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UK Government Issues Warning To Buyers Of Property In Northern Cyprus, by Lorys Charalambous, Tax-News.com, Cyprus 07 February 2005

British Minister of State for Europe Denis MacShane has advised Britons who are considering buying a residence in Northern Cyprus to seek independent qualified legal advice before making a purchase, in the light of the ongoing legal dispute involving a British couple who have purchased property in the territory.

The case in question relates to Britons David and Linda Orams, who bought a property which had originally belonged to a Greek Cypriot but were later ordered to demolish the house they constructed in the village of Lapithos and compensate the Greek Cypriot involved. Although the couple bought the property from a Turkish Cypriot, the title deeds they received are recognised only by the Northern Cyprus authorities and by Turkey.

Responding to a question posed by Labour MP Andrew Dismore in the House of Commons last week, MacShane explained that the non-recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the possibility of a future political settlement in Cyprus “could have significant practical or financial implications for those considering buying property in the north”.

Whilst MacShane stated that the British government was watching developments in the Orams case closely, he added that it would be “inappropriate to comment on the case while legal proceedings are in progress and the outcome is uncertain.”

However he added: “Through our travel advice, and in response to queries, we explain the unique circumstances in Cyprus, and strongly advise potential purchasers of property to seek independent qualified legal advice.”

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