Imagine you’re buying a property. There are many steps you need to take. Think notaries, architects, banks, planning factors, renovation factors if necessary…the list goes on. But there’s also a step that must be undertaken (generally by notaries), which is establishing the title of the land. To put it very simply: who it belonged to and who it belongs to.

A three-month consultation period has recently concluded, during which public input was gathered regarding the reform of Malta’s Land Registration System. This register, which is managed by the Lands Registry Agency (not to be confused with the Lands Authority), is responsible for all property-related registrations. It provides clear and transparent information about land ownership and outlines the associated rights and obligations.

The current system dates back over 40 years, and the consultation on the reform was initiated after the Ministry for Lands and Electoral Programme Implementation spent several months consulting and developing a solid framework for change. The reform is set to be comprehensive and will be rolled out over a ten-year period. The ultimate goal is to bring greater efficiency to the property transfer process in Malta.

A key element of the reform is the move towards a Digital Land Register, which will streamline access to property information, making it faster and more precise.

Mandatory Registration for All Property Transactions

Speaking to The Journal, Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi explained a significant change in the pipeline: “The entire Maltese territory will be declared a Mandatory Registration Area, meaning that anyone acquiring property will be required to register it, and a title certificate will be issued through this registration process.”

Currently, only 54% of Malta’s territory is classified as a Mandatory Registration Area. However, by 2035, the reform will extend this requirement to cover the entire Maltese and Gozo territories. This change will enhance security and increase confidence in the property market, providing a significant boost to the local economy.

Consultation Document Recommendations

The consultation document featured 18 recommendations, including the need for faster solutions through a framework for mediation and arbitration when obstacles arise. Another key recommendation was to update the existing Act that established the Land Register, effectively drafting a new law.

What Was Recommended in the Consultation?

• Stakeholders agreed on the necessity of creating a mechanism that helps resolve disagreements on property registrations as quickly as possible.

• Emphasis was placed on the need to train professionals who will use the new digital system.

• There were suggestions to formally recognise the stakeholders in this sector within the law.

• It was requested that the Register have a continuous mechanism for identifying challenges and solutions.

• There was also a call for more information to be provided about the ongoing implementation of the reform.

• A suggestion was made for discussions with other government entities responsible for related legal areas, to ensure the necessary updates are made across the board.

Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi’s Statement

“We have worked diligently in preparing for this reform,” said Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi. “Now, we see the reform moving forward from one stage to the next, until all its objectives are achieved. Our aim is to reach the final point, meaning that by 2035, Malta and Gozo will be fully covered by mandatory registration,” the Minister concluded.