Crucial Property Conflicts in Northern Cyprus

There is a number of potential practical, financial and legal complication, particularly for those considering buying property in the north. There is a risk that purchaser would face legal proceedings in the courts of the Republic Of Cyprus."

Sales of property in the occupied area of Cyprus have frozen due the latest ruling against Mr. and Mrs. Orams.

Deciding that the villa should be knocked down and the land to be given to the rightful Greek Cypriot owner. Also scared are Brits who have already bought on land of Greek Cypriots, that they may be also placed in the same position of the Orams.

After the new law that all properties sold in the occupied side of Cyprus should be leasehold and not freehold there has been a commotion from the British investors and sales have frozen.

It is also worth mentioning that similar cases like the above are another 6000 cases in which Brits have bought property which has been built on Greek Cypriot land.

The European Court of Human Rights ruling affirmed the rights of Greek Cypriots to their property in the north.

Therefore, Britons and other nationalities who purchased Cyprus property in the north stand to lose big time in the event of a settlement, and could also be liable to compensate the rightful owners of the property.

British High Commission spokesman Stewart Summers confirmed that a recent warning about buying property in the north added to the Foreign Office travel advisory of an increase in numbers of Britons making enquiries on house buying in the occupied areas.

The amendment to a website, instigated by Mr. Summers, was made last month, and the advice on buying property follows immediately after the British government’s recommendations on visiting northern Cyprus.

It reads: “The non-recognition of the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ and the possibility of a future political settlement in Cyprus could have implications for those considering buying northern Cyprus properties. Before purchasing a northern Cyprus property you are advised to appraise yourself fully of the situation and seek legal advice.”

Summers said, “The government has decided to take a more pro-active, rather than reactive approach (to the subject of buying property in the north of Cyprus) in the light of it becoming a more regular occurrence, and the subsequent attention it has received in the media.”

Commenting on the change, he added, “legally we can’t tell people ‘don’t do it’, but we are trying to make them fully aware of the potential hazards.”

Cyprus Mail Newspaper