Discover North Cyprus
The Mediterranean's
Best Kept Secret
Turquoise coastlines, 300 days of sunshine, ancient castles, and a cost of living that lets you actually enjoy life. North Cyprus is where smart buyers are looking in 2026.
About the Island
Where Europe Meets
the Middle East
North Cyprus sits at the eastern end of the Mediterranean, just 70km south of Turkey. It is the northern third of the island of Cyprus, home to around 400,000 people, and has been self-governing since 1974.
What makes it special is the combination of things you rarely find in one place. The beaches rival anything in Greece or Croatia. The mountains behind Kyrenia feel almost Alpine. The cost of living is a fraction of Western Europe. And because international tourism is still in its early stages compared to the south, you get an authentic, uncrowded Mediterranean lifestyle that places like Marbella or the Algarve lost decades ago.
English is widely spoken (the island was under British rule until 1960), driving is on the left, and the legal system shares roots with the UK. For British buyers especially, that familiarity makes settling in remarkably easy.
Why North Cyprus
Six Reasons Buyers
Choose This Island
It is not just about sunshine. The numbers tell a compelling story.
Unbeatable Value
A two bedroom sea view apartment starts around £135,000. The same property in Spain would cost double. In Portugal, closer to triple. Your money simply goes further here.
Strong Returns
Rental yields of 8 to 12% net on short term lets, and capital appreciation of 15 to 25% annually in hotspots like Iskele. The investment case is hard to ignore.
Mediterranean Lifestyle
Over 300 days of sunshine, pristine beaches, ancient harbour towns, and a dining scene that ranges from family run kebab houses to fine waterfront restaurants.
Easy to Reach
Regular flights from London, Manchester, and Birmingham take around 4.5 hours via Istanbul or Ankara. You can also fly into Larnaca and drive across in 45 minutes.
No Property Tax
There is no annual property tax in North Cyprus. Compare that to Spain (0.4 to 1.1% per year), France (taxe fonciere), or the UK (council tax). It is a genuine advantage for long term holders.
Developer Finance
Most developers offer 0% interest instalment plans over 12 to 60 months. No bank, no credit check, no mortgage application. Just a deposit and monthly payments direct to the developer.
Explore the Regions
Five Distinct Areas,
Five Different Lifestyles
Each region has its own character, price range, and buyer profile. Click through to explore what suits you best.
Kyrenia
The jewel of the island. A Venetian harbour, Crusader castle, mountain backdrop, and the best restaurant scene in the country. Popular with retirees and lifestyle buyers who want culture and convenience.
Iskele / Long Beach
The fastest growing area in North Cyprus. A 12km stretch of sandy coastline with brand new developments, beach clubs, and the strongest capital appreciation on the island. This is where most investors are buying.
Esentepe
Panoramic clifftop views, an 18 hole golf course, and a quieter pace of life. Esentepe is the choice for buyers who want space, nature, and uninterrupted sea views without the tourist crowds.
Famagusta
A historic walled city with medieval churches, a major university, and strong rental demand from students and academics. The most affordable entry point on the island with solid long term potential.
Nicosia (Lefkoşa)
The capital and commercial hub of North Cyprus. Not a typical tourist destination, but a smart pick for investors focused on long term value and consistent rental demand from government workers and professionals.
Daily Life
What Living Here
Actually Looks Like
Life in North Cyprus moves at a different speed. You wake up to sunshine almost every day. You eat fresh, locally grown food that costs a fraction of what you would pay in the UK or Germany. Traffic is light. People know each other. The stress of city life back home starts to feel like a distant memory very quickly.
The expat community is large and welcoming, especially in Kyrenia and Iskele. There are social clubs, sports groups, charity events, and a lively restaurant scene. English is spoken everywhere that matters: hospitals, banks, solicitors, estate agents, government offices. Most signage is bilingual.
Healthcare is good and affordable. A GP visit costs around £15 to £25, and private health insurance for a couple runs about £800 to £1,500 per year. There are modern hospitals in Kyrenia, Famagusta, and Nicosia with English speaking, UK trained doctors.
Practical Guide
The Things You
Actually Need to Know
Climate
Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (30 to 40°C) and mild winters (10 to 21°C). Spring and autumn are the sweet spot at 20 to 28°C. The sea is warm enough for swimming from May through November.
Language
Turkish is the official language but English is widely spoken thanks to 80 years of British influence. Most professionals, shopkeepers, and restaurant staff speak English. German and Russian communities are also well established.
Currency
The Turkish Lira is the local currency, though British Pounds, Euros, and US Dollars are widely accepted and many property transactions are conducted in Sterling or Euros.
Getting Around
Driving is on the left (like the UK). Roads are generally good and traffic is light outside Nicosia. Most expats own a car. Kyrenia to Famagusta takes about an hour and a half. The whole island is compact and easy to navigate.
Internet & Infrastructure
Fibre broadband is available in most new developments (50 to 100Mbps). Mobile coverage is strong across the island with 4G widely available. Power supply is reliable. Tap water is not drinkable but filtered and bottled water is cheap.
Safety
North Cyprus is one of the safest places in the Mediterranean. Violent crime is extremely rare. Locals are friendly and welcoming. Many expats say they feel safer here than in their home countries. It is a genuinely relaxed, low crime environment.
Brief History
A Quick Timeline
for Context
Ancient History
Cyprus has been inhabited for over 10,000 years. It has been ruled by Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Lusignans, Venetians, and Ottomans. The ruins of all these civilisations still dot the landscape.
1878 to 1960: British Rule
Britain administered Cyprus for over 80 years. This period established English as a second language, left hand driving, and a common law legal framework that remains influential today.
1960: Independence
Cyprus gained independence from Britain. Tensions between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities escalated through the 1960s.
1974: Division
Following a Greek military junta backed coup, Turkey intervened militarily. The island was divided into the Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish Cypriot north. This division remains today.
1983: TRNC Established
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was declared. It operates as a self governing state with its own government, legal system, and institutions, though it is only formally recognised by Turkey.
2003 to Present: Opening Up
Border crossings opened in 2003. Tourism and international property investment have grown steadily since. The property market has accelerated significantly from 2020 onwards, driven by remote work trends and increased international interest.
Ready to Explore?
Find your property in
North Cyprus
Whether you are looking for a holiday home, a retirement base, or an investment property, we will help you find the right fit. No pressure, just honest advice.
(+90) 533 887 56 56 · info@excellencecyprus.com