The Government of Cyprus estimates that there may be 100,000 foreigners living in North Cyprus. Many of these are from Great Britain. The Orams couple has a typical story with an unusual twist.
The Orams spent their life savings building a villa and swimming pool. They bought their property according to the law of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Northern Cyprus was created in 1974 when Turkish troops landed in response to a Greek backed coup attempt.
They heard that someone in Cyprus was planning to sue but they never dreamed that they would be the target. After investing 160,000 British pounds in their dream house they were brought to court by Meletios Apostolides. The British court ruled that a judgment obtained against a British couple which built a villa in North Cyprus could not be enforced in the British courts. Apostiledes was ordered to pay most of the court costs to Linda and David Orams.
In the past few years Northern Cyprus has reaped the rewards of improved relations with the outside world; building projects have sprouted all over with a championship level golf course now nearing completion and a 500+ berth Marina complex commencing building work this year. Properties are especially popular with people from the UK for investment, retirement or holidays.
[ClickPress, Sun Sep 10 2006] |
