Buying Property in North Cyprus

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
18/06/2010 06:10

Hi Everyone,

I am moving to NC in hopefully the not to distant future and am activly looking around different areas near Kyrenia for property to buy. My plan is to rent for a while but it is not stopping me contacting agents where I see property that I might look at buying.



I having been researching and reading all I can about the pit falls in buying and how you have to be secure about where you invest your money, have also taken on board lots of advice I have read that has been given to others on this board about renting for now.



To my surprise I recieved the following email from an agent last night:



Hi Carol, I would say that most of our properties are either new or off plan, the developers always have the deeds in place and have the electric and water supply in place. You sometimes have to pay a connection fee for the utilities but this is common.



Proof of ownership is not an issue in the North, I am not sure if you have seen the information about the deeds situation

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
18/06/2010 06:12

Email recieved again in full:

Hi Carol, I would say that most of our properties are either new or off plan, the developers always have the deeds in place and have the electric and water supply in place. You sometimes have to pay a connection fee for the utilities but this is common.

Proof of ownership is not an issue in the North, I am not sure if you have seen the information about the deeds situation in the south? Developers in the south have been re-mortgaging their land without telling buyers and so in effect the banks own the properties and not the people that have paid money over to the developers.

We undertake as much due diligence as possible and as a result of this have decided not to work with certain developers. We would also advise all clients to use a solicitor and we can help you find a good one or you can use your own.

I would say that you are safer buying from some of the developers that we work with than buying a resale

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
18/06/2010 06:14

Is it me or is everything I have been reading about some developers/builders in the North coning people a myth



Seriously I know it isn't, just can't quite believe this agent sent me the above

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
18/06/2010 07:49

Hi sunshine,

LIke you I came over from Dubai and actually love the place although my teenage daughter does really miss the malls.

Stick to your plan and rent for a while, I am just in the process of agreeing a contract in a new rental place which I believe is better than the existing, learned over a year.

The only real advice I can give you is that as much as the forum is great with information, alot of people have very negative attitudes and unfortunately it is not always easy to know which information is the most accurate.

Wait till you get here, rent for a while and learn who and where are the best sources of information.

I haven't purchased here as yet but only because I haven't found the right place, there are some great deals and some great agents but the best thing is to find out for yourself as at the end of the day if it all goes wrong the only person you could blame would be yourself if you went by others advice.

Sorry if that sounds cheeky, Paul

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
18/06/2010 08:07

One thing to be certain of - that is one estate agent to keep well clear of.



First point I would state, if they are selling pre 74 then getting permission to purchase is first stumbling block, on any property in fact. You can get the best offer on the planet and then find 4 years down the line you are refused permission.



Second, every one who has bought here will tell you the same thing - do not buy off plan!!!!!



Whatever you do go to Home Buyers Pressure Group site - http://www.hbpg-trnc.net there you will find a comprehensive guide to buying.



You are correct to rent and look around but remember estate agents and lawyers the world over want one thing - your money - and some will tell you anything to get it.

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
18/06/2010 08:41

Sunshine 22



Messege 4/5 are spot on, take this advise and you cannot go wrong !! good luck .

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
18/06/2010 09:59

If you follow any of the advice given by this estate agent you are very likely to end up with no house and no money. Read the threads relating to memorandums on properties and auctions.



You can do various things to lessen the risks involved in buying property in the TRNC but unfortunately you cannot eradicate all risks because the current law gives no protection to buyers and can be easily abused.



I would rent and see what happens over the next few months. Pressure is mounting to change the system and to give buyers more protection. The construction industry is on its knees and its reputation badly tarnished because of all the scams.



If after all you have read, you do decide to buy, then I would not deviate from the "no kocan, no money" advise.



Trawl through the old threads but also research the Orams, GC/TC displaced properties,advocates and no duty of care and whatever you do don't listen to the advice being given by people in the construction industry its biased. don

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
18/06/2010 10:02

NO KOCAN, NO MONEY! springs to mind when discussing safe property purchase. Only the government can make that happen, not builder, advocate or estate agent.

basheer



Joined: 22/12/2008
Posts: 949

Message Posted:
18/06/2010 10:05

also pre 74 titles (Turkish pre war land)are only allowed to Cypriots not foreigners!!!so that's no go

check out ready built properties with title deeds and vat paid,loads of good ones but that's my opinion

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
18/06/2010 11:28

Also, heed the new advice that has just appeared as a rolling banner on the HBPG website

"Please do not hand over money to lawyers until they have completed all work for you"

Simple put, NO KOCAN, NO MONEY! applies to lawyers too, just like in the UK

Now that would put the cat amongst the pigeons.

http://www.hbpg-trnc.net/

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
18/06/2010 11:33

message 9



Why are foreigners not allowed turkish title, anyone know the actual reason ?

