Parliamentary question seeks extension for property declarations in Rhodope cadastre process
At the initiative of Ozgur Ferhat, the parliamentary group of New Left submitted a formal question to the Minister of Digital Governance in Greece, calling for an extension for citizens who have not yet declared their properties to the Cadastre and for faster processing of submitted applications.
30% of Property Owners Have Not Completed Declarations
According to available data, around 70% of citizens in Rhodope have completed the property declaration process with the national cadastre system. However, the remaining 30% have been unable to submit their declarations within the prescribed deadlines.
Officials warn that this situation could put many citizens at risk of losing their property rights, particularly in rural areas of the region.
The parliamentary question notes that many property owners faced bureaucratic and administrative barriers, tax-related issues, and insufficient information about the process, preventing them from completing their declarations on time. In addition, missing title documents and limited technical knowledge have further complicated the procedure.
Local Institutions Support a Second Opportunity
Several local institutions—including the Rhodope Bar Association, the Notaries Association, and regional engineering professionals—have also voiced support for giving citizens a second opportunity to declare their properties.
According to these organizations, reopening the process or introducing a special regulation could prevent potential loss of property rights and strengthen citizens’ trust in the cadastre system and state institutions.
High Legal Costs for Property Disputes
The parliamentary proposal also warns that, without an extension, many citizens may be forced to pursue legal action to safeguard their ownership rights, which could cost between €2,500 and €3,000 in court expenses.
In a period of rising economic pressures, such costs could represent a significant financial burden for the average household in Rhodope.
Delays in Processing Applications
The proposal further highlights delays in reviewing newly submitted property declarations. Currently, the finalization process can take up to eight months, which negatively affects the security of real estate transactions and the smooth functioning of the property market.
Call for Digital Improvements
MP Ferhat called on the government to consider granting a new deadline or introducing a special arrangement for citizens in Rhodope who failed to complete their declarations.
He also emphasized the need to create a more user-friendly digital platform to simplify the submission process and urged authorities to strengthen cadastre staffing and introduce binding deadlines for application reviews.
The initiative aims to protect property rights, prevent unnecessary financial burdens on households, and ensure that the cadastre system operates more efficiently for local communities and the regional economy.
