New Law, New Roadmap for Real Estate Investment in Northern Cyprus
The Official Gazette Decision No. 32902, published on May 15, 2025, marks the beginning of a major transformation in the real estate investment landscape of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
This reform introduces a transparent, modern, and well-balanced legal framework that redefines how foreigners can acquire property in the country.
The new law not only clarifies the boundaries for investors but also speeds up administrative processes through full digitalization of title deed and permit procedures.
A New Era in Title Deed Procedures
To streamline bureaucracy, the TRNC has launched a fully electronic application system for title deed transactions.
Now, all applications and approvals can be managed online, significantly improving efficiency.
Processing time is limited to 45 working days.
Applications can be tracked digitally, ensuring full transparency.
Delays and backlogs are minimized, saving applicants valuable time.
This innovation makes real estate investment in Northern Cyprus far more accessible and predictable, especially for foreign buyers.
Key Legal Amendments
The main provisions of the new law can be summarized as follows:
Apartment purchases: Each individual may now acquire up to 3 apartments.
However, citizens of countries that officially recognize the TRNC and grant equal rights to TRNC nationals may acquire up to 6 apartments.
The foreign investment threshold has been reduced from €20 million to €10 million, opening the market to a wider range of international investors.
Land size limits remain unchanged:
Up to 1,338 m² or 3,300 m² of land may be purchased, provided that only one residential unit is built.
These restrictions aim to preserve environmental balance and maintain orderly urban development.
All acquisitions by foreign individuals and corporations are now subject to approval by the Council of Ministers.
Any transaction made without prior authorization will be deemed invalid.
Title transfer must be completed within one year of obtaining approval; otherwise, the permit will be automatically revoked.
Property transfer taxes must be paid within 75 working days from the date of approval (previously 60 days).
This change ensures more structured public revenue collection and provides investors with clearer payment schedules.
What Does This Mean for Investors?
The new law offers both opportunities and responsibilities for investors:
Clearer regulations reduce uncertainty and simplify decision-making.
Digital procedures make applications faster, safer, and easier to track.
However, failure to comply with approval and title transfer deadlines may result in serious legal consequences.
Therefore, investors are strongly advised to seek legal and financial consultation before purchasing property under the new framework.
Market Impact
With this reform, the Northern Cyprus property market is moving toward a more balanced and sustainable structure.
Foreign investment is encouraged while local housing accessibility is safeguarded.
Property price inflation is expected to stabilize.
Digital oversight will help prevent off-record transactions and promote transparency.
Conclusion: A New Era of Digitalization and Transparency
The new law — “New Law, New Roadmap for Real Estate Investment in Northern Cyprus” — represents more than a legislative change; it signals a digital transformation in the country’s investment ecosystem.
By prioritizing speed, transparency, and balance, the TRNC aims to create a more predictable, sustainable, and investor-friendly real estate environment for both domestic and international buyers.