Jamaica Land Agency
What Does The National Land Agency Do?

Jamaica Land Agency | National Land Agency (Photo: Jamaicaobserver.com)

by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer

The Jamaica land agency was established in 2001 to bring together the core land functions of Jamaica under the National Land Agency.

What are these core functions?

• Land Titles
• Surveys & Mapping
• Land Valuation & Estate (Crown Land) Management

Products and Services of the Jamaica Land Agency

Property Management and Land Valuation

In this division, you will be able to obtain information on:

1. Information relating to parcels of land
   
   
2. Updates to the Valuation Roll such as:

• Change of ownership
• Change of postal address
• New parcels created from sub-divisions
• The Certification of Value for properties, which are being subdivided.

Surveys and Mapping

The Surveys and Mapping department provides technical services for the National Land Agency through aerial photographs, surveys and land information. The department also supervises contracts executed on the agency’s behalf.

Land Management

This department manages the assets of the Commissioner of Lands. This responsibility includes overseeing the divesting of lands by lease of sale, land acquired for public purposes and the management of land settlement schemes.

How do I get a land title in Jamaica?

If you are the owner of the land but you don’t have the registered title these are the steps to apply to the Registrar of Titles:

• The completed application form
• A statutory declaration to prove possession of the lands by the person applying
• 2 statutory declarations from two persons who have known the land for at least 30 years and can verify ownership from their knowledge.
• Proof of up-to-date payments on Property Tax (this can be obtained from the TAJ)
• Documents which prove ownership of the land, for example, Receipt, Conveyance, Probate, or Certificate of Compliance under the Facilities for Titles Act.
• Survey pre-checked diagram (if the land is being registered by plan).

If the application was not made by plan, then a detailed description of the land concerning landmarks and any names by which the land is known must be given.

Each case is different; as such, other documents may be required to prove ownership of the land.

How long does land title transfer take in Jamaica?

No matter if the land is being transferred by gift, pursuant to testamentary, or for value, the process is still quite tedious. The process can take up to 6 weeks to be completed.

It is often advised to retain a lawyer to aid the process and to ensure all the documents are accurately presented before they are sent to the relevant agencies which in this case are the Tax Administration Jamaica and the National Land Agency.

How much does it cost to transfer land titles in Jamaica?

Land transfers will require the payment of all outstanding government fees and Property taxes before they are in effect. In addition to those payments, a 2% transfer tax, the Stamp Duty fee (at TAJ) and the 0.05% Market Value tax must be paid unless exemptions were made.

How do you get Government land in Jamaica?

If you identify land owned by the government that you wish to purchase, your letter of application must be submitted to the Commissioner of Lands. In this letter, you should indicate your interest in acquiring these lands.

How long does it take to purchase land in Jamaica?

Once the NLA receives the title and the relevant fees are paid then, it will only take 5 working days for the purchaser’s name to be added to the title. However, there are quite a few steps to note before getting here.

The JIS does a great job of outlining the steps here.

How do you lease government land in Jamaica?

This is done by visiting the National Land Agency and submitting the necessary documents to support your interest. However, you should have identified the land before heading to the NLA.

How much does it cost for a land title in Jamaica?

The Stamp duty is currently JMD 5,000, and the registration fee is calculated as 0.5% of the purchase price. Both costs are to be shared equally between the purchaser and vendor.

The monies should be paid to the Registrar of Title located at 23 1/2 Charles Street, Kingston.

The National Land Agency’s website is a wealth of information. Visit them for more clarification or contact them directly with the contact information listed below.

Contact Information

• Address: 08 Ardenne Rd, Kingston
• Open Hours: Closes 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
• Phone: +1 (876) 750-5263

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Return to Jamaican Land Surveyors from Jamaica Land Agency
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References & Sources For Jamaica Land Agency

1. Jis.gov.jm. 2022. Steps To Follow When Purchasing House Or Land – Jamaica Information Service. [online] Available at: [Accessed 29 September 2022].
2. Nla.gov.jm. 2022. Background | National Land Agency | One Agency, One Goal. [online] Available at: [Accessed 29 September 2022].
3. Nla.gov.jm. 2022. How to Apply for a Registered Title | National Land Agency | One Agency, One Goal. [online] Available at: [Accessed 29 September 2022].
4. Realestatecari.com. 2022. RECS - Homes for sale in Jamaica! Search all houses, apartments and land for sale.. [online] Available at: [Accessed 29 September 2022].

Jamaica Land Agency | Written: September 29, 2022

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