The primary legal framework governing land acquisition and compensation in Cyprus is provided under the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus, along with specific laws such as the Compulsory Acquisition Law (Law 15/62) and subsequent amendments.

These laws set out the conditions under which the government can compulsorily acquire private property and the procedures for compensation.

Compulsory acquisition is typically justified on grounds of public interest, such as urban development, public safety, or economic development.

The specific purpose for the acquisition must be clearly stated and justified as serving the public interest.

The property owner is formally notified of the government’s intention to acquire the property. This notification usually includes details about the property being acquired, the purpose of the acquisition, and preliminary information about compensation.

An independent valuation of the property is conducted to determine its fair market value. This valuation considers factors such as the property’s location, size, current use, and market conditions.

The valuation is typically carried out by a government valuer or an appointed independent valuer.

Based on the valuation, the government makes a compensation offer to the property owner.

The property owner can either accept this offer or negotiate for a higher compensation. If an agreement cannot be reached, the property owner has the right to contest the amount of compensation through legal channels.

Once the compensation amount is agreed upon or determined through legal means, the government is required to pay the property owner. This payment should be prompt and in full.

If the payment is delayed, the property owner may be entitled to additional compensation, such as interest.

Property owners have the right to appeal both the decision to acquire the property and the amount of compensation. Appeals are typically made to the courts.

The courts can review whether the acquisition is justified and whether the compensation offered is fair and in line with market values.

After the compensation is paid, the property is officially transferred to the government. The Land Registry is updated to reflect the change in ownership.

In cases where property is acquired for large-scale projects, additional considerations such as relocation assistance, environmental impact assessments, and community consultations may be involved.