Is anyone happy with their purchase in North Cyprus???

Rosehillgirl


Joined: 20/07/2010
Posts: 5

Message Posted:
17/09/2011 22:43

Hi There,



This is a serious question.



I keep reading on this forum that no-one should buy in the TRNC-does everyone feel like this?



We were thinking of looking for a property, but to be honest the only thing I seem to read is about people who are unhappy and have been ripped off and conned. Is this forum particularly negative or is this most peoples experience?



Your views would be appreciated.



Thanks

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
17/09/2011 23:03

There are many happy purchasers. The problem being how do you ensure you will be one of them? Luck of the draw or doing your homework?



Personally I think it is luck of the draw. Instead of researching peoples experiences and thoughts, why not look at the legal aspects, then ask the really important question, Is it safe to buy within the existing laws of the TRNC?

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
17/09/2011 23:14

We bought in 2006 and are very happy with our villa, no problems...



It was a villa on its own, not on a site and already built. The previous owner had a kocan, so perhaps to save a lot of heart ache look for something already built, and with a kocan. Water would be laid on and so would the electric.

Plus side of a villa on its own is you don't have the same problems as being on a site with maintenance issues that seem to raise there heads. Pool maintenance and the up keep is your problem only. It is difficult to get every one paying a shared cost of the pool and other maintenance if on a complex.

Happy hunting,

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
17/09/2011 23:17

Buying is the 'easy-peasey' bit - never owning, then losing all your money is a bit harder, for some; or I should say, most!

katjusha


Joined: 21/06/2010
Posts: 226

Message Posted:
17/09/2011 23:17

I am happy with my purchase in Caesar, bought 2 years ago, hired lawyer to apply for title deed. You should look at the title deed of the land when you buy apartment. Exchange or turkish deeds are right ones.

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
17/09/2011 23:21

On another thought, if you have the right temperament, look for a plot of land with out any mortgage or incumbencies on it, then get a builder to build at your pace and don't put up to much money up front... Or buy the materials yourself and the builder just do the work...



Just a few suggestions for you to mill over...

allycatthree


Joined: 22/04/2008
Posts: 86

Message Posted:
17/09/2011 23:26

bought on a new small dev ( 3 villas ) got kochan in 2 years all went well.

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
17/09/2011 23:35

We bought a village house in 2008 - needed a bit of tlc but really went for the lovely big garden & established fruit trees. We got our ptp last year and now have the kocan. The house is starting to look good but still lots to do - no regrets at all, love it here and plan to stay forever!



Maggie & Bernie

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
17/09/2011 23:37

dizzycows, as a frequent poser on Cyp44 I have much respect but perhaps you could explain the following?



"Look for a plot without encumbrances on"



Cannot a builder take out these at any time? Including the time between contract and awaiting PTP, about 2 years? Is it not correct that very few have encumbrances when they purchase? These occur later when you think your safe?



"Don't put too much money upfront"



Exactly how much money do you think is safe to lose? £10,000 down the drain is easily shrugged off?



Are you compromising or suggesting methods to avoid being scammed?

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
17/09/2011 23:50

Bradus, poser or poster...



Think my post was confusing ... what was meant by buying a plot of land, to get the kocan in your name then build at your leisure. There are estate agents around with land, and a search would show up any mortgages etc when you reg the land, or should do.



Dont hand over money to a builder as in thousands as many have, the amount is up to that individual, I could not know how much any one can afford, but I do not pay for any work until it is done.



Sorry to have confused you, I confuse myself some times ...

Donaldson


Joined: 13/05/2011
Posts: 86

Message Posted:
17/09/2011 23:56

Yes thank you; perfectly happy.

BizziLizzi


Joined: 02/08/2011
Posts: 855

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 00:02

I rented various properties for two years, during which time I got to know local people, including a reliable builder, and whom I could and could not trust.



Also got to know what type of houses were hot in summerand cold in winter.



