The Parliamentary Committee on Refugee Affairs has decided to abolish the practice of distributing Turkish Cypriot property through auctions.
The objective of the reform is to guarantee a more transparent, equitable, and targeted utilization of this property in the interests of displaced persons.
At a meeting on Tuesday, June 17, the committee examined the provisions governing the management of properties left behind by Turkish Cypriots and under the administration of the state custodian. The discourse centered on enhancing procedures for the transfer of property between refugees, ensuring equality and transparency, and developing objective and measurable criteria for distribution. According to the committee chairman, AKEL MP Nicos Kettirou, the pivotal outcome of the meeting was the consolidation of the rule that all Turkish Cypriot residential property will be used exclusively as primary residences for resettlers.
At the committee's recommendation, residential property has been wholly excluded from the list of properties to be put up for auction, as stipulated in the amendments introduced by the government. According to Kettros, this development signifies the termination of the transferability of Turkish Cypriot homes through tenders or to other parties.
It was also stated that the utilization of these residences as secondary residences or vacation homes will be terminated entirely. With regard to extant lease agreements, it is imperative to note that these will not be terminated. Tenants will retain the right to renew their contracts, as termination may be contrary to constitutional provisions.
A particular focus was allocated to the examination of commercial real estate that was previously owned by Turkish Cypriots.
Kettiris offered a scathing critique of the Administration's proposal to institute a mandatory rent equivalent to 75% of the market value, characterizing it as a ruinous initiative for small family businesses.
We categorically oppose this provision — at least as AKEL — and will not accept it under any circumstances, he stated, emphasizing that such conditions had already compelled numerous entrepreneurs to confront a substantial increase in rent — from €500 to €2,200.
Alternatively, Kettiris proposed a flexible, phased rent increase system, while exempting large companies and businesses that utilize real estate for commercial purposes from the benefits. According to the committee chairman, the state will be able to generate revenue from such "premium" plots while maintaining support for small and medium-sized businesses. He expressed confidence that at the subsequent meeting, scheduled for next Tuesday, a consensus will be reached that will allow the updated provisions to be put to a vote before the end of the current parliamentary session.