Secrets of Northern Cyprus: How to choose a region for living, recreation and successful investments

Cyprus, known as the pearl of the Mediterranean, has become famous throughout the world not only for its diverse culture and ancient history, but also for its beautiful white sand beaches. Today, the island attracts tourists with its high standard of living, developed infrastructure for moving to permanent residence and rich opportunities for entrepreneurship.

It is important to mention that Cyprus is divided into two separate territories, one of which is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Today we will talk specifically about this region.

I, Yulia Vysotskaya Chag, a real estate expert with many years of experience, and also the co-founder of the company, have prepared for you the latest information on the features and restrictions, the state of the infrastructure, cultural values and the dynamics of the real estate market in the famous areas of Northern Cyprus.

The most popular regions of TRNC

The EU does not recognise the republic's status, and the most convenient way to get here is by ferry from coastal cities in Turkey such as Antalya, Alanya and Mersin, where ferries depart for the island. There are also flights to the TRNC from major Turkish cities.

Northern Cyprus is divided into five main areas, each with its own unique atmosphere, lifestyle and level of infrastructure development. Each has its own peculiarities regarding the purchase and sale of real estate. Some places are perfect for relaxation, while others are ideal for living or doing business. There are areas where you can earn a stable income from renting or reselling real estate.

Kyrenia (Girne)

Girne is located on the northern coast of the region, is one of the picturesque port cities with a rich history. The first records of Girne are found in documents dating back to the reign of Ramses during ancient Egypt, when the city was the center of maritime trade between Greece and Anatolia.

Kyrenia is famous for its historic port and its beautifully preserved medieval castle, next to which there is a modern port. From there, cruise ships and ferries sail directly to Turkey. Girne offers a wide range of leisure options, including a variety of beaches and active leisure activities such as water sports, mountain biking, mountain climbing, etc.

Tourists and locals can while away the time in cozy restaurants and cafes by the sea, stroll along the picturesque streets, or browse the shops filled with local handicrafts. Among the main attractions of Girne are the Bellapais Abbey and the 14th century monastery, which attract attention with its historical significance and architecture.

The city has an impressive level of medical services. There are both private and public clinics offering various medical procedures and services. The educational system of Girne is also well developed: Girne American University, being one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the region, has more than 18,000 students studying various specialties. There are a large number of both fee-paying and free schools.

You can get to Girne from the nearest airport Ercan: it is located 42 kilometers from the city. Flights from Istanbul, Antalya and other cities go here. The most convenient way to get from Ercan to Kyrenia is by taxi or renting a vehicle.

Living in Girne has its advantages and disadvantages:

ADVANTAGES

• There are plenty of entertainment options for tourists, including casinos.
• Liquid real estate that can be easily sold or rented out, generating passive income
• Nice, calm atmosphere, wonderful beaches and beautiful nature.
• Developed infrastructure.

FLAWS

• Due to the popularity of real estate in Girne, it is difficult to find ready-made properties with the possibility of payment in installments.
• To purchase property in Girne, you will need to obtain permission from the Mukhtar.

The real estate here is mainly bought by foreigners who plan to move to Northern Cyprus for study and work in the future. In addition, local apartments are ideal if you want to receive a guaranteed rental income. The price of one-bedroom apartments ranges from 160,000 to 200,000 euros. Villas 3 + 1, 4 + 1 with a private plot and an impressive view can be purchased for 400,000 - 500,000 euros.

Bellapais

Situated in a quiet and sophisticated area of Kyrenia, Bellapais has become the choice of many foreigners and wealthy Cypriots for permanent residence. This resort town is located just five kilometers from the city center of Kyrenia - it can be reached in ten minutes by car. In 2022, local authorities decided to improve the transport connection between Bellapais and the center of Kyrenia by announcing the construction of a cable car.

Bellapais is located at a height, at the foot of the mountains, which opens up spectacular sea views from the territory of most houses and residential complexes in the area. In addition, the location near the city infrastructure makes it even more attractive to locals and visitors.

