Cyprus Times

Cyprus Parliament Discusses Bill on Loss of Property Use in Occupied Territories

Published March 10, 2026, 14:08
Cyprus Parliament Discusses Bill on Loss of Property Use in Occupied Territories

The Parliamentary Refugee Committee has begun an article-by-article discussion of legislation concerning compensation for owners of real estate in the occupied territories due to loss of use. The goal is to pass the law before the dissolution of Parliament ahead of the May elections. The Ministry of Finance and the Central Equal Burden Distribution Agency have committed to submitting draft regulations to implement the compensation through the agency and not the Loss of Property Use Fund. However, the available amount, derived from the 0.4% fee on property transactions, is estimated to be limited (20-25 million euros), resulting in very low compensation for many owners (around 2 euros per month). The Committee Chairman, Nikos Kettiros, expressed concern about the amount of compensation and the need to strengthen the fund. Additionally, the issue of the starting point of the loss of use (from 1974 or from the enactment of the legislation) was discussed, with general agreement to apply it from 1974.