Turkish, Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot intermediaries are active in the sale of properties in Karpasia, with the phenomenon increasing in recent months.
A government source confirmed to Phileleftheros that property sales in the area have increased, expressing concern over developments and disappointment that some Greek Cypriots are facilitating the sale of Greek Cypriot properties.
The source said that the number of Greek Cypriots involved is not large, but noted that such transactions do not require many individuals. As the sales are not officially declared, the Department of Lands and Surveys of the Republic of Cyprus is not in a position to know which properties are changing hands.
According to the same source, the recent rise in sales appears partly linked to the gradual passing of the original owners. In several cases, heirs who have emigrated and inherited the properties may not even know their exact location, making them more likely to consider selling when approached.
The source said that sales in the occupied areas are mainly driven by Turkish Cypriot lawyers and Turkish estate agents. These intermediaries reportedly encourage owners to sell under the framework of the so-called land registry in the occupied north.
Heirs are approached and asked whether they are willing to sell inherited property, often with the argument that they will never recover it or that future development will leave them without it in any case.
If heirs agree to proceed, they are asked to produce certificates confirming that the plots were legally transferred to them through the Land Registry of the Republic of Cyprus. Once the title deeds are presented, the so-called land registry reportedly accepts them and completes the sale to a Turkish settler or other buyer.
According to information conveyed to competent authorities, transactions involving owners living in the United Kingdom are conducted in sterling.
Similar methods are used with heirs residing in the government-controlled areas. These transactions are separate from cases where owners apply to the so-called Immovable Property Commission in the occupied areas.
In private deals, the network is said to have gained access to data on property holders, who are then approached with proposals to sell to settlers or Turkish investors, including individuals who may not reside in the occupied areas but wish to invest in real estate.
One argument reportedly used is that instead of applying to the “commission” and receiving 10% of the property’s 1974 value, an interested buyer could offer a better price.
To complete a transaction, the owner may submit a title deed from the Republic’s Land Registry, which does not know the purpose for which it is requested. Alternatively, a Turkish Cypriot lawyer certifies that they have examined the documents of the Republic and confirmed the heir’s ownership.
Another aspect causing concern is that some individuals classified as enclaved and receiving financial assistance from the Republic are said to play a significant role in facilitating the sale of Greek Cypriot properties in enclaved villages. This issue may be examined by the authorities.
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