1. Buying without checking the Title Deed type: Different deeds carry different legal weight. Never assume—verify Pre-74, Exchange, Allocation, Leasehold or Shared.
2. No individual title deed (kocan) yet issued: Many new builds are sold before title separation. Delays can affect resale, inheritance, or exit.
3. Outstanding debts on the property: Mortgages, developer loans, or tax arrears may attach to the land. These can legally pass to the buyer.
4. Buying from a developer, not the landowner: If the developer is not the registered owner, your contract may be weak. Always confirm authority to sell.
5. Failure to obtain Foreign Purchase Permission: Foreign buyers need Council of Ministers’ approval. Without it, the title cannot be transferred.
6. Unregistered or weak sale contracts: Contracts must be stamped and registered. Unregistered contracts give limited protection.
7. Planning permission or build deviations: Illegal extensions or zoning breaches can block title transfer. Common in older or rushed developments.
8. Shared (Hisseli) land without subdivision: You may legally own “a share,” not a defined plot. Resale and development become difficult.
9. Vakif or leasehold land misunderstandings: You may own the building, not the land. Lease terms, renewals, and restrictions are critical.
10. Using non-independent lawyers: Developer-recommended lawyers may have conflicts. Independent legal advice is essential.
Bottom Line
Most problems in North Cyprus property do not come from the country, but from:
- poor legal checks
- rushed purchases
- trusting assurances instead of documents
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