**Property Titling for Refugee Settlements to Commence in March**
The Refugee Committee of the Parliament has announced that the process of issuing property titles and lease certificates for residences in refugee settlements and self-housing settlements is set to begin in March. This initiative aims to address the backlog of over 8,500 residences awaiting documentation.
President Nikos Kettiros, following the Refugee Committee meeting, emphasized that the session served as a supervisory review to ensure that state services are executing the decisions made by the Parliament. He recalled the legislation passed on December 8, 2023, which streamlined the procedures for issuing property titles and lease certificates that were previously pending before various departments such as the Land Registry, the Welfare Service, and the District Administration.
The Committee was informed that there are currently 8,533 pending titles or lease certificates throughout Cyprus. The Land Registry was expected to have initiated the titling process, barring certain exceptions. However, procedural issues have been identified, and as a result, the issuance of documents will officially start from March 2024.
Kettiros acknowledged the challenges encountered during the implementation phase by competent departments. He stated, “During the implementation of this process by the competent Departments, it has become transparent that there may be some difficulties and issues that were not anticipated.” In response, a meeting has been scheduled for next Tuesday for these departments to convene and report back to Parliament on their strategies to resolve these issues. The Committee has offered its assistance where necessary.
Significant improvements have been made to expedite the process. On-site inspections, which previously caused delays, have been removed. Additionally, the five-year limitation for lease certificates has been lifted, and titles can now be issued with a note for minor irregularities.
Kettiros concluded by stressing the importance of re-examining the titling issue in the near future, as many citizens are eagerly awaiting their property titles. With 8,500 residences pending, the Committee’s actions are crucial in providing long-awaited documentation to affected residents.
