Title / Koçan: What is it and Why are They Needed?

In light of the recent initiatives by the TRNC government regarding the mandatory registration of real estate, let’s explore what a title or koçan is.

• What is the Difference Between a Title and a Koçan?
• Types of Titles in Northern Cyprus
• Why You Need a Title / Koçan in the TRNC
• Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate in the TRNC

What is the Difference Between a Title and a Koçan?

There is no difference, these are identical terms. A title comes from the English "Title Deed," while koçan is derived from the Turkish "Taşınmaz Mal Koçanı." It is a document that establishes ownership of property, issued by the Land Registry Office.

Types of Titles in Northern Cyprus

There are several types of titles in Northern Cyprus. They differ based on the grounds upon which the document was issued. To clarify the type of title, one needs to consult the Land Registry Office. Here we discuss the first type of title as the most popular one.

• Türk Koçanı — Turkish Title (issued to Turkish Cypriots who owned property in the north before 1974)
• Eşdeğer Koçanı — Exchange Title (issued to Turkish Cypriots who owned property in the south before relocation)
• Tahsis Koçanı — Allocation or Distributed Title (issued to Turkish Cypriots without property in the south and to Turks)
• Mücahit Koçanı — Mujahid Title (issued to participants of the 1974 military operations)
• İngiliz Koçanı — British Title (issued for properties owned by British nationals before 1974)

Why You Need a Title / Koçan in Northern Cyprus

To fully own property according to the laws of Northern Cyprus and to carry out real estate transactions. Without a title, you are still the owner, but to make transactions, you will need to contact the developer — the title is initially in their name — and bear additional costs.

Additionally, a new law on real estate for foreigners was recently passed. According to it, all owners must register their sales contracts and submit an application to the Council of Ministers for purchase approval within 6 months of the law’s entry into force, i.e., by 21.11.2024.

• More about the new real estate law for foreigners

Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate in Northern Cyprus

What if the title still hasn’t been issued?

You should urgently obtain it, as time is not in your favor, and specialists are becoming increasingly overburdened. You can contact specialized lawyers, such as the firm De Jure — they offer a relevant service.

How to register a sales contract on your own?

We explained the necessary steps before contract registration, the registration process itself, as well as the required documents and fees, in our article.

How to recover lost property documents?

There are several options: contact a lawyer, approach the land registry, or contact the developer. Each method has its own nuances, which we discussed in detail here.

In the Northern Cyprus Real Estate Chat, you can ask questions to both specialists and people with real experience in purchasing and registering property.