Filenews 15 January 2026 - by Natasha Christoforou
Illegalities and irregularities in dozens of Turkish Cypriot properties in Lefkara were detected by the Turkish Cypriot Property Management Service. According to data provided to "F" after a mapping of the area, which was carried out between November - December 2025, it was found that out of the 105 t/c premises in Lefkara, about 30 were illegals/irregularities.
In these premises, it was found that either the rent was not paid normally, or the original tenant had died and the premises were used by heirs (without a valid lease agreement), or it was used illegally without a lease agreement, or illegal additions/conversions were made.
So far, one letter has been sent for eviction and about ten others warning for the removal of illegalities.
In addition, 15 of these premises were found to be in poor condition. According to the senior officer of the Interior of the Turkish Cypriot Property Management Service, Elena Karekla, it should be re-evaluated which of them can be repaired (and at what cost) and which are judged to be demolished.
Our newspaper asked for this information after new complaints by the mayor of Lefkara, Sophocles Sophocleous, who stated that for decades there has been looting of Turkish Cypriot properties in the area, an issue that will also be discussed before the Refugee Committee of the Parliament on January 20.
"After two meetings that took place on my own initiative, they have mobilized to the extent that they are sending letters and asking for the houses back. For so many years, what did they do to bring about legality? What can dispute the position that it was a looting? I undertook this effort since 2017 when I took over as mayor", noted Mr. Sophocleous, indicating that the municipality's request is to legalize those who own Turkish Cypriot properties and to repair dangerous buildings. "The management was at the expense of the refugees and the local community. In recent days, letters have been sent to people who withhold Turkish Cypriot properties. After many decades, there is a serious check who owns them and whether the beneficiaries are legal. I denounced and submitted names before the president of the Refugee Committee. The names are also available to the competent services."
The Turkish Cypriot Property Management Service, however, notes that its actions did not result from the complaints of the mayor of Lefkara, but were the result of the amendment of the relevant legislation last July. "The actions of the Service in Lefkara did not arise due to the exhortations and complaints on the part of the mayor, but as part of the new broader and targeted framework of action of the Service, for better management of Turkish Cypriot properties, which was designed and started to be implemented immediately after the amendment of the legislation", noted Ms. Karekla. The senior official of the Turkish Cypriot Property Management Service also claimed that the mayor's complaints "were general and vague despite the fact that he was repeatedly asked to provide the data in writing".
