TurkishConnextions guide to property in Northern Cyprus

Locations

Northern Cyprus

North Cyprus is one of the last remaining unspoiled countries in the Mediterranean and has been experiencing a property boom. The opening of the borders of the Turkish North, the stronger attempts to reunify with the Greek South and the possible entry into the EU, has brought a lot of attention to this small but charming country. Property prices have increased over 200 per cent during the past five years and show no signs of slowing down, as more and more buyers are being attracted in and demand has now exceeded supply.

North Cyprus is an ex-British colony which makes it very attractive for the British expatriates. The Pound Sterling is accepted almost everywhere, cars are driven on the left and English is widely spoken all over the island. The excellent Turkish Cypriot hospitality, great food, low cost of living and over 330 days of sunshine, North Cyprus is a property hot spot.

Being so pretty and competitive unfortunately attracts negative attention as well. Northern Cyprus often falls victim to the Greek Cypriot propaganda that the deeds are not safe but there are always two sides to a story and this statement does fall short of the truth.

The Turkish Cypriot Government proudly announces that under the ruling of the Northern Cyprus' property laws, thousands of successful sales have been made to foreigners, most of them to the British and almost all of them are proud owners of properties without any problems.

There are many opportunities to discover 'underwater' Cyprus. Through local accredited diving schools there is plenty of opportunity to experience diving through shipwrecks, open water diving and deep sea diving, as well as being able to watch the remarkable experience of the green turtle laying her eggs or discover hatchlings on the beaches. North Cyprus beaches hosts some of the most important nesting beaches of the green turtle in the entire Mediterranean.

On land, there are many tourist hot spots of castles, monasteries, convents, museums, galleries, parks and scenic villages just waiting to be explored and high quality modern leisure facilities, including the new 18 hole Alagadi Golf Course, just a 7 minute drive away and the Esentepe Football Field is located 15 minutes away by car.

North Cyprus Climate is Mild Mediterranean, with long dry summers and short, rainy winters. The temperature ranges from 10C (50F) in December to 35C (96F) in August. An average annual precipitation level is 500 mm.

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sardinia and Sicily. It lies between latitudes of 30.33 and 35.41 and longitudes of 32.23 and 34.55. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) covers an area of 3,515 square kilometres. The neighbours of Northern Cyprus are Turkey, 65 km to the north; Syria, 100 km to the east; Egypt, 420 km to the south; Israel, 267 km to the east and Lebanon, 162 km to the east.

North Cyprus area is 3,515 square kilometres and about 45% of the area is arable land. About 20% of this land area is irrigated. Nearly 20% of North Cyprus total area is wooded. Owing to the fantastic geographical location of North Cyprus (at the cross-roads of east-west and north-south navigational routes) and its proximity to the rich Middle Eastern countries, it provides an attractive place for foreign and international investment.

Lefkosa ( Nicosia) is the capital of TRNC, its administrative and business center, with population of approximately 35,000. Gazimagosa (Famagusta) is an industrial and commercial center, the country's principle and greatly fortified ports on the shores of the Mediterranean.

Girne (Kyrenia), often referred to as the 'gem of the Mediterranean', is a town of tourism importance with a wonderful yacht harbor where it is possible to see yachts from all over the world, collected beneath the ancient walls of the picturesque medieval fortress of the city, the witness of historical crusades which in its time served to protect the port.

Cyprus is in the same time zone as Minsk, Istanbul, Athens and Beirut. Local time is two hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).

The island of Cyprus is located in the Eastern Mediterranean. Its neighbouring lands at the nearest coastal points are Turkey 40 miles north, Syria 60 miles east, Lebanon 108 miles south-east, Israel 180 miles south-east and Egypt 230 miles south. Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. It is smaller than Sicily and Sardinia and larger than Corsica and Crete .The area of the whole island is 3584 sq. miles. (9250 sq. kilometers)

Cyprus has been divided into two autonomous states since 1974. This came about by virtue of the linguistic and cultural differences , and as a result of communal friction which lasted for 11 years. (See history) Greek Cypriots occupy the southern and the Turkish Cypriots occupy the northern part of Cyprus. A boundary known as the`Green Line` which runs through Nicosia , the capital of both South and North Cyprus separates the two states.

North Cyprus is some 100 miles long , 40 miles across at its widest point and has a total area of 1357 sq. miles or nearly one third of the whole of the island.

The geography of North Cyprus is characterized by a unique blend of mountains , plains and beaches. The Kyrenia Range, with its magnificent jagged limestone peaks, the highest of which is Mount Selvili at 3357 ft. runs along most of the north coastline to form a startling backdrop. To the east of the island the mountain range loses height as it extends along the narrow peninsula known as Karpas or `The Panhandle`. Along it one finds the best beaches in Cyprus. Miles of empty bays with pure white sand. To the south of the Kyrenia range lie the plains of Mesaoria. Here, is situated the divided Capital Nicosia (Lefkosa). Other major centers are Guzelyurt in the west of North Cyprus where most of the citrus produce comes from , The resort town of Kyrenia (Girne) is on the northern coast, and the second resort town of Famagusta (Gazimagosa) in the east.

Population

The population of North Cyprus is, Appx. 200,587 (1997 census) 55% of the population live in urban areas. The urban population is distributed as follows: (Rounded to the nearest 1000. Census 1997)

Nicosia:: 62,000
Famagusta:: 54,000
Kyrenia:: 38,000
Guzelyurt:: 27,000
Iskele:: 19,000

Climate

The Climate of North Cyprus is a typical Mediterranean Climate. Summers (June to September) are hot and dry, winters (November to March) are usually rainy with a mild temperature. Spring and autumn are warm and pleasant. The average annual temperature is 20°C (68 F).

Summer temperatures average 30°C (90F) with the coldest months of January and February 10°C (50F).

Bars

A wide range to suit all tastes, serving local beers, raki brandy, and imported alchohol.A must is the famous brany sour, a local cocktail.

Bowling

There is one bowling alley in Lefkosa. (Tel: 223 2388)

Business / Shopping Hours

In the winter:

Shops open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 a.m.

In the summer:

The working hours are between 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and again from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Cinema

There are six very good cinemas in Lefkosa, two in Girne and two in Gazi Magusa. They show recently released films mainly from the West. Films are usually changed every week and are shown with their original soundtracks and Turkish subtitles.

Conference Facilities

These facilities can be found at all universities, major hotels and at the Ataturk Cultural Centre in Nicosia.

International Clubs

Ozgurada Lions Club Tel: 815 4483 Kyrenia Rotary Club Tel: 228 1756 Girne Skal Club Tel: 228 3134

Mass Media

There is one state TV and radio channel and a handful of private ones also some English channels. There are numerous daily newspapers one of which is weekly and in English.

Music

Orchestral concerts are regularly held at the venues listed below. If you are lucky enough to catch a concert at the Bellapais Abbey, it is sure to be an unforgettable occasion. Kyrenia: Bellapais Abbey, Bellapais Kyrenia Castle Nicosia: Ataturk Cultural Centre Famagusta The Eastern Mediterranean University-Blue Hall

News Agency

Shops are open with some variations, but generally as follows: Summer: 8.00 - 13.00 and 16.00 - 19.00 Winter: 9.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 18.00 Banks (Mon - Fri) Summer: 8.00 - 12.00 Winter: 8.00 - 12.00 and 14.00 - 16.00

Opening Hours

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