How do I find the owner of a vacant lot?

Question from Ashli, Kingston:

"I am trying to find the owner of a piece of land that is known to be vacant for years. The land is now covered with overgrown trees and shrubs. I used the eLandJa to locate the plot of land as well as the valuation number. I then used the Jamaica land tax site to find the names of the owner of the land. But now, I am stuck because I can not locate the owners. I have searched their names using Google and Facebook, however I was unsuccessful in finding these persons. Is there any advice that you could give me with helping to locate the owners?"

Answer by Wellesley:

Ashli, you’ve actually made a solid start, mi friend—many persons don’t even reach as far as you’ve gotten. Since you already have the valuation number and a name from the tax portal, the next step would be to dig a bit deeper offline. I recommend visiting the National Land Agency office with your details. You may be able to request a copy of the land title—which sometimes lists a mailing address, attorney, or executor for estate matters if the owner has passed.

Sometimes the best help comes from those closest to the land—try talking to long-time neighbours or even someone at the local post office or community church. Believe it or not, those old-time channels still work wonders in Jamaica. You may find out the owner migrated or hear where relatives are living now.

Another path, especially if the owner might be deceased, is to check with the Registrar General’s Department or the Probate Registry to see if the land is part of an open estate. And if after trying all that you’re still getting nowhere, you might consider linking with a real estate attorney or private investigator. They can take it further, and even advise you if you qualify for adverse possession under the law, assuming you meet certain conditions.

So don’t give up—just switch gears. If the land is worth it to you, it’s worth the deeper dive.

📚 Recommended reading: Jamaica on a Budget - Discovering Paradise Without The Price Tag!

📅 Last updated: June 11, 2025

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