Marisa


Joined: 23/04/2009
Posts: 545

Message Posted:
18/06/2010 13:37

Turkish title are not many left and they are for Cypriots , that was I told.

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
18/06/2010 13:40

Thank you everyone for your replies and excellent advice, believe me I was trolling this site for many, many weeks reading post upon post about all the pit falls before I registered and I have no intention of giving anyone a penny of my hard earned cash without all the relivant paperwork etc in place.

Having seen what has happened to many people in Dubai buying off plan it would never be an option I would sanely make.

Glad I am not a Troll anymore, so many lovely people have been in touch and been so helpful in the short time since I joined C44

mozgor



Joined: 16/06/2010
Posts: 256

Message Posted:
18/06/2010 14:23

Hi sunshine 22 - I would also agree with most of the comments above, be careful which agent and solicitor you choose we bought through Ian Smith who are reputable, but to be honest, if you are buying from a builder you can negotiate a better deal if you go direct to builder. Again, be care which builder you choose, make sure there are finished properties for you to be able to inspect for quality etc. We used Dervishe Cerkez for our solicitor who trained in UK and speaks fluent English - very efficient. We bought a Eurocoast property in Kayalar in 2006 and got our deeds in Jan 09, also bought a 2 bed flat in Kazafana, Ozankoy to rent out long term and it is available through Wise Properties, Alsancak if you are interested. Good luck with the house hunting, it's exhausting, but you'll love it in North Cyprus.

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
18/06/2010 14:29

Thanks mozgor, I was thinking a 1 bed would do me for renting until I found some place. How much are you looking at for monthly rental on your 2 bed flat?

mozgor



Joined: 16/06/2010
Posts: 256

Message Posted:
18/06/2010 21:39

Hi again sunshine22, we are hoping to get £350pcm which includes maintenance as there's a large communal pool, gym and restaurant/bar on site. However, open to offers if you are interested. It's fully furnished and nobody has lived in it yet. It's only 5 minutes dirve from girne and 2-5 minute walk from centre of Ozankoy which has a large expat community.

Wiser


Joined: 30/07/2008
Posts: 796

Message Posted:
18/06/2010 22:11

This apartment is spacious and beautifully kitted out with a lovely little private terrace. You can call me on 0533 848 5152 if you would like to view it. Best regards, Lydia

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
19/06/2010 06:01

Wiser do you mean mozgor@ apt in msg16?

suzi1951


Joined: 14/02/2010
Posts: 191

Message Posted:
19/06/2010 11:18

We are just finishing off the buying of a resale villa. Ian Smith is our agent and Naomi Mehmet is our solicitor. Cannot fault their services.

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
19/06/2010 11:36

Thank you suzi1951

cyprusman3



Joined: 09/06/2009
Posts: 297

Message Posted:
19/06/2010 11:58

i agree with message 19, Ian Smith is one of the few estate agents who has any self esteeme. Youn cant go wrong with him, I am a cypriot and I have known him for 20 years and have never heard a bad word against him.

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
19/06/2010 13:05

Give Carringtons a shout sunshine,

Paul.

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
19/06/2010 13:21

Again Thank You all for your suggestions and words of adivce, it is very much appreciated. I hope when I do get to TRNC I will get the chance to meet All of you at some point.

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
19/06/2010 18:15

Not all at the same time though,lol

Marilou


Joined: 12/06/2010
Posts: 8

Message Posted:
19/06/2010 20:57

Hi sunshine!



I bought in Bogaz last year from the developper directly and had no problem at all. From Osmen Safa (the owner) in sunrise , a ready property!

I will be leaving dubai soon for trnc and will be living in alsancak close to my son school.

Go and see for yourself first then make your judgement . Have you found a shipper yet for your stuff? I have spoken to few and they have no clue about trnc, they all confuse it to cyprus!

Pls let me know if you got a good co. Thanks and good luck!

