Taxes when buying and selling property in North Cyprus
This guide summarises the main taxes you meet when buying and selling immovable property in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus: the title deed transfer fee, disposal tax (stopaj), VAT and stamp duty. Rates are compiled from public sources and can change by regulation; confirm current figures before you transact.
Title deed transfer fee (buyer)
The transfer fee is paid when title is registered in the buyer's name.
| Buyer status | Rate |
|---|---|
| Individual, first lifetime purchase | 3% |
| Individual, subsequent purchases | 6% |
| Company | 6% (each purchase) |
The first purchase relief for individuals is applied once on the base rate.
The 2025 change for foreign buyers
Under the Immovable Property (Amendment) regulation in force from 15 May 2025, the transfer tax for foreign buyers was reduced to 9%. The regulation also updated permit and quota rules in the foreign acquisition regime. Confirm the scope and effective date against the Official Gazette text.
Disposal tax (seller)
The disposal tax on the sale gain depends on the seller's status.
| Seller status | Rate |
|---|---|
| Individual, first lifetime sale | Exempt |
| Individual, subsequent sales | 2.8% |
| Professional or company seller | 4% (each sale) |
VAT (seller)
No VAT arises on an individual's private sale. Supplies by professional or company sellers carry VAT, and in practice this amount is usually collected from the buyer. The rate is 5% for homes up to 300 square metres and 10% for homes above 300 square metres.
Stamp duty
The sales contract is subject to stamp duty of 0.5% of the contract value. Properly stamping the contract matters for both the title process and any future dispute.
Gift transfers
Gift transfers between close relatives such as parents, spouses and children attract reduced transfer fees. Confirm the current rates with the Land Registry before the transaction.
Practical summary
- The buyer should budget for the transfer fee and any VAT.
- The seller should assess the disposal tax and, on a professional sale, VAT.
- Both parties should review the contract's stamp duty and registered price basis.
Frequently asked questions
What transfer fee does a first time buyer pay?
Individuals pay a reduced rate on the first lifetime purchase and 6% on subsequent purchases. Confirm the current regulation.
I am selling my home for the first time. Do I pay disposal tax?
An individual's first lifetime sale is generally exempt from disposal tax; a rate applies to subsequent sales.
How much is the transfer tax for a foreign buyer?
Under the 15 May 2025 regulation, the transfer tax for foreign buyers was reduced to 9%.
Sources
- Taxes when buying and selling property in North Cyprus (edestate)
- Land Registry (Fees and Charges) Regulation_(Degisiklik)_Tuzugu_2020_10.doc)
- 15 May 2025 immovable property change
This article is for general information; rates and regulations can change. Contact us for a calculation tailored to your transaction.