Land Registry – Does The Bahamas Need One?

The registration of land is an important record that determines the rightful ownership of land or property and other types of infrastructures occupying the land. This document includes transactions that have been made on the land such as changes in ownership and any other information that may be of legal relevance to current owners. Registering land helps keep the authorities up-to-date with public records and reduces any ownership conflicts that may arise in the future. 

The information on the document includes, and is not limited to: who owns the land, title plans that indicate where the boundaries lie, restrictions that could affect changes to the land structures etc. There are so many benefits and reasons why land registration is important when you own land. 

• You have full concrete proof that the land is under your ownership and has been moved from the previous owner
• The authorities have a digital confirmation in the case of printed documents being lost or destroyed in your possession
• Prevents potential fraud from persons who try to claim that they own another person’s land. 

The Bahamian government allows for deeds and any other legal documents to be recorded at the Registrar Generals Department. If someone is looking to acquire a condominium or property that would be used for their business, rentals or self-occupying, if foreign, they are to register the purchase with the Investments Board. This process is compulsory for any category one is to fall under; permanent residents or non-residents who have an interest in land and property within the Bahamas. 

Issues with title to properties often delay real estate transaction closings inordinately so because too many do not ensure that legal formalities are executed to establish clear roots of the title so that if and when sold or transferred, title searches are made easier and are well supported by documented transactions related to the history of the property.

Squatting on land NOT owned by persons is a big issue in the Bahamas.  A land registry will go a long way in minimizing what amounts to land theft often done by a few land grabbers who make a living from it.  This must cease.