Because I kept a property on in England , I didnt have much money to spare so bought a TRNC title village house in poor condition, but structurally sound, with a garden so I could have dogs. Set myself a five year plan to do it up - 12 years on I am still working on it, but its been fun! Not so much fun now, because I thought being in a village I was safe from further development - I was wrong! Infill development and the volume of traffic (particularly large vehicles ) are ruining the environment .



What I am not happy about is that eventually I had to sell my "bolt hole" in England because of cheating by UK Estate Agents. No one want to know, or set up a protest group about that.

BizziLizzi


Joined: 02/08/2011
Posts: 855

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 00:10

I strongly recommend anyone thinking of moving to the TRNC to rent for at least a year. It is not only the minefield of property purchase (and it always has been in Cyprus - it is not a new phenomena) . You also need to learn what area you prefer, whether a view is worth a long drive to shops, chemist, doctor etc., whether you want to stick with the Brit community or mix witht he locals, where you lose the sun at 4pm, and what directions the windows should face to minimise climatic conditions etc. etc. etc

birdman



Joined: 20/09/2010
Posts: 690

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 00:14

I bought my land, 1 1/2 dunum and lived on it while the house was built. Many snags while building but am happy with the result and I had my Kocan long before completion of the villa, Yes I am a happy man now.

It would seem that most problems are from houses/villas on estates and at the lower end of the market. I rarely hear of any problems with houses which cost over £120,000.





Gerry

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 00:22

We bought 2004 no complaints.



Chris

Ralph96



Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 531

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 05:39

MaggieAndBernie Message 8,



What is PTP ?

truffles808


Joined: 16/10/2007
Posts: 183

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 05:53

Permission to purchase

Wibow


Joined: 10/07/2011
Posts: 97

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 08:24

Rosehillgirl



Very Happy with our purchase



We bought off plan in May 2005



Builder said house would be finished May 2006



Believe it or not it WAS



No problems what so ever from day one



We have our Kocan



Our builder was brilliant



We was one of the lucky ones



But with all thats going on over here now



I think rent before you buy, and then buy a re-sale thats already got the Kocan



Best of Luck

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 09:07

We are more than happy with our purchase and have our Kocan in our name, but we do count ourselves very fortunate in that we chose a developer who fulfilled their obligations because if they hadn't the powers that be here offer no means of redress.



If we were in the same position today, yes we would still buy but it would be a completed property with all services already in place also with the kocan in the current owners name and not still in the developers.

Teresa


Joined: 21/11/2007
Posts: 1018

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 09:25

Buy a completed property that already has the deeds (kocan), on an individual plot. we all know the risks involved in buying out here but if you buy with your eyes wide open and research everything then you should be ok. Never buy off plan. That is just my opinion.

Rosehillgirl


Joined: 20/07/2010
Posts: 5

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 09:53

Thank you for your replies,



It's nice to hear some positive experiences-and some practical advice on how to avoid pitfalls.



We think we'll look at established re-sales with the deeds in the sellers name. No new builds or off-plans.



We're looking forward to having a good look around.



Thanks Everyone.

sienna


Joined: 09/01/2009
Posts: 1627

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 09:56

Message 20 exactly buy a re-sale then you know what you are getting - do not buy off plan



Happy with what I have got PTP/Kocan.........BUT i think we got lucky we nearly got lumbered, but for the grace of god walk I



We do enjoy our property and us and family have fantastic holidays BUT again many dont becasue they have not been finished ..... so be careful.



If you can see the property finished and ask whether all other owners have kocans and who is maintaining the site you should be fine other than that forget it IMO Dont be fooled by the glossy brochures and what the developers say !

kittyfun


Joined: 11/04/2011
Posts: 181

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 10:01

Mess 5 why do you say exchange are the right ones ?? what do you mean please

Mambosun


Joined: 27/05/2011
Posts: 112

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 10:42

I'm happy with my purchase but knowing you will never have your deeds and the property developer will always own all the properties on site (Sea Vistas) is a bit hard to swallow. Also all the hassle in regards to legitimate committee and maintenance company is a nightmare, they all break the rules with no respect for the owners rights etc, they all disgust me. What should be heaven is now hell because of all these leaches.

