax exemption. Tax must be paid to the customs office for brand new goods.

The most important emergency phone numbers in the TRNC are as follows: Ambulance: 112 Police: 155 Fire Department: 199 Forest Fires: 177

Public holidays in North Cyprus, or National Holidays, are as follows. Dates of religious holidays vary every year: New Year: January 1 Children and Youth Day: April 23 Labor Day: May 1 Youth and Sports Day: 19 May Peace and Freedom Day: 20 July Victory Day: August 30 Turkish Independence Day: October 29 TRNC Independence Day: 15 November

Public holidays in North Cyprus, or National Holidays, are as follows. Dates of religious holidays vary every year: New Year: January 1 Children and Youth Day: April 23 Labor Day: May 1 Youth and Sports Day: 19 May Peace and Freedom Day: 20 July Victory Day: August 30 Turkish Independence Day: October 29 TRNC Independence Day: 15 November

It is legal to bring right-hand steering vehicles to North Cyprus that are up to 5 years old. Customs costs are calculated by evaluating the engine power, age, and weight of your vehicle. Before importing your vehicle, you might want to inquire about the details of the vehicle from the authorized agency.

Water is carried to North Cyprus by pipelines from various countries and distributed via a network.

There are no central gas pipelines in the TRNC, so many homes buy bottled gas. Occasionally, a gas tank is installed outside the home for the central heating system. In the TRNC, which has over 300 days of sunshine each year, electric heaters and air conditioners are sufficient to heat your home during the winter months.

Living in Cyprus is much cheaper than in many European and Mediterranean countries. The cost of living for a family of 4 in Northern Cyprus is between £400-£500 a month, including food, electricity, telephone, water, and other expenses.

There is a higher level of quality in education in Cyprus and Turkey when compared to other European countries. For those wanting to move to Cyprus with their families, there are many schooling options providing quality education at international standards. Currently, the number of universities in the TRNC is 27 and the number of students in the TRNC is around 120,000, a number that increases around 10-12% every year.

North Cyprus casinos offer you the opportunity to legally try your luck. Among major TRNC casinos are Arkın Palm Beach Artemis, Merit, Elexus, Noah's Ark, and Golden Tulip.

Cinemas feature new movies on a weekly basis. All cinemas are equipped with modern technologies offering the best image and sound quality. Most have multiple halls screening different movies simultaneously. There are cinemas in Kyrenia, Famagusta, and Nicosia.

Cyprus is one of the largest and most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean, and there are many interesting places to visit. Here are some suggestions: 1. Nicosia: The capital city of Cyprus is a great place to start your journey. Nicosia is known for its historic Old Town with narrow streets and old architecture, as well as its modern cafes, bars, and shops. 2. Paphos: Located on the western coast of Cyprus, Paphos is a coastal city known for its archaeological sites, including the Tomb of the Kings and the ancient Roman mosaics. 3. Limassol: The second-largest city in Cyprus, Limassol, is located on the southern coast. It is known for its lively nightlife, beautiful beaches, and medieval castle. 4. Troodos Mountains: If you're looking for natural beauty, head to the Troodos Mountains, which run through the center of Cyprus. You can hike, ski, or simply enjoy the stunning views. 5. Ayia Napa: Located on the eastern coast of Cyprus, Ayia Napa is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. 6. Larnaca: Larnaca is a coastal city known for its historic mosques and churches, as well as its salt lake, which is home to a large flock of pink flamingos. 7. Kyrenia: If you're willing to cross the border into Northern Cyprus, Kyrenia is a beautiful seaside town with a stunning harbor, castle, and ancient ruins. 8. Omodos: Nestled within the Troödos Mountains, Omodos is easily up there as one of the best places in Cyprus… and not just because of the superb wine! It’s is one of the islands oldest and historically important religious sites and well worth visiting if you’ve got time. 9. Platres: The village of Platres is in an almost ideal location if you want a little slice of history and some gorgeous natural landscapes. 10. Kakopetria: The ancient village of Kakopetria is one of the highest villages in the Solea Valley and easily up there as one of the best places in Cyprus to explore. 11. Blue Lagoon Akamas: Surely one of the most beautiful places to explore in Cyprus, where you can enjoy a variety of water activities including snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of this remarkably beautiful out-of-the-way place in Cyprus. 12. Konnos Beach: often considered to be one of the most scenic places in Cyprus. This beach deserves to be on this list. In fact, many Cypriots consider it the most beautiful beach in the country. These are just a few of the many places you can visit in Cyprus. No matter where you go, you're sure to find beautiful scenery, rich history, and friendly people.

The power in the electricity grid in Cyprus is 220/240 V AC, 50 Hz, and the power sockets are usually square three-pin like the ones in England.

