During a meeting within the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD), social partners, MCESD Chairperson David Xuereb, Parliamentary Secretary Andy Ellul, and Lands Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi discussed the 18 recommendations within the National Strategy for the Reform of the Land Registration System (2025-2035).
The present stakeholders discussed how to achieve the aims of the reform after a representative from the Land Registration Agency outlined the 18 recommendations. These recommendations are available for viewing within the document submitted for public consultation.
Amongst the most central aims discussed is the ambition for the entire territory of Malta to be covered by the land registration system within ten years. This would require updating the present law that established the Land Registry.
In addition, the document also proposes some improvements in the quality and certainty of properties' Certificate of Titles, as well as introducing measures to more clearly define the boundaries of each distinct property, the statement read.
Another recommendation includes the creation of a framework dedicated to mediation and arbitration that would allow for more efficient solutions to disputes that arise.
Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi said that this reform aims to make the entirety of Malta a single registration area by 2035. He also said that it is crucial to update the lands registration system into one that meets the contemporary needs of the sector and offers a better service to clients and professionals involved.
The Minister added that it is important for the country to utilise the 41 years of experience it has accumulated since the Lands Registry was first established.
During his intervention, the Lands Minister noted that this is just the first step in raising awareness about the need and benefits of having a modern and transparent Lands Registry. It was said that the aim of this public consultation process is to achieve the best possible consensus in order to ensure the efficiency and success of the reformed system.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue, Andy Ellul, said that this reform - alongside other reforms being discussed with the MCESD, namely the Labour Migration Policy, Vision 2050, and the magisterial inquiry reform - show that the incumbent government is an administration that "listens and discusses policies" which "truly reflect the needs of the people and the country."
Ellul observed that "these consultations are a clear demonstration of good governance" and that having open social dialogue is bearing fruit.
"Only in this way can we have reforms that truly reflect the realities of our country today and the needs of its people," PS Ellul said.
MCESD's Chairman, Perit David Xuereb, commented that this reform would strengthen trust in the property market and that the thoughts of social partners are being deeply considered into the discussions for the final law that is pending. Social partners mentioned the importance of digitalisation and data security in having a modern land registration system, as well as the timeframe for the implementation of this reform.
This public consultation is and shall remain open until 28 February 2025. The Lands Ministry encourages the public and all people who are interested to formally express their thoughts on this strategy.