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 10:47

Very happy with our purchase, we bought the land in 2005 and had the villa built by a good honest builder who came highly recommended.Everything went through on time, no problems other than a few snagging concerns, got our land kocan immediately and now have full kocan in our names.

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 11:23

Perhaps we should put up the names on here of the builders we have had no problems with... then Rosehillgirl can make her own inquires...



We bought ours as a resale, but Tenas Construction was the builder... Plus he never owned the original land ..

padisha


Joined: 09/07/2011
Posts: 131

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 11:57

Kemal Karapsha has a reputation second to none. He only builds a few villas at a time. His tradesman are quality. He prefers you to buy the land first. He is a buider, not a 'developer'. His office is in Karakum.



He is not a relative, İ recommend him beacuse he is honest, and does what he promises. Ask around - you will be told the same thing. He is not the cheapest, but you have to pay for quality.

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 12:08

msg27 "but you have to pay for Quality"



What is your definition of Qualiy in the TRNC...? just so we can get an Idea ,for instance,



Do his builds have DPC's,Vertical DPC's , DPM's ,Cavity Wall Insulation, 20 mm Double Glazing,Tanking on the flat roof sections, etc..

YFred


Joined: 06/05/2009
Posts: 1471

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 12:14

Yes, but then again I am a TC . There is only one safe way to do it. Buy an old house or land first and make sure it is in your hands before you spend any substantial money.

Deniz1


Joined: 28/07/2009
Posts: 3829

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 12:37

My builders were Emtan Construction finished on time as per contract and the deeds were given with no problems.

brianc


Joined: 20/06/2011
Posts: 133

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 12:44

yes, we bought in 2000 and are happy with our construction company , the quality of our building. We have got our title deeds.

Temomed


Joined: 22/07/2010
Posts: 29

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 12:45

Bought a Haci Ali appt. almost 8 years ago. Very happy.

Temomed


Joined: 22/07/2010
Posts: 29

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 12:46

Bought a Haci Ali appt. almost 8 years ago. Very happy.

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 13:36

To all those who are Happy with the build quality , may I ask, when was the last Earthquake in TRNC?

vonny


Joined: 25/06/2009
Posts: 476

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 13:52

The house construction method in Cyprus is called gravity designed reinforced concrete frame building with unreinforced masonry infill walls. Most houses are constructed with a reinforced concrete skeleton to provide protection against earthquakes with mandatory earthquake specifications – foundations designed in strict accordance with detailed geo-technical land survey. The civil engineer calculates the amount of steel and reinforced concrete needed for the skeleton and also the exact specifications such as the diameter of the steel and the locations of concrete pillars within the building

We cannot live our lives thinking ''What if''

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 14:03

Oh you mean like this... http://www.world-housing.net/uploads/RC_frame.pdf

vonny


Joined: 25/06/2009
Posts: 476

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 14:37

i stll think the houses here are build better than in the uk,if you have a fire in your home its less likely to spread but in the uk a fire spreads quickly and will burn the whole house in no time. many people have been trapped, even killed .people are more likely to have a fire in their home than have an earthquake. but like i said,you cant live your life thinking ..What if..

Pnokio


Joined: 25/08/2011
Posts: 35

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 19:51

Hi,

Just take alook at Amaranta Valley at Arapkoy and make up your own mind, over 200 villas partly completed and still awaiting completion after 6 years, all or most have been fully paid for and nothing can be done to make the builder complete this estate, I would be very very carefull, when buying property here in Northern Cyprus.

philnles


Joined: 11/08/2008
Posts: 413

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 20:06

We purchased a villa from Donaghy and Heath 4 years ago and have not got close to moving in.

jacot


Joined: 18/05/2009
Posts: 19

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 20:14

Bought in May 2005 and very pleased

ttoli


Joined: 24/03/2007
Posts: 1172

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 20:14

English Developer, English Builder, Title Deeds in hand, still happy after 6 years

eyebob


Joined: 22/06/2010
Posts: 143

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 20:42

Lots of people are happy with their "buying" experience.We have had our bungalow in Catalkoy for 11 years: there were some initial problems, mainly snagging, but we are very happy here.Unfortunately, most of the posters on Cyprus44 are people who have a gripe, albeit genuine,and so,anyone accessing this site tends to read negative views on buying property here.The most probable reason you don`t read positive postings, is that satisfied people don`t bother getting involved with commenting, because they are happy here,(a condition that upsets a lot of people on this island).

