Legal dispute over Turkish Cypriot land in Paphos: case referred to district courts

A legal dispute is escalating in Paphos over Turkish Cypriot-owned land valued at tens of millions of euros. Heirs of the owners are seeking the right to dispose of the plots, a significant portion of which is currently used for public needs.

According to media reports, the areas in question include territories where social housing, roads, and infrastructure facilities have been built, including Paphos Airport and the Andreas Papandreou Airbase. The Custodian of Turkish Cypriot Properties, together with the heirs, entered into an agreement to sell the land for 11.8 million euros and attempted to finalize the transaction through the land registry.

However, the land registry department appraised these plots significantly higher — at approximately 58 million euros. Authorities refused to approve the deal, citing the fact that the land is used for public interest.

Following the dismissal of the initial lawsuit, the applicants filed an appeal; however, the Administrative Court of Appeal ruled that it lacks jurisdiction to hear the case. As a result, the dispute was redirected to district courts, where the process is expected to continue.

Experts note that the case could set a precedent regarding the management of disputed real estate and inheritance rights on the island.