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Types of title deed in North Cyprus

In North Cyprus a title deed is called a koçan. The type of koçan a plot has directly affects how safe the purchase is.

Turkish title (Türk koçanı)

The title deed for property that has belonged since before 1974 to Turkish Cypriots or to Turkish Cypriot foundations (vakıf). Because the chain of ownership goes back to before 1974, it is regarded as the least disputed type.

Equivalent title (eşdeğer koçan)

The title deed for property in the North given after 1974 to Turkish Cypriots who had left property in the South, in exchange for that property (on the basis of equivalence points). Because the property's owner before 1974 was a Greek Cypriot, it can carry a risk of legal dispute.

Allocation title (tahsis koçanı)

The title deed for property allocated by the state (for example to migrants or to people entitled to it). It can carry risks similar to those of an equivalent title; some allocations come with restrictions on transfer.

When buying

• Have the type and history of the koçan verified from the records of the Land Registry and Cadastre Department (Tapu ve Kadastro Dairesi), and get a legal review from an independent lawyer.
• Foreign nationals (including citizens of the Republic of Türkiye) need permission from the Council of Ministers to acquire property, and limits on area and on the number of properties apply; the rules change from time to time.
• For the planning zone, zoning and building permits, check the decisions of the Town Planning Department (Şehir Planlama Dairesi). In the ParselX North Cyprus workspace you can see a plot's planning zone by uploading a KML file or by drawing the plot.

More: Buying land in North Cyprus: a checklist · Planning in North Cyprus · District and village pages

Last updated: 29 September 2026