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 20:52

very happy , no problems , love the place / people , no problems

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 21:13

A lot of people that bought here are happy with their purchase, deeds in hand PTP's etc. but you have to ask yourself,Deeds, PTP, etc. in an unrecognised, some say Illegal country,are they worth the paper they are written on ..?

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 21:17

Some say Rent Don't Buy,, for some it is the same thing,if you rent you don't own, if you buy you may not own.





the difference is those that Rent walk away unscathed.. .

mozgor



Joined: 16/06/2010
Posts: 256

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 21:51

Hi - think it's a classic example of you hear more bad stories than good. We bought and have been really pleased with out purchase. Think we were amongst the lucky ones tho where house built and delivered on time, almost no snagging, kocan received within a year of taking possession of the porperty. All good, and despite the new build not having a guarantee past 1 year, 5 years on the builder will still fix anything that is required without question. I would say that's a pretty good testimonial. The builder is Eurocoast and they have a few projects going at the moment



Moyra

jimchris09


Joined: 13/02/2009
Posts: 547

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 22:32

We bought a house in Karmi in 2008...I'm sure it isn't worth now what we paid for it but I don't care. We didn't buy to make a lot of money in a few years. We bought it because of the location, view, style etc etc !! We are very happy and can't wait to visit it 3 or 4 times a year. Roll on the time when we can be there permanently.

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 23:01

msg 47 what on earth makes you even think you may make "any" money in a few years,holidaying here and living here are two totally different things..All that "Glisters" , is not Gold.. have you not read the news lately?Turkey is about to make the Eastern Med , a possible War Zone..

YFred


Joined: 06/05/2009
Posts: 1471

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 23:20

We can all relax, Turkey has changed tact. They will drill in the same are instead. What a brilliant move on our step father's part.. Problem solved. It should have been shared anyway.

barbieb


Joined: 05/07/2009
Posts: 277

Message Posted:
18/09/2011 23:58

I am happy

Deniz1


Joined: 28/07/2009
Posts: 3829

Message Posted:
19/09/2011 06:16

What a ray of sunshine martin is. Being so cheerful keeps us all going.

misunderstood


Joined: 08/04/2011
Posts: 1004

Message Posted:
19/09/2011 09:19

Akfinans Bank are happy with their purchase, 100,000 TL for 13 villas. 1400 plus more are going to make Banks very happy.



Every property in the TRNC is affected by this, whether they like to admit or not, the value of all properties will stagnate or fall until this abomination is dealt with effectively. The upside is that you will probably pick up a property even more cheaply at the moment. You pays your money, you takes your chance.

jimchris09


Joined: 13/02/2009
Posts: 547

Message Posted:
19/09/2011 12:31

Message 48...ok I'm not interested in making any money...happy now?

Jonesy299


Joined: 07/02/2009
Posts: 367

Message Posted:
19/09/2011 14:32

Very happy - trouble free!

Rushy


Joined: 12/07/2011
Posts: 22

Message Posted:
19/09/2011 17:30

Bought lovely completed bungalow in Esentepe six years ago and used as holiday home until now! Have been here on a full time basis for approximately 10 weeks and are settling in well. Have already had family out to stay and I have to say it was hard when the grandchildren went back. When we first moved it was like being here on holiday again but gradually you begin to relax. We are not ones for going out to bars each night anyway but do like to try different restaurants (Peanuts and Niazis being two of our favourites). We live very much as we did back in Bristol but in the sunshine. Very happy.

