The Ministry for Lands and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme together with the Land Registration Agency has launched a public consultation to carry out a reform of the land registration system. The aim of the reform is to make significant change in the quality of this register and for the agency to start operating with a system that is clear, efficient and effective which offers more efficiency property transfers.

Today's land registration system dates back over 40 years. The aim of the law, which had entered into force in 1982, was for all Malta to be declared a Compulsory Land Registration Area, so that every person acquiring property would be obliged to register and through that registration a certificate of title would be issued. However, to date, we still have only 54% of Maltese territory which is deemed to be a Compulsory Land Registration Area, and now with this reform, by 2035, all Maltese and Gozitan territory will be within a Compulsory Land Registration Area.

With such a reform in the sector, there will be more clarity in the process, as well as the possibility for anyone acquiring property to register and obtain a certificate of title. This would increase security and strengthen greater confidence in the property market. The reform will ensure an accessible system that ensures transparency and strengthens the rights of property owners. Another important pillar in the strategy is the strengthening of an online digital system which should facilitate property transactions and the acquisition of property information. Digitalisation gives transparency and access to information so that the registration process promotes efficiency, accountability and transparency.

The discussion paper presents various recommendations including that the present act establishing the Lands Registry should be updated and that within a ten-year period, the whole Maltese territory becomes a registration zone. Another key recommendation is to find faster solutions to issues arising about registration through a framework for mediation and arbitration.

Everyone is encouraged to participate and bring forward comments and feedback to the recommendations set out in the strategy on the portal: https://www.gov.mt/mt/publicconsultation/Pages/2024/NL-0036-2024.aspx