ML

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
19/06/2010 21:21

Newlad.........Of course not! :o)



Marilou...where abouts in Dubai are you? I am trying to sort out a visit, just a bit tied up at the moment... not literally I hasten to add.

Send me an email and I will give you the Shippers I still have to check carol22@gmail.com

BigBen


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 150

Message Posted:
19/06/2010 21:27

Hi sunshine,

I agree with most advice given, thus I offer you a 2 bedroom flat for £300 per month, including maintenace, fully furnished, full air-con, communal pool. You can stay for as long as youi want, and in the meantime, look for a good deal to buy. you can contact me on gultekin.ben@superonline.com

wynyardman



Joined: 15/12/2007
Posts: 4580

Message Posted:
19/06/2010 21:37

Rent by preference..................................but if you must buy.....................................



NO Kochan......................NO MONEY.



You will ignore this advice at your peril.



wynyardman

wynyardman



Joined: 15/12/2007
Posts: 4580

Message Posted:
19/06/2010 21:47

Hi Sunshine,



Bet you believe in fairies as well!



Caveat Emptor.



wyn

Marilou


Joined: 12/06/2010
Posts: 8

Message Posted:
19/06/2010 22:14

Hi sunshine, mail sent.



In any case my email address : ml.airshowspecialists@gmail.com



;-)

Wiser


Joined: 30/07/2008
Posts: 796

Message Posted:
19/06/2010 22:31

Sorry yes I meant mozgor in message 16, I have the keys to their apartment

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
20/06/2010 06:46

wynyardman...........don't believe in fairies never had and I do know the golden rule of



no Kocan.....no money............I have done my research hence why I will be renting when I come out.



Big Ben......Thank you for the offer I will get back to you when I am ready to move.



Wiser......as above & thank you



marilou......sent mail, hope to see you for coffee soon

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
20/06/2010 06:46

Marilou,

With reference to your earlier post about shippers?



Don't bother trying to find one based in Dubai, I spent weeks last year and got nowhere.

Contact one of the TRNC based ones. Olaytrans/valentines or another, they will find a dubai based one for you and allready will know the costs.



Paul

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
20/06/2010 07:40

Hi proger1, Valentines is the one that I have all the info for including approx costs for everything down to Insurance and I have passed onto Marilou this morning, another nice couple on this site who moved Dubai to TRNC in May passed the info on to me last week by email.



Thank you for the continued support and help you are giving each of us.

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
20/06/2010 08:06

Bigben.... where is your rental apt located?

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
20/06/2010 14:53

Marisa message 12

'Turkish title are not many left and they are for Cypriots , that was I told. '



I know thats whats happening. but do you know why?



So can anyone answer why Turkish Title is treated differently than Exchange,in the TRNC. I know why it is treated differently by the ROC, because they say its Greek owned.

If exchange land is perfectly safe as stated by the Govt , then it surely on the same legal footing as Turkish.If thats the case surely all title is the same in the eyes of the state,

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
20/06/2010 15:40

ref msg 34: No problems sunshine, if I have the info I will try to share it. I got out here quite efficintly and settled very quickly because of the help of several people allready here so it is only fair that I try to do the same.



Back to the main thread question, I think the main reason everyone is advising you to visit and/or rent for a while is that too many people have tried to do things quickly and hit a wall or worse. I can honestly say that most of the expats (no nationality mentioned intentionally) and locals will go out of their way to give the best advice they can in NC.



It is a bit like Dubai was 5 or so years ago, you can do almost everything, you just need to find out the right way or you will go round and round in circles. Those who have had good experiences will help, those who have not, will I'm afraid be very negative, perhaps rightfully so but until you know who to ask, ask many.



It isn't Dubai, but it is a great place to live in its own right.



Paul

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
20/06/2010 17:26

Thank you proger1, paying it forward is a wonderful thing and I greatly appreciate all the advice and hope I in return can pay it forward someday.

I have never been one to jump in quickly and like you wouldn't think about buying until I have been there. Renting was always my first means of living in TRNC, I have been browsing at places through different agents just to see whats there, but what the agents don't know is, I am a typical tight fisted scottish gal through and through and not about to part with a penny until I am good and ready, know all the facts and have everything stamped and sealed through the proper channels.

Wrongly, maybe, I put this post up because I couldn't believe the nerve of the agent that wrote it, and wanted it really to be a warning to unsuspecting buyers as there are still a few about.

