Minister for Lands and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, has announced that the government will introduce a reform in the Land Registration System. This reform aims to significantly enhance the quality of the Land Register and transition to a clearer, more efficient, and effective system. This system will provide increased efficiency in property transfer processes across the country.
This announcement was made during the launch of the public consultation of the National Strategy for the Reform of the Land Registration System: 2025-2035. This document was prepared over recent months following preliminary discussions with various entities and stakeholders in this field. It is now open for public consultation, encouraging all interested parties to participate and share their views and suggestions regarding the proposed measures.
Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi noted that the current Land Registration System dates back over 40 years to the legislation approved by the Maltese Parliament in 1981 and implemented in early 1982. Since its inception, the goal of the system has always been to declare all of Malta as a compulsory registration area, ensuring that anyone acquiring property would be required to register it, resulting in the issuance of a title certificate. However, to date, only 54% of Maltese territory has been designated as a compulsory registration area. This reform sets a clear target to make the entirety of Maltese and Gozitan territory a compulsory registration area within the next ten years, by 2035.
The Minister emphasised that the government’s vision for this reform is to ensure greater clarity in the process and to provide all property buyers with the ability to register their property and obtain a title certificate. This would enhance security and bolster trust in the property market.
The document, now open for public consultation, is built on five strategic pillars:
- State Protection of Land and Property Rights
A clear registration system that safeguards everyone’s rights, encourages investment, and supports economic development.
- Effective Protection of Title for Property Owners
Property rights must be clear, enforceable, and protected.
- Trust and Transparency
An accessible system that ensures transparency and strengthens property owners’ rights. A digital online system will facilitate access to property information, ensuring safer transactions.
- Secure Title Certificates Offering Significant Benefits
Clear and accessible property rights support social stability and financial growth.
- Digital Transformation of Land Registration
An online digital system will simplify property transactions and access to property information. Digitalisation will promote transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the registration process.
The document presents 18 recommendations to achieve this vision. Key among them is the need to update the current Act establishing the Land Registry and to declare the entire Maltese territory as a compulsory registration area within a decade. The document also includes recommendations on improving the quality and certainty of property title certificates and introducing measures to better define property boundaries. Another major recommendation involves finding quicker resolutions to disputes through a framework for mediation and arbitration.
Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi highlighted that this document builds on the past 40 years of experience, demonstrating what needs to be done. “The government wishes for everyone to share their views and suggestions so that, ultimately, we achieve the broadest possible consensus and implement this change together. We believe it is time for the country to adopt a land registration system that is clear, efficient, and effective, providing every property owner with peace of mind about their property title. Just as a car owner has a logbook proving ownership, so should every property owner have a robust title certificate for their property,” stated Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi.
He explained that the document is the result of extensive preliminary discussions with various stakeholders, including the Notarial Council, the Chamber of Architects, the Developers Association, real estate agents, banks, and other interested entities. Through the launched document, the consultation and information process will now expand further to ensure widespread participation. Public meetings, where the reform will be explained and the government will welcome comments and proposals, are planned for interested parties.
The press conference also included a technical presentation by the CEO of the Land Registration Agency, architect Michelle Piccinino. Also in attendance were the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, Carlos Tabone, senior officials from the Land Registration Agency and government authorities in the sector, as well as representatives from interested stakeholders.
The public consultation will end on the 28th of February 2025. The document is accessible at: https://artijiet.gov.mt/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LRA-document-20.11.24.pdf. Submissions may be made on the public consultation platform: publicconsultation.gov.mt.
