Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!

Jamaica Land Agency
What Does The National Land Agency Do?

Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.

start_here_if_new_image_link

New! See the real Jamaica in VIDEOS!
Click Here and see why over 140,000 fans are raving about my YouTube Channel!

national_land_agency_observerJamaica 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.

New! How much do you love Jamaica?

Join our growing list of well-thinking Jamaica-loving folks who are demonstrating what a friendly, helpful and fun Jamaican community looks like. Click Here to learn more.


And, if you ever need a trustworthy and knowledgeable local guide, consider booking a private tour with us!


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

You might like these

Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)


If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more

It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica! 

Return to Jamaican Land Surveyors from Jamaica Land Agency
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Jamaica Land Agency

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

Back To The Top Of This Page

New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿

JAMAICA_ON_A_BUDGET_EBOOK_COVER_LEAN

You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise!

JAMAICA On A Budget is your passport to experiencing what I call 'The Real Jamaica' on a budget!

I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now!

See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!

my_island_jamaica_channel_tv

My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers.

Jamaica_subscribe_button

Read More ...

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!


P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for? 
Still need help?

Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!

Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.


copyscape
Back To The Top Of This Page

Like My Site? Please Click Here To Share It With Your Friends

Home   |   JOIN US   |   Site Search   |   Have Your Say   |   Archives   |   Old Archives   |   Contact   |   Disclaimer   |   TIP ME!   |   Link To Us


Do like I did! Share your passion
(about your city, hobby or experience) and make a living from it. Click Here to see how
.

By Wellesley Gayle   |   Copyright © 2007-2024 My-Island-Jamaica.com   |   All rights Reserved.   |   Privacy Policy