Foreigners can still buy property in North Cyprus, but the 15 May 2025 law caps foreign ownership at 7% of any district and 3% of national land. A foreign buyer may hold up to 3 apartments, OR 2 villas in a complex, OR 1 detached house on a plot not exceeding 3,300 m²; bare land is capped at 1,338 m² with one house. Council of Ministers approval (PTP) still applies. Rates and rules change — confirm with a licensed lawyer.
What the May 2025 law changed
It clarified district and national foreign-ownership caps and refined the per-buyer property limits. For the full process and context see our foreign investor hub.
How the 7% / 3% cap works
In high-demand districts such as İskele and Esentepe the quota can fill, restricting new foreign purchases there. Confirm the current quota position with your lawyer.
Per-buyer limits (current)
Up to 3 apartments, OR 2 villas in a complex, OR 1 detached house on a plot of up to 3,300 m²; bare land up to 1,338 m² with one house. The older "one property" reading was refined, not removed.
Permission to Purchase in 2026
PTP via the Council of Ministers typically takes 6-12 months and you may use the property meanwhile. The fee is due within 75 business days of the approval being published or the permit is voided; the post-approval transfer window was extended from 6 months to 1 year. Cost it with our tax calculator and the PTP 9-step guide.
Buying via a TRNC company
A TRNC company follows separate rules and suits larger portfolios; get legal and tax advice. See also our buying costs guide and is property in North Cyprus safe?.