Cyprus-Forum.com

by **micada** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 11:43 pm

I'm thinking of purchasing an apartment in Northern Cand have been advised to get a solicitor in the UK who is familiar with Turkish law to check over all the documentation. Anyone out there able to recommend one?

by **Michael Coumas** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 1:56 am

micada - welcome, I am not at liberty to help you with a Solicitor, I am sure others can but please may I ask out of interest " what steps, if any, have you taken to ensure that the apartment you are planning to buy is built on land legitimately owned under international law and natural justice by the seller". If you haven't that’s fine it is just a question that I sincerely have an interest in to indicate any awareness of any problem even though most governments obscurely refer to it somewhere.
Good Luck

by **micada** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 10:38 pm

As yet I have no documentation relating to the apartment I am thinking of purchasing - but have been assured that the builder has everything needed to prove the land is legally his. I have asked for copies of the paperwork and when it all arrives I want to get it checked thoroughly by a solicitor who is familiar with the problems in Northern Cyprus.

by **metecyp** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 10:53 pm

I have asked for copies of the paperwork and when it all arrives I want to get it checked thoroughly by a solicitor who is familiar with the problems in Northern Cyprus.

There's nothing complicated here. You just need an answer to 1 question. Who owned the land that the apartment was built on before 1974? If it is a Turkish Cypriot (unlikely), no problem. If it's a Greek Cypriot (likely), it's problematic.

by **Michael Coumas** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 12:07 am

micada
By sheer co incidence did you see the Tonight programme this evening with Sir Trevor McDonald. It will be of interest to you to watch a repeat if not. I do not want to get into a political debate but is this apartment cheaper than its equivalent in the South. If it is then ask the question WHY? You are obviously buying in good faith but as the man at the Inland Revenue said "ignorance is no defence" Pre 1974 or even pre 1960 authenticated title deeds should confirm one way or another. I stress the word authenticated as there have been alleged cases of forgery or missappropriation as there is whenever large sums of money change hands. Act as you normaly would, do not leave your brains behind just because you are in the Sun. You are the buyer & do as your lawyer tells you even if it is walk away & pay nothing. You may try & get guided to a solicitor who could help by the Cyprus High Commission in London if you explained your concerns showing you are a responsible investor. I must declare a vested interest and say that I would not buy on principle alone.
Best of luck