Cyprus Toughens Penalties for Owners of Greek Cypriot Properties in the TRNC

The Parliament of the Republic of Cyprus has passed a new law imposing stricter penalties for the illegal sale or appropriation of Greek Cypriot-owned properties in the northern part of the island.

Under the revised legislation, offenders face up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to €10,000. Previously, the penalty was a maximum of two years in prison or a fine of up to €5,000.

The bill was introduced by DISY MP Rita Theodorou Superman, who stated that the new measures aim to curb the increasing number of illegal real estate transactions involving Greek Cypriot-owned land in areas not controlled by the Republic. The most problematic regions are reported to be Kyrenia (Girne), Trikomo (İskele), Famagusta, and Nicosia.

“This proposal is intended to put an end to the illegal buying and selling of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied areas,” reads the explanatory note attached to the bill.

The MP referred to reports from Turkish Cypriot media about ongoing construction of residential complexes on Greek Cypriot-owned land, which are then sold to foreign buyers.

According to available data, by the end of 2023:

• 15,000 properties in Trikomo (İskele) had been sold to foreign buyers.
• 9,000 in Akanthou (Tatlısu)
• 4,000 in Vasilia (Lapta)
• 2,400 in Kyrenia
• 2,000 in Lefka
• 1,200 in Bellapais
• 600 in Karpasia

Theodorou Superman emphasized that the new measures should encourage property owners in areas not under Republic of Cyprus control to take legal action to reclaim their rights from illegal occupants and their accomplices. She also pointed out that unscrupulous sellers frequently mislead foreign buyers by exploiting the unresolved Cyprus issue.

The proposal was supported by representatives of other parties and independent MPs.

In 2023, numerous real estate agents and property owners involved in transactions in the TRNC were arrested in Cyprus.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar has expressed concern over the arrests of foreigners linked to property sales in the TRNC. He raised the issue during meetings with UN Secretary-General’s Personal Representative on Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, and the head of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Cyprus, Colin Stewart. Tatar described these actions as “unacceptable”, stating that “they have no place in the legal framework.”