The Immovable Property Commission of Northern Cyprus Explained

The Immovable Property Commission of Northern Cyprus (IPC) was established under the Immovable Property Law in accordance with decisions of the European Court of Human Rights. Its purpose is to provide an effective domestic legal remedy for claims relating to property Greek Cypriots owned, who no longer have the use of their property in Northern Cyprus.

For general guidance on the overall procedure, please see our IPC claim guidance in Northern Cyprus homepage information.

IPC claim guidance in Northern Cyprus

The legality and effectiveness of the IPC has been examined and confirmed by the European Court of Human Rights.

The IPC was established in 2005 and began operating on 17 March 2006.

Recognition of The IPC by the European Court of Human Rights

 The European Court of Human Rights reviewed the structure, procedures, and decisions of the Immovable Property Commission of Northern Cyprus.

The Court concluded that:

• The IPC’s procedures are adequate and effective
• The IPC operates in compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights
• The IPC constitutes an effective local remedy for property claims arising in Northern Cyprus

In a landmark judgment in March 2010, the ECHR ruled that:

• The Immovable Property Commission of Northern Cyprus must be used as the first legal remedy for Greek Cypriot property claims

This decision confirmed the legal standing and international recognition of the IPC.

Following the 2010 ECHR judgment:

• There was a significant increase in applications to the IPC
• Many Greek Cypriots began pursuing claims through the Commission

The Immovable Property Commission of Northern Cyprus plays a central role in:

• Resolving long-standing property disputes
• Providing legal certainty for claimants
• Ensuring compliance with international human rights standards.

Role and Powers of the IPC

The IPC of Northern Cyprus has the authority to examine property claims and issue binding decisions.

The remedies available through the IPC include:

• Restitution (return of the property)
• Exchange (allocation of alternative property)
• Compensation

The Commission aims to provide a remedy that is fair, efficient, and effective, and to contribute to the wider resolution of the Cyprus property issue.

Value of land in Northern Cyprus

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