The Bellapais complex is dominated by luxurious villas of varying sizes, many of which have gardens and swimming pools. The property market offers both properties at the initial stage of sale and options on the secondary market, which opens up a wide choice for potential buyers.

Esentepe

Esentepe, a small and picturesque resort village, is located just a quarter of an hour by car from Girne. This area attracts the attention of both tourists and investors due to several key advantages:

• Beautiful sandy coastline.
• Calm rhythm of life.
• Quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
• No city traffic jams.

Among the beach areas of Esentepe, the municipal central beach is especially popular. Although it cannot boast of all the amenities, its advantage is fine and clean sand, as well as a gentle entrance to the sea. This is an ideal option for a family holiday. Nearby is the popular Alagadi beach, where you can observe the life of giant sea turtles.

Esentepe is actively developing. Residential areas with modern infrastructure and luxury villas are being built here. The village offers a lot of opportunities for both real estate investment and permanent residence.

Additional areas of Kyrenia

There are several attractive resort areas around Kyrenia, each of which is worth attention:

Alsancak

The suburb of Kyrenia, located only 9 km from its center, is popular among foreign citizens. Alsancak retains a traditional Cypriot atmosphere, attracting European and Russian-speaking investors who want to buy housing for a comfortable holiday and profitable investment.

Chatalkoy

Situated 10 km from the centre of Kyrenia, Çatalköy impresses with its picturesque nature and warm climate. The area is ideal for those who want to enjoy a quiet life by the sea on well-kept beaches.

Karsiyaka

A coastal resort 20 km from Kyrenia, surrounded by rich and lush vegetation, Karsiyaka is suitable for those looking for quality property in a quiet location where new residential areas and cottages are being built.

Karaoglanoglu

A beautiful resort located near Kyrenia. Offering a unique combination of modernity and traditional Cyprus, here you can get to know the local culture better.

Lapta

The suburb of Kyrenia, just 10 minutes drive from the center, is in great demand among foreigners. Investments in real estate in this area will be a profitable investment in comfortable living.

Ozankoy

The small town, located 5 km from the most densely populated areas of Kyrenia, is a quiet and picturesque place - a great place to relax from the surrounding bustle. A multicultural community has developed here, thanks to foreign residents from various countries.

Tatlys

This small village, located 45 km from the center of Kyrenia, attracts investors with its beautiful sea views, pleasant climate and affordable housing prices.

Famagusta (Gazimagusa)

The pearl of Northern Cyprus, Famagusta attracts a stream of tourists with its rich history and quality resort services. Situated in a picturesque bay 57 km from the capital Lefkoşa, the city boasts the deepest harbor on the island, as well as entertainment infrastructure.

Famagusta attracts travelers with its numerous attractions, including:

• Bastion Dzhambulat and Ravelin.
• Venetian fortifications with walls up to 17 meters high, which have been perfectly preserved to this day.
• Othello's Castle.
• The Gothic Cathedral of St. Nicholas, famous for its unique architecture.
• Church of St. George.

Modern residential complexes in Famagusta harmoniously coexist with ancient buildings. Tourists come here to enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches, swim in the clean sea and taste Mediterranean cuisine.

The region plays a key role in the country's economic development, which is why local authorities are actively investing in the city's infrastructure and improvement. For tourists from abroad, the most convenient way to get to Famagusta is through Ercan Airport, followed by a 50-minute drive to the resort.

Famagusta provides all the conditions for a comfortable life: from various retail outlets and cash withdrawal machines to medical institutions and educational institutions. Also, Russian-speaking residents can use the services of a private school, where teaching is conducted in their native language. Other educational institutions offer education in English and Turkish according to the standards of the British educational system.

