Parliamentary committee discusses property acquisition rules for foreigners

The Parliament's House Interior Committee met on October 22, 2026, to discuss amending the legislative framework governing property acquisitions by foreign interests in Cyprus. The session highlighted the need for stricter regulations to prevent the use of Cypriot companies as intermediaries and to ensure the protection of farmland and national security.

Committee chairman Aristos Damianou raised concerns regarding reports of 'enforcers' intimidating residents to vacate properties near the former GSZ stadium in Larnaca. Additionally, committee members addressed the issue of 'hidden contracts' within the Department of Lands and Surveys, which complicate the identification of actual property owners. Damianou emphasized the urgency of the matter, citing its importance for national security and the economy.

The committee has requested a comprehensive legislative proposal from the government. Should the Ministry of Interior fail to present its own bill within the next two weeks, the committee intends to proceed with existing legislative proposals. Legislators aim to finalize the new regulatory framework by the end of this year, resuming a process that was previously interrupted by elections in April.