Rushy


Joined: 12/07/2011
Posts: 22

Message Posted:
19/09/2011 17:31

Bought lovely completed bungalow in Esentepe six years ago and used as holiday home until now! Have been here on a full time basis for approximately 10 weeks and are settling in well. Have already had family out to stay and I have to say it was hard when the grandchildren went back. When we first moved it was like being here on holiday again but gradually you begin to relax. We are not ones for going out to bars each night anyway but do like to try different restaurants (Peanuts and Niazis being two of our favourites). We live very much as we did back in Bristol but in the sunshine. Very happy.

misunderstood


Joined: 08/04/2011
Posts: 1004

Message Posted:
19/09/2011 17:54

Pleased for you jimchris09 and others but life has a way of throwing curveballs, I hope none come your way.

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
19/09/2011 18:14

Its simple ,people who have had no problems will say .No problem

People who have lost there savings will say there is a problem.



make your own mind up by looking only at the buying process ,listen to those who have fallen foul and use that to avoid the pitfalls. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best,but cover all the angles remember you have no worthwile legal protection. Dont just base your actions on what people on here ,they wont reimburse you.. Better to stay in contact with someone on here who says they have no problem and arrange to meet so they can introduce you to those they were involved with. Again ,when somebody says they had no problem on such and such a site ,ask others on the same site.

Safest is as had been mentioned, rent, Whatever you do after that ,dont buy off plan .Only buy from someone who will let you hold back a large part of price ,or arrange to be held with third party till you get ptp. If they wont ,then ask yourself why not ,and walk away.

pc4854


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 243

Message Posted:
19/09/2011 18:30

The secret is to understand the procedures, buy your plot of land, when it is in your name and only then, engage a recommended builder, or buy a resale with all the correct paperwork. That's what we did and yes we are very happy and content

misunderstood


Joined: 08/04/2011
Posts: 1004

Message Posted:
19/09/2011 18:45

Well yes pc4854 and there would certainly be no problems that way, not many villas either. No of course you don't sound smug.



The majority of those of us who did not do it your way, were assured by our very expensive Advocates that we were following the set procedure to the letter of the law and still we got stung.

Rosehillgirl


Joined: 20/07/2010
Posts: 5

Message Posted:
20/09/2011 22:49

Thanks to all of you who have replied,



We will come and have a good look around-more aware of some of the pitfall to avoid.



Going to look at re-sales, taxes paid and hopefully deeds in the vendors name.



Cheers



Ann

minertor



Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 1238

Message Posted:
21/09/2011 00:01

bought in 2003/2004, waited a while for everything to be right but no complaints.



T

jimchris09


Joined: 13/02/2009
Posts: 547

Message Posted:
21/09/2011 12:07

I'm just a boy whose intentions are good...oh Lord please don't let me be Misunderstood

RedAlabama


Joined: 27/10/2008
Posts: 40

Message Posted:
21/09/2011 12:21

Bought a re-sale 3 years ago as a holiday home - very happy, good build, no mould when we return in the Spring.....

wynyardman



Joined: 15/12/2007
Posts: 4580

Message Posted:
21/09/2011 12:21

How many people who are in distress, will not comment on an open forum for fear of prejudicing fragile

relationships with builders and advocates.



The member who appears to me to have researched the field more than most, is Bradus, and her advise in

msg 2 , is well worthy of note. Caveat Emptor!



wynyardman

diane62


Joined: 18/04/2008
Posts: 74

Message Posted:
21/09/2011 23:23

happy , be over the moon when receive kocan, expected soon

oliveoil


Joined: 16/03/2008
Posts: 58

Message Posted:
22/09/2011 08:57

I must put my vote for, we love the TRNC and would never want to move from here, some people though go the wrong wayin their approach to things here, this is not England and you have to accept it for what it is, after all it is country

Some have had misfortunes, some self inflicted but many not so, but it has happened in most places and will continue to happen, take the precautions, be vigilant, but dont be put off, I do not often contribute to this forum because it attracts too many of the wrong kind of posters unfortunately, so look elsewhere as well for your info and do not be guided too much by what is said on here.