Abandoned Lands In Jamaica

Question from Bonetta Burey, London, England:

"Is there a register of abandoned parcels of land that are available for sale in Jamaica? If so, how can I get access to it to buy one please?"

Answer by Wellesley:

Hi Bonetta, thank you for your question. In Jamaica, there isn't a specific public register called "abandoned land" that's openly available for sale. However, there are still several ways to identify and purchase unused or underutilized land, especially government-owned property or unregistered parcels.

The first option is to look into government-owned lands managed by the National Land Agency (NLA). If you've identified a piece of land that appears unused, you can apply to the NLA to purchase it. The application usually includes a letter of interest and, for commercial use, a basic business plan. The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation also facilitates applications through their website.

Another option involves unregistered land, which still makes up a good portion of properties in Jamaica. Purchasing these requires a legal process to secure title, which includes a land survey, supporting documents to prove occupation or ownership history, and eventually an application through the courts to get it officially registered in your name.

To find potential properties, you can use the eLand Jamaica map service provided by the NLA, or speak to local real estate agents or community members who may know of land sitting idle. Keep in mind, though, that due diligence is a must—especially in rural areas—so partnering with an attorney experienced in Jamaican land law is highly recommended to avoid disputes or unclear ownership.

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