Update on the Immovable Property Commission’s (IPC) Work by Chairwoman Növber Ferit Veçhi
As of September 13, the Chairwoman of the Immovable Property Commission (IPC), Növber Ferit Veçhi, reported on the progress of the commission’s work. A total of 7,734 applications have been submitted, and 1,840 cases have been resolved, resulting in compensation payments amounting to £467,060,546.
Veçhi explained that the IPC handles claims related to properties in North Cyprus, particularly for Greek Cypriots who left land there. The commission reviews applications and makes binding decisions on whether properties should be returned, exchanged, or if compensation should be given. In 2010, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) recognized the IPC as a legitimate way for Greek Cypriots to address property claims, leading to the dismissal of many cases against Turkey, which were instead referred to the IPC.
Currently, there are 5,894 ongoing cases at different stages of the process. Of these, 3,739 have had initial opinions filed, but 2,215 are waiting for applicants to provide additional documents. The IPC is actively working to resolve these cases, holding regular meetings to review files and reach settlements. Since October 2021, 432 cases have been completed.
Veçhi also noted that payments approved by the IPC are made by the Ministry of Finance, not by the commission itself. So far, £297,137,484 has been paid out for 1,161 resolved cases. Payments are made promptly, and all decisions made before 2021 have been fully paid.
She emphasized that the IPC’s decisions are accepted by the ECHR, which strengthens the commission’s credibility. In particular, the IPC has settled 26 cases involving Greek Cypriots, resulting in £26,458,420 in compensation. These applicants notified the ECHR that their cases had been resolved, which led to their cases being removed from the ECHR’s register.
Veçhi highlighted that the IPC continues to operate transparently and efficiently, aiming to provide fair and timely outcomes for property claims. The commission was established in 2005 following an ECHR ruling and remains a recognized legal body for settling property disputes in Northern Cyprus.
