ECtHR may declare the Immovable Property Commission invalid

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) plans to reassess the status of the functioning Immovable Property Commission (IPC) in Northern Cyprus within the next three months. There is a possibility that it could be declared "invalid and void," which could have significant implications for resolving property disputes, especially concerning Greek Cypriot claims for compensation or property restitution.

The IPC, established in 2005 and operational since 2006, was recognized by the ECtHR in 2010 in the case of "Demopoulos and others" as an "effective domestic remedy" for Greek Cypriot applicants. This meant that applicants were required to go through the IPC before filing a complaint in Strasbourg.

However, over the years, the Commission's effectiveness has increasingly been questioned. Many cases remain unresolved for years, compensation payments are delayed, and the workload continues to grow. These issues have drawn the attention of the ECtHR and prompted a reassessment of its status.

If the court declares the IPC invalid, Greek Cypriot applicants will regain the right to file complaints directly with the ECtHR. Such a step could lead to dramatic changes in the legal and diplomatic landscape: numerous new and potentially costly compensation claims, risks of escalating Cyprus negotiations, and shifts in the negotiation balance.

Experts estimate that such a decision could entail significant financial losses for the Turkish side and Northern Cyprus. Meanwhile, the lack of effective and timely functioning of the IPC increases the threat of renewed diplomatic tensions and crises in the peace settlement process.

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Reactions and assessments

Earlier, in June 2025, Halkın Partisi leader Kudret Ezer­say commented on the ECtHR decision in the K.V. Mediterranean Tours case, noting that the court reaffirmed that except for a specific 15-year delay, the IPC remains an effective domestic remedy that must be exhausted before applying to the ECtHR. The delay was partly related to the absence of timely consultations by Northern Cyprus prosecutorial authorities, but this does not negate the principle — the IPC retains its status.

Conclusion

The European Court of Human Rights may soon issue a landmark decision on the IPC’s status — either declaring it invalid or maintaining it as an "effective domestic mechanism." The ruling will be crucial for future property claims, reparations, and international relations concerning Cyprus.