I most certainly understand the negativity from those who have had their fingers burnt and in no way take it personally, I do sympathize deeply that it happened to them

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
20/06/2010 17:32

You are preaching to the converted there sunshine. Born and bred Aberdonian here. The ink is still wet on my birth certificate because my wallet is sealed so tightly.



All joking apart, there are some good agents, builders and othger parties out here, it just takes finding them and I have found more information standing at a bar in NC than by any other means. If the person you are talking to doesn't know how to help I guarantee they will know somebody who does.



It really does remind me of my home town of Inverurie sometimes only one hell of a lot better weather. Community based living at its best, most places I have been anyway.



Paul

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
20/06/2010 18:01

Lol.....love it proger1 Aberdonian Extraodinare, best one I have heard in a wee while, did you hae a wallet so early on? :o)



A woman on her own can't exactly prop up the bar though to get advice, so I'm dain it this wae :o)

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
20/06/2010 18:57

It disna hae to be the bar thou quine, ah got sum oh ma info fae the pool manny and a fair bit mare fae the house plummer.



As for having the wallet so early on, no, my mother kept it in her ducks arse purse (so tight it doesn't let in water) until I was old enough to be trusted with my own money, last tuesday in fact.

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
20/06/2010 19:05

Well done.......lovin it, took yae a lang time to be auld enough thae, fir the walet a mean

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
20/06/2010 19:14

Nae really, my uncle Bob is still waiting for his, I think he was due to get it on his 50th but my granny dropped 5p in front of him and it hit the ground before he got to it so the trust was gone again.



I wouldn't say my grandfather was tight but the last time he opened his wallet 4 entomologists showed up to identify the new breeds of moth that appeared.

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
20/06/2010 19:34

priceless....hooten awae here!

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
20/06/2010 21:17

Och aye Sunshine,

Paul.

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
20/06/2010 21:37

sunshine, if you do end up in the area you were talking about before let me know and as long as the wife lets me I can introduce you to a couple of the local haunts.



Paul

sunshine22



Joined: 07/06/2010
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
21/06/2010 06:25

newlad..............ca canny newlad(die) ya wee scunner, jack in yer havering an awa an huv hauf o heavy





proger1...........Shouldn't that be as long as the wife can come too, trying to arrange a few days mid July or Aug..........which area are you and wife? Feel free to email direct



Think we had better stop this post now as it is sooooooooooo off topic

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
21/06/2010 08:35

Good idea sunshine,nearly ready for throwing the keys in,lol

Paul.

Tina100


Joined: 08/05/2010
Posts: 117

Message Posted:
21/06/2010 12:38

korman homes



3 bedroom

master bedroom- ensuite (only 138sqm)

138m2 internal living / 115 m2 internal living

central kyrenia

fully fitted kitchen

fitted wardrobes to every bedroom

beautiful views to the sea

ready to move in

Title deeds ready!!!!



for more info please don't hesistate to contact me on 05338672899 / kormanhome@kormancons.com



Tina

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
21/06/2010 12:44

'Title Deeds ready' with three 'exclamation' marks -------- Hmmmmmmmm..............

Tina100


Joined: 08/05/2010
Posts: 117

Message Posted:
21/06/2010 12:53

4 actually

bazbar


Joined: 21/06/2010
Posts: 97

Message Posted:
21/06/2010 16:23

We have recently moved here and have decided to rent unless we can find the right place with pre 1974 title deeds.

However we are getting 14% on our money each year which we use to rent and have some cash left over.

You can rent a nice place for around £400.

We met quite a few of the rental agents and can recommend a few if you need any help.

Good luck with the move.

Mark

sloan



Joined: 24/02/2009
Posts: 808

Message Posted:
21/06/2010 16:34

Where are you getting 14% on your money at the moment, if I may ask?

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
21/06/2010 16:52

Pre 1974 turkish deeds? think you need to do a bit more home work if you think you will ever own these properties!



Dont think you will ever get to have a kochan if you are not Turkish....



Think you can part with all your money and never own pre 1974....

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
21/06/2010 17:09

Tina/Msg 51:



Got you there!



Just wanted to see your reply, which, unfortunately, still doesn't explain the advantages of 'Title Deeds Ready'.



'No Kocan - no money!' is the only way forward until existing laws are changed - you estate agents should be uniting and lobbying government - but I guess 'no duty of care' also applies in the real estate sector, not only the legal.



I should know - I was, one of the many, lied to and deceived - by both!