Property Title (Koçan) in Northern Cyprus: Types, Differences, and What to Check Before Buying

In 2026, several types of property titles (Koçan) are used in Northern Cyprus, including Turkish Title, Exchange Title, TMD Title and Leasehold Title. Each of them confirms ownership rights, but differs in the history of the land’s origin and the legal specifics of the transaction. Before buying property, it is important to determine the type of title, check for an individual title (Title Deeds) and the absence of encumbrances. This check is carried out before signing the sale and purchase agreement.

• What is a title (Koçan)
• Main types of property titles
• Comparison of title types
• What is an individual title
• What to check before buying property
• Is it possible to get a mortgage for different title types
• Frequently asked questions
• If you need help with buying property in Northern Cyprus
• If you need legal assistance when checking a title

What is a title (Koçan)

A property title (Koçan or Title Deeds) is an official document that confirms ownership of property in Northern Cyprus. The document is registered with the Land Registry (Tapu) and contains information about the owner, the property, and the legal status of the land.

Without a title, the buyer may use the property under a registered contract, but full ownership arises only after the title is transferred into the owner’s name.

More about title transfer:

• Transferring a property title in Northern Cyprus

Main types of property titles

Turkish Title

Turkish Title is the title to land that was privately owned before 1974 and belonged to Turkish owners. Such a title is used for various types of property.

Exchange Title

Exchange Title is a title issued in exchange for property left by owners in the territory of the Republic of Cyprus after the events of 1974. This type of title is widely used in the Northern Cyprus property market.

TMD Title

TMD Title is a title to state land transferred into the ownership of individuals or legal entities. It is used for residential and commercial property.

Leasehold Title

Leasehold Title is a lease title for a specified period. The land remains state-owned, and the owner receives the right to use the property for a set period.

Comparison of title types

What is an individual title

An individual title is a separate ownership document for a specific apartment or house. It differs from the general title for the entire land plot or residential complex.

An individual title usually appears after:

• completion of construction
• registration of the property
• division of the plot into separate units

Until the individual title is obtained, the buyer owns the property on the basis of the sale and purchase agreement.

More about contract registration:

• Registration of a property sale and purchase agreement

What to check before buying property

Before signing the contract, it is recommended to carry out a legal check of the property title.

Main points to check:

• type of property title
• presence of an individual title
• presence of mortgages or liens
• compliance of the property with the documents
• the seller’s right to sell the property

A detailed list of checks is described in the article:

• What to check before signing a property contract

Is it possible to get a mortgage for different title types

The possibility of obtaining a mortgage loan depends on the bank and the characteristics of the property.

Glossary

• Koçan — property title.
• Title Deeds — certificate of ownership.
• Tapu — Land Registry in Northern Cyprus.
• Individual Title — a separate title for a specific property unit.

Frequently asked questions

Can you buy property without a title?

Yes. A purchase is possible under a sale and purchase agreement, but ownership rights arise only after the title is transferred.

Is an individual title mandatory?

No. A purchase is possible before the individual title is obtained, for example in a new build.

Can property be sold without a title?

Yes. A sale is possible under a registered contract.

How can you find out the type of property title?

The title type can be checked in the Land Registry or through a legal property due diligence.

Can a title be оформed remotely?

Yes. Title transfer can be arranged through a representative by power of attorney.

If you need help with buying property in Northern Cyprus

You can contact our partner — Vadim Chernyakov.

Phone: +90 533 882 40 55
WhatsApp / Telegram
Channel: Analytics and real estate market news

If you need legal assistance when checking a title

You can contact our legal partner — the company DeJure for a consultation with a lawyer licensed in Northern Cyprus.

Phone: +90 539 119 05 55
WhatsApp
Telegram