Issuance of property titles to refugees living within BB – “Descendants of refugees in houses built on BB land can obtain title deeds and will have the same rights”
The SBAA confirmed that a total of 970 plots , land within BB, with a total area of more than 170,000m2 located in both the eastern and western areas of BB, is to be granted to refugees residing there.
This landmark agreement is the result of efforts by both BB and the Republic of Cyprus who are working tirelessly, as stated in a press release British Bases Command to find a solution to ensure that refugees are not disadvantaged by the location of their homes.
The BB Administration has consistently supported the building of refugee homes on BB land through the allocation of plots and the granting of leases, many built since 1980. 1974, to provide shelter to displaced persons. An equivalent system was also introduced in BB to ensure that those affected by the war had a place to live. The transfer of land is not unusual and has been happening since 2007, when the BBs began to reflect the decision of the KD to issue property titles to all refugees residing in refugee Settlements”, as reported.
In 2018, he notes, it came to the attention of the BB Management that some refugees who lived in the houses had passed away, leaving descendants without legal title to the property they lived in.
“But thanks to the close working relationship between the BB Management Authorities and the KD, a solution has now been found to overcome the legal complications and the Home Office will identify and transfer the land on behalf of the BB.
< p>After the signing of the official agreement, the descendants of refugees in houses built on BB land can obtain property titles and will have the same rights as others living in the villages of Achna and Frenaros in the eastern regions of BB and Trahoni and Kolossi in the western areas of BB”.
Clare Simpson, BB's Political Director explained the significance of the decision and how it was reached.
She said, “the protection of interests of the residents of BB is a priority for the Administration. I am glad that refugees, or descendants of refugees, will now receive title deeds to homes they have lived in for decades. I am grateful for the supportive cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior, the Department of Cadastre and Land Surveying of the KD and the District Administrations that helped to complete this issue, allowing refugees to have equal and fair treatment within the BBs”.