ADVANTAGES

• A perfect fusion of natural beauty and modern technology.
• Living in Famagusta is cheaper than most other areas of Northern Cyprus.
• Numerous internationally recognized universities.
• Due to the large number of students, there is a demand for inexpensive rental properties. If you are looking to buy a property for passive income, without having a large amount of money to buy a more expensive property, you can buy a property in Famagusta and receive a stable income.

FLAWS

• The city's infrastructure is more geared towards students. There are a large number of universities, dormitories, cafes, but not many family-oriented establishments. For example, there are no special roads for strollers.
• The city's infrastructure and quality of services do not match the level of other areas of the TRNC.

This area is attractive to foreign citizens interested in purchasing affordable property on the seafront, surrounded by historical sites and beautiful natural landscapes.

House prices in Famagusta vary depending on the location and quality of the property. On average, one- and two-bedroom apartments start at €80,000 to €100,000, while larger seafront apartments can cost between €200,000 and €300,000. Premium properties, such as penthouses in modern residential complexes, can reach prices of €1,000,000.

Bogaz

Bogaz, also known as Bogaz, is a charming fishing village located just 25 kilometers from Famagusta. The place is famous for its fish restaurants, which are recognized throughout the region. Situated right next to the pier where boats arrive with the day's catch, the establishments guarantee the freshness of the dishes served. One of the key advantages of Bogaz for foreign investors is its strategic location and flat terrain, which creates ideal conditions for the construction of multi-story complexes.

Iskele (Trikomo)

Iskele is another small but very popular tourist area in Northern Cyprus among foreigners. It used to be an old Greek settlement, which has turned into a modernized area, attracting visitors with its beautiful sandy beaches, historical sites and quiet atmosphere. The Karpas Peninsula is especially famous, with its almost untouched nature and ancient Christian places of worship.

The area is actively developing and renewing itself: a promenade, new roads, recreation areas are being built, and landscaping projects are underway. The Long Beach beach area is especially attractive to tourists and foreigners who choose Iskele as a permanent place of residence. Here you will find entertainment and social facilities that meet European standards, including luxurious five-star hotels, popular night clubs, casinos, as well as all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay.

Iskele is an attractive region not only for travelers but also for investors, as this area is recognized as one of the most promising for future development among all regions of Northern Cyprus.

In Iskele, there are kindergartens and schools for the little ones, providing quality education. Those who prefer a more active lifestyle can easily reach Famagusta, which is a 10-minute drive away and offers a variety of entertainment and activities.

ADVANTAGES

• Comfortable and quiet environment.
• Low crime rate.
• A large selection of real estate with long-term installments (up to 84 months). It is possible to arrange an interest-free installment plan for a finished home. Living in such an apartment, you will not pay rent to the owner, but an installment plan for your own real estate.
• Affordable prices for high-quality housing.

FLAWS

• Possible problems with electricity and water supply in certain areas.
• Infrastructure at an early stage of development.
• The need to obtain special permission from local authorities when purchasing real estate.

Iskele is ideal for foreigners who seek peace and privacy, away from the noise of big cities. It is a place of esteem for retirees who come here from all over the world to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle, as well as to spend time with their children and grandchildren. Property prices are quite affordable for many foreign buyers: apartments on the first line of the beach can be bought for 100,000 - 150,000 euros, while luxury apartments with sea views cost from 400,000 to 600,000 euros.

Guzelyurt (Morphu)

Guzelyurt, located in the north of Cyprus, is a prosperous area known for its fertile lands where most of the country's citrus fruits are grown. Agriculture and farming play an important role in the economy of this region. Situated in the northwestern part of the island, in Morphou Bay and close to the Troodos Mountains, Guzelyurt offers visitors many famous historical sites:

• Ruins of the Church of Soli;
• The medieval church of Saint Mamas, today converted into a museum of icons;
• The palace of the first Cypriot king - Vouni.

The district's coastline is lined with picturesque beaches and hotels. Guzelyurt also has shops, pharmacies, seafood restaurants, ATMs and other amenities. There is an outdoor farmers' market every Saturday, and the district hosts a national citrus festival in June.

