Buying and living in North Cyprus, explained
Plain-English guides to buying a home in North Cyprus and living here: what your passport lets you buy, the permits and paperwork, and settling in once you have the keys.
Buying
Legal, tax and title deeds
Living here
Buying FAQs
Yes. People from any country can buy, as long as they stay within the limits and get a PTP permit from the government. The permit includes a security check.
Since 16 May 2025, most foreigners can own up to 3 apartments or up to 2 detached houses. Turkish citizens can own up to 6 apartments or 3 houses. Turkish Cypriots (TRNC citizens) have no limit.
PTP means Permission to Purchase. It is a permit from the Council of Ministers that lets a foreign person or company own property in North Cyprus. The title deed cannot go into your name without it.
A resale home usually takes 3 to 12 months from first viewing to title deed. Most of that time is the PTP wait. An off-plan home takes as long as the build, often 1 to 3 years.
No. You can view by video, sign a power of attorney at a notary, and your lawyer can handle the rest for you.
It is rare. Most local banks only lend to foreign buyers who hold a TRNC residence or work permit. If you live abroad, a developer payment plan or a loan in your home country is usually easier.
Owning a home lets you apply for a residence permit, but it is not automatic. There is no citizenship-by-property scheme in North Cyprus.
Let's walk through it together
Select Estates has guided buyers across North Cyprus for over 24 years. Tell us what you are looking for and we will plan every step with you.