When it comes to accommodation in North Cyprus, you will be spoilt for choice. From boutique hotels to holiday villages, from facilities close to the beach to luxury hotels, there is a variety of affordable, luxurious, and comfortable accommodation options to choose from.

There’s quite a variety of dining opportunities in North Cyprus, from hotels offering a range of distinguished international menus to traditional Cypriot restaurants, family restaurants, à la carte restaurants serving fine food and wine, fast food joints, cafes, kiosks, and many more.

To call landlines in North Cyprus from abroad, first, dial the international code +90 followed by 392 and the seven-digit local phone number. To call mobile phones, start with the code 0090 or +90 followed by the 10-digit mobile number. Mobile numbers usually start with 533, 542, or 548. Calling cards or sim cards can be bought from phone booths and telecommunication offices.

Traffic flows from the left and international road signs are used. Vehicles must be insured when entering North Cyprus. Speed limits are 50 km within and 65 km outside of residential areas. Outside the city, the maximum speed limit for saloon vehicles is 100 km. Wearing a seat belt is mandatory while mobile phone usage and drinking while driving is illegal.

British driver's license or international driver's license holders can drive for the first 12 months they are in the TRNC. When landing at Larnaca Airport, it is possible to cross the border by renting a car, but you will need to pay insurance at the border. Renting a car in Cyprus is cheaper than in other countries, and tour operators, hotels, and car rental companies can help you with this. If you need to rent a car, contact us for assistance.

Minibuses, the preferred public transport in Northern Cyprus, are available between Kyrenia-Nicosia, Kyrenia-Famagusta, and Famagusta-Nicosia. Intercity transport, which is frequent during the day, decreases after 19:00 and is less frequent on weekends. Due to the lack of public transport to the south of Cyprus, you must rent a car or take a taxi. There is no public transportation to historic sites either, so we highly recommend you rent a car.

Banks in the TRNC are open between 08:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00 on weekdays, Monday to Friday. Any foreign currency can be converted into Turkish Liras in the TRNC. Euro-cheques, traveller’s checks, and foreign currencies are accepted and exchanged by exchange offices and banks. Tourists are generally happy with the exchange rates here and using local currency makes paying for food, accommodation, shopping, and other needs easier and more affordable. There are lots of ATMs all over the country if you need to withdraw more money while hotels and supermarkets, etc. gladly accept valid credit cards.

With the lifting of restrictions on crossing the border in 2003, European citizens are able to cross the border at any time of day and spend as much time as they want on either side. There are currently 7 crossing barricades; those that can be crossed on foot are the Ledra Palace and Lokmacı barricades in Nicosia. Barricades you can cross by car are Metehan (Kermia) in Nicosia, Beyarmudu (Pile) next to the British bases in Dikelya, Yeşilırmak west of Lefke, Akyar on the Famagusta-Larnaca road in Famagusta, and Bostancı near Güzelyurt.

It is possible to bring pets from abroad to Cyprus. For advice on applying for travel permit procedures and making travel arrangements, contact: Kyrenia Animal Rescue (KAR) - Telephone: +905338694098 - Web Site: http://www.kartrnc.org - E-mail: kar@kyreniaanimalrescue.org

You can travel to Northern Cyprus by air and sea. Most airlines in Turkey offer fares that can get you from Turkey to North Cyprus in about 1.5 hours. There are also ferry rides to ports in Famagusta and Kyrenia, which take around 3 hours. There are flights from Europe and England to Larnaca Airport in the south of Cyprus. If this is a more viable option, you could rent a car or arrange a transfer vehicle to get you across the border into Northern Cyprus.

North Cyprus local time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2).

The official currency of North Cyprus is the Turkish Lira. However, the British pound is often used in real estate transactions. Symbol: TL / Banknotes: 200 TL, 100 TL, 50 TL, 20 TL, 10 TL and 5 TL. / Coins: 1 TL, 50 Kurush, 25 Kurush, 10 Kurush and 5 Kurush. Kurush is the equivalent of cents or pence.

The most common language spoken in North Cyprus is Turkish, although with slight variations in speech and structure. English as a second language is fairly common.

The climate of Cyprus is a Mediterranean climate. Summers are long and hot (around 40 degrees Celsius during the hottest months); winters are short, warm, and rainy. The annual average precipitation is 500 mm. Seawater temperatures are also warm throughout the year, with an average of 16 degrees Celsius in winter.

The area of the TRNC is 3242 km² and its population is 350,000.

North Cyprus is 70 km from Turkey in the north, 102 km from Syria in the east, 165 km from Lebanon, 233 km from Israel in the southeast, 347 km from Egypt in the south as well as sharing a border with the Republic of Cyprus in the south, and 835 km from Greece in the northwest. Its capital is Nicosia.