A Cyprus Community of NSW initiative
Every report is reviewed by people before any approach is made to an advertiser, property platform, regulator or authority.
LandWatch follows representations made by the Community concerning an advertisement on realestate.com.au for commercial premises in the occupied Kyrenia district. The listing was subsequently taken offline.
The Community welcomed the response from realestate.com.au and its parent company, REA Group — and the matter highlighted the need for closer scrutiny of similar advertisements on Australian and international websites.
In many cases, the original registered owners and their descendants were displaced and have not consented to the sale, development or commercial use of their land. An advertisement should not present such property as a straightforward investment without proper verification of ownership and authority to sell.
The continuing rights of displaced property owners have been considered by European and British courts.
The Court found that Titina Loizidou remained the legal owner of her property in Kyrenia despite being prevented from accessing it. The registered owner does not cease to be the owner simply because access to the property has been prevented.
The Court found continuing violations involving the homes and property of displaced Greek Cypriots.
British citizens built a villa on land in Lapithos belonging to displaced registered owner Meletis Apostolides. A court of the Republic of Cyprus ordered the return of possession, demolition of the structures and payment of damages — and the judgment was enforced in England ([2010] EWCA Civ 9). Property disputes can have consequences outside Cyprus.
Article 303A concerns fraudulent dealings involving another person's immovable property. In May 2025, two European citizens were convicted by the Nicosia Assize Court in connection with the advertising and promotion of Greek Cypriot-owned property in the occupied areas.
Section 18 prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct, and section 30 deals with false or misleading representations concerning interests in land. Advertisements directed to Australian buyers should accurately describe the interest being offered and disclose any material ownership issue.
“We are not asking Australian platforms to determine the Cyprus issue. We are asking them to ensure that consumers receive clear and accurate information.”
Michael Kyriacou — Honorary President, Cyprus Community of NSW
Have information to share or questions about LandWatch? Get in touch:
The Community is assembling a LandWatch task force involving younger community members with skills or interests in artificial intelligence, information technology, digital research, law, property and communications.
The group will assist in identifying advertisements, recording relevant information and preparing evidence-based referrals. Technology will help locate and organise information — but people will assess whether further action is warranted.
LandWatch also gives younger Australians of Cypriot heritage a practical way to learn about the villages, homes and land connected to their families, and to contribute their professional skills to the Community.
This initiative is not directed against Turkish Cypriots, Turkish people or any other community. Its purpose is to encourage proper verification of ownership and consent before property in the occupied areas is marketed to consumers. Each report is reviewed before any approach is made to an advertiser, property platform, regulator or authority.
If you have seen an advertisement promoting property in the occupied areas of Cyprus on an Australian or international website, let us know. The public can help identify advertisements that may require further examination.
Your details are used only to review your report and to contact you if further information is needed. Each report is reviewed before any further action is taken.
The Cyprus Community of NSW Ltd was founded in 1929 and is a not-for-profit organisation, a registered Club in the State of New South Wales, registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
Cyprus Community of NSW Ltd acknowledges, and pay our respect to our pioneers, for their efforts, sacrifices and achievements, to establish and guide this organisation to preserve the culture, values, language, traditions and identity of the people from Cyprus to contribute to the harmony, welfare, progress, prosperity and rich fabric of Australia, we give thanks
GambleAware
gambleaware.nsw.gov.au
1800 858 858
Cyprus Community of NSW Ltd acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands across Australia as the continuing custodians of Country and Culture. We pay our respect to First Nations peoples and their Elders, past and present.
©2019- 2025 Cyprus Community of NSW Ltd
ABN 37 002 306 336
