The fate of real estate in Northern Cyprus: who has the right to reclaim their rights?

Court ruling on the demolition of the villa

In 2010, a court ruling was issued in the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, regarding the demolition of a villa owned by British citizens David and Linda Oram. This court act also addressed the issue of returning the land to its original owner—a Greek Cypriot—who was to be compensated accordingly. This case raised significant concerns among foreign investors owning property in the northern territory of Cyprus, provoking fears of losing their assets.

Historical roots of the conflict

At the roots of this dispute lies a history that goes back to 1974, when a coup took place in Cyprus, leading to a change of power. Taking advantage of the resulting instability, Turkey sent in its troops under the pretext of protecting the rights of Turkish Cypriots. This intervention led to more than 170,000 Greek Cypriots being forced to leave their homes and relocate to the southern part of the island. At the same time, about 45,000 Turkish Cypriots who were in the south moved to the north. The abandoned buildings became available to new residents, among whom were many foreigners.

Claim for lost property

Over time, Greek Cypriots began to actively demand the return of their lost assets. Before the division of the island, they controlled almost 80% of all real estate in the north. In 2009, the European Court ruled that Greek Cypriots have the legal right to claim the return of property lost before 1974. At the same time, while the Turkish side agrees to pay compensation to Greek Cypriots, many locals are unwilling to part with their property, which has been passed down through generations and has become an important part of their cultural heritage.

Concerns of local residents and demands of Greek Cypriots

Local residents of Northern Cyprus express concerns that the transfer of property to Greek Cypriots may lead to Greek dominance on the island. On the other hand, Greek Cypriots insist on receiving compensation in the amount of143 million eurosfrom the Turkish side. In February 2011, the European Court of Human Rights ruled to pay13 million eurosnineteen citizens of the Republic of Cyprus. These funds should be covered by Turkey, as NorthernCyprus does not have sufficient financial resources for such payments. In total, the court received about1500 applicationsfrom Greek Cypriots.

Difficulties with lawsuits

However, not all appeals from Greek Cypriots end positively. For example, in May 2010, the claims of Tasos Asproftas and Marianna Petrakidou, citizens of the Republic of Cyprus, were rejected because they were minors in 1974 and did not have legal rights to their property. Since March 2006, a commission dealing with land and property disputes has been operating in northernCyprus.

Commission on Land Disputes

In March 2010, the European Court of Human Rights referred certain cases related to the claims of Greek Cypriots to this commission for further consideration and resolution. The wait for a fair resolution of property issues remains one of the most pressing and acute matters amid the ongoing disputes and challenges facing intercommunal cooperation in Cyprus.

Current real estate issues in Northern Cyprus

As of today, there is an opportunity to resolve real estate issues through a specialized commission, avoiding appeals to the judicial authorities of Europe. The main goal of this commission is to satisfy the requests of property owners without affecting the interests of owners in Northern Cyprus. According to Alexey Kolesnikov, a sales manager at Kibris Estates Agents, out of all the purchasing options in Northern Cyprus, only one deal offers legal protection from the local government.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to draw attention to the fact that the real estate situation in Northern Cyprus remains complex and multifaceted. On one hand, we are seeing an increase in interest from foreign buyers, including Russians, which may indicate new economic opportunities for the region. On the other hand, ongoing disputes over property rights related to the historical events of 1974 create an unstable atmosphere, raising concerns among many owners.

As we have found out, despite attempts to resolve property issues through mechanisms such as the Property Commission and land exchange opportunities, there is still no clear resolution to the conflict. People who have lost their homes and land continue to seek justice, while property owners in Northern Cyprus strive to protect their interests. This creates tension in society and highlights the importance of dialogue between the two communities.

Changes in the real estate market

Moreover, the changing investment climate, including the decreasing interest from British buyers and the arrival of Russian investors, opens up new opportunities but also effectively alters the landscape of the real estate market on the island. Cyprus continues to be an attractive investment destination; however, success in this matter seems to depend on how well both sides can overcome their differences and develop an approach that satisfies the interests of all.

The future of Cyprus

While future changes in the political and economic situation remain uncertain, it is important to understand that Cyprus, despite its dangers and risks, also holds many opportunities for those willing to take a chance. Issues of property and justice should certainly be at the forefront, and I hope that in the coming years we will see progress in resolving these long-standing disputes, allowing Northern Cyprus to once again become a place where people can live in peace, harmony, and mutual understanding.

Thus, I remain optimistic about the future of this beautiful and historic island, hoping that it will find its way to peace and stability.