1956: A Landmark Year for Tunisia’s Real Estate History
Does the year 1956 ring a bell? It marks Tunisia’s independence. But in the realm of real estate, it also represents a watershed moment, dividing two distinct eras. Behind the walls of certain properties, agricultural lands, and old buildings lies a land history whose traces can still be found today in state registers.
The Ministry of State Domains and Land Affairs recently provided clarification on this heritage, responding to a written question from MP Basma Hammami, according to the TAP news agency. The inquiry focused on the inventory of properties owned by foreigners in Tunisia, particularly in Siliana.
Two Main Categories: Agricultural and Urban Properties
The issue is divided into two main components: agricultural lands and urban properties.
Agricultural Lands
For agricultural lands, Law No. 5 of 1964 reserves ownership rights for Tunisian nationals, the source explains. According to the ministry, the application of this law has allowed for the regularization of a significant portion of lands previously held by foreigners, integrating them into the national heritage. The transfer of the remaining lands to the state is still ongoing.
Urban Properties
Regarding urban properties, the data provided by the source highlights the scale of the issue. A total of 12,305 properties built or acquired before 1956 are involved.
- 7,645 properties owned by French nationals were transferred to the state under the Tunisian-French agreements of 1984 and 1989.
- The remaining 4,660 properties remain in the ownership of foreigners.
Some of these are managed by real estate agents or the National Real Estate Company of Tunisia (SNIT), while others remain at the disposal of their resident owners, in accordance with current legislation.
Ownership and Disposal Restrictions
Owning a property does not necessarily mean one can dispose of it without formalities. Certain transactions require authorization from the territorially competent governor and the Minister of State Domains.
However, exceptions are provided for French and Italian owners selling their properties to Tunisians, in accordance with applicable texts.
Management of Vacant and Dilapidated Properties
What happens to properties left unoccupied? The SNIT manages vacant properties within its scope, primarily by renting them out through public auctions.
Buildings at risk of collapse are subject to structured monitoring, notably under Law No. 33 of 2024. This law provides for measures of evacuation, restoration, or expropriation, while guaranteeing the rights of both owners and occupants.
Ongoing Inventory Process
The inventory process continues in coordination with the National Land Property Office and the SNIT, aiming to update lists and determine the legal status of each property.
