Sorry, that's wrong. The UK advice says that purchase of land that belonged to either to Turkish-Cypriot or foreign owners prior to 1974 is effectively a safe buy as there are unlikely to be any future claims upon it. However, the TRNC-title land is largely the spoils taken from former GC owners and is therefore likely to disputes over ownership in the future.
The fact that pre-1974 TC and foreign-owned land is exempt from the warning doesn't recognise the land-redistribution since then. It simply says that the title to the land is not likely to be disputed and hence there should be no barriers to buying it.
Sorry, Mr Moose, but I think you are reading it wrongly here. I didn't say that they recognised it - they just don't discourage it and they don't say it is illegal.
If they wanted to stop UK citizens buying dispossessed GC land, here is what they would say: " Do Not Buy disspossessed GC land in the TRNC"
Here's the exact piece of advice on the FCO's site:
Property issues are closely linked to the political situation (see Cyprus Country Profile). There are a number of potential practical, financial and legal implications, particularly for those considering buying property in the north – these relate to the non-recognition of the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”, the possibility of a future political settlement in Cyprus, and claims to ownership from people displaced in 1974. There is also a risk that purchasers would face legal proceedings in the courts of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as attempts to enforce judgements from the courts of the Republic of Cyprus elsewhere in the EU, including the UK. Separately, there are specific [u]rules for foreigners purchasing property in the north and you should ensure you are fully aware of these.
[Time share/property salespersons tout for business in Cyprus, especially in the Paphos area. You should read the fine print very carefully and seek legal advice before signing any kind of contract. Under Cyprus law you are entitled to a 15-day “cooling off” period during which, if you change your mind, you should receive a full refund of any money paid.
When you read it with the words underlined borne in mind you see that it is a diplomatic way of appeasing the GC Government but at the same time saying we do not see the sales of these properties in this way but the GCs do and they may "claim ownership" - that does not mean they will have ownership.
There may be "potential" implications - not actual ones.
There could be a political settlement "possibly" not definitely
There is a "risk" that legal action could result - not that there definitely will be action. Also the could be "attempts" to get enforcement in EU courts not there will be definite or even probableenforcement.
"There are specific rules..." this could easily have pointed out pre 1974 titles as the only ones where these rules should be followed but this is clearly not the case.
Notice how the advice finishes with a warning about Paphos, in order to dilute the emphasis on the TRNC
