Why Iranians Living Abroad Are Buying Property in North Cyprus in 2026

Millions of Iranians live in Europe, North America and around the world. Many have worked for years, built a life and saved. Now a new question is on many minds: where should we invest those savings, and where can we own a home that is both a valuable asset and closer to our family and roots? North Cyprus has become one of the best answers. In this guide we explain why, using reliable 2026 figures.

Housing in Europe and the UK keeps getting more expensive

• According to Eurostat, house prices in the euro area rose by 4.7% and rents by 3% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with a year earlier.
• House prices in the EU rose by around 64% between 2015 and autumn 2025.
• In the UK, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that the average monthly private rent reached £1,400 in the 12 months to August 2026, up 3.8% on the previous year.

For people living in these countries, buying a second home or an investment property in the same markets requires a very large amount of capital. This is where North Cyprus is different.

The same capital, much more property

According to Numbeo data for 2026, the average price per square metre for an apartment in the city centre is:

• Kyrenia (Girne), North Cyprus: around €1,550
• Berlin: around €8,800
• Munich: around €13,300
• Amsterdam: around €10,550
• Stockholm: around €11,600
• Paris: around €14,500
• London: around €18,700

In other words, a square metre in central Kyrenia costs roughly a fifth of Berlin and a twelfth of London. Put simply: capital that in many European cities might only cover the deposit on a small flat can buy a complete home by the Mediterranean in North Cyprus. For everyday expenses, see our cost of living comparison with Germany and the UK.

Rental income

Numbeo estimates the gross rental yield in Kyrenia at around 8.5% a year. Students, university staff and tourists create steady demand for well-located homes, especially near the universities and in Kyrenia and Famagusta. (This figure is a general estimate before costs; the return on any property depends on its location and management.)

A place for family reunions

One of the most beautiful reasons for Iranians abroad to buy in North Cyprus is being closer to family. Iranian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in North Cyprus, usually for 30 days. That means your parents, brothers, sisters and friends can visit you easily, and your home in North Cyprus can become the family’s meeting place. The journey goes via Turkey, and most European cities have regular flights to Turkey with connections to Ercan Airport.

A simple, familiar purchase

• Property is usually priced in pounds sterling or euros: the currencies you already live and save in.
• Payments are made from your bank account in your country of residence, by international bank transfer through official channels.
• Foreigners buy with the approval of the Council of Ministers. Under Decree-Law 89/2026 (published on 7 August 2026), a foreign individual can own up to three apartments, or one detached house on up to 3,300 m² of land, and the title deed is registered in the buyer’s own name. If you also hold Turkish citizenship, different rules may apply; our legal team will check your situation.
• If you cannot travel for every step, viewings can be done by video call and parts of the process can be handled by a lawyer with power of attorney.

Residence, retirement and your children’s future

• Under the current rules, a stamped sales contract or a title deed can bring a residence permit of up to five years, for the buyer, their spouse and minor children.
• Around 300 sunny days a year, clean beaches and a relaxed pace of life have made North Cyprus a favourite with European retirees: a wonderful place for your own retirement years. Read our guide to retiring in North Cyprus.
• North Cyprus’s English-taught universities welcome thousands of international students every year: an attractive option for your children or grandchildren, usually with much lower tuition fees than in the UK or North America. Our student services team can help.

How to buy, step by step

1. Free consultation in Persian: we listen to your goals and budget.
2. Viewing: in person or by video call.
3. Checking the project and documents: we only offer properties with the required permits.
4. Contract and registration: the sales contract is registered with the Land Registry.
5. Purchase permit: the application to the Council of Ministers, including a police clearance certificate.
6. Payment: from your bank account, through official, documented channels.
7. Title deed transfer and, if you wish, residence application.

Good to know before you buy

• The law clearly defines what foreign buyers may own, so choosing the right property from the start matters. Our guide to the legal buying process explains every step, and our team is by your side.
• Always work with a licensed lawyer and an experienced real estate agency.
• Price and rent figures are averages and general estimates. This article is general information and not personal financial or legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

How much cheaper is property in North Cyprus than in Europe?

According to Numbeo data for 2026, a square metre in central Kyrenia costs around €1,550, compared with around €8,800 in Berlin and €18,700 in London.

Can I buy without travelling to North Cyprus?

Yes. Viewings can be done by video call, and parts of the process can be handled by a lawyer with power of attorney.

Can my relatives from Iran visit me easily?

Iranian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in North Cyprus, usually for 30 days, which makes family visits simple.

Can I earn rental income?

Numbeo estimates the gross rental yield in Kyrenia at around 8.5% a year; the actual return depends on the property’s location and management.

Talk to our Persian-speaking team

Wherever you live in the world, at Luxury Life we speak Persian with you, from the first video call to handing over the keys. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation, or browse our current properties.

Sources

• Eurostat — House prices and rents continued to rise in Q1 2026
• Office for National Statistics — Private rent and house prices, UK: August 2026
• Numbeo — Property prices in Kyrenia (Girne)
• Numbeo — Apartment prices per square metre, Western Europe
• Numbeo — Apartment prices per square metre, Northern Europe
• TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Visa regulations
• Bugün Kıbrıs — Decree-Law 89/2026 on property acquisition by foreigners (August 2026, in Turkish)
• What’s On TRNC — North Cyprus simplifies residency rules for foreigners (2025)

Figures in this article are from 2026.