ADVANTAGES

• Cleanliness of the environment.
• A calm and measured life, far from the city noise.
• One of the most affordable properties on the island.
• Prospects for real estate investors as the area begins to actively develop.

FLAWS

• The infrastructure is still at an early stage of development.
• Low return on investment in the medium and long term.

Recent investments have turned Guzelyurt into an attractive construction area. Developers are actively acquiring land for the construction of modern residential complexes. Apartments on the first line of the sea are especially popular with foreigners, suitable for both recreation and permanent residence.

Property prices in the region are not too high: usually around €70,000 – €90,000, while for a luxury three-room apartment the price can reach €110,000 – €120,000.

Lefkosa (Nicosia)

Lefkosa enchants with its historical monuments and picturesque architecture, which mixes elements of Greek and Turkish cultures. It is the capital of Northern Cyprus, divided by a demarcation line into two parts, each of which belongs to different states. The city is not only a historical center, but also a place where architectural landmarks coexist with modern offices, shops and restaurants.

The historical center of Lefkoşa is home to museums, architectural monuments, and various religious buildings that attract many visitors. Surrounded by modern urban infrastructure, these neighborhoods create a unique combination of the old and the new.

Lefkosa is also an important business center, focused more on business than tourism or leisure. The lack of direct access to the sea and the road to the nearest beach, which takes about 40 minutes, are disadvantages for tourists. Ercan Airport, located in Lefkosa, serves as the main point connecting the island with the rest of the world, mainly with the major cities of Turkey.

ADVANTAGES

• Geographical location in the very center of Northern Cyprus.
• Developed business infrastructure.
• Availability of international educational institutions.

FLAWS

• Lack of access to the sea.
• High cost of living compared to resort areas.
• Dust storms.
• Low demand for rental housing.

Lefkosa attracts investors, businessmen, students and foreigners looking for career and educational opportunities. Property prices range from 80,000 to 100,000 euros for compact apartments and from 130,000 to 200,000 euros for apartments in new buildings.

Lefke

Lefke, the youngest administrative district of Northern Cyprus, separated from Guzelyurt only recently. The distance from here to the capital Nicosia is 74 kilometers.

Currently, the infrastructure is at an early stage of development: there are no large shopping centers or restaurants. Among the important objects is the road connecting the area with Southern Cyprus, as well as a reservoir with clean water. The favorable climate and the abundance of mountain rivers make Lefke an ideal place for the production of agricultural crops such as strawberries, citrus fruits, nuts and many other agricultural products.

Near Lefke is the European University, accredited by Turkey. Many students from different countries study here. The area is famous for the remains of ancient settlements, including a Roman amphitheater dating back to 600 BC. In addition, there are the ruins of the Vouni Palace, located on a mountain peak.

One of the popular places for recreation is Ataturk Park, where festivals, fairs and concerts are regularly held.

ADVANTAGES

• Excellent ecology.
• Quiet life.
• Opportunities for real estate investment through area development.

FLAWS

• Insufficiently developed urban infrastructure.
• Limited options for purchasing real estate.

The Lefke market segment offers both residential properties for rent and apartments for permanent purchase. The area is ideal for holidays and permanent residence, but is not very suitable for short-term investments. Prices for housing under construction start from 60,000 to 65,000 €, while finished houses and villas cost around 400,000 – 500,000 €.

As we can see, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a unique combination of cultural diversity and economic opportunities. Despite political isolation, the region continues to attract investors and tourists with its picturesque landscapes, warm climate and friendly population. The real estate market here offers a wide range of opportunities for various purposes - from recreation to business. Northern Cyprus remains one of the most interesting destinations in the Mediterranean, combining historical heritage and modern development.

To get great deals on real estate in Northern Cyprus, visit our website, our telegram channel or call +90 (549) 528 70 51.