About Us
Functions and Services
Performing the initial check (vetting) on all property-related applications, including registrations, transfers, and official searches.
Handling payments for all applications.
Issuing official documents such as certificates of title.
The History of Land Registration in Malta
Rule of the Knights of St. John
Development of early administrative systems for recording property ownership and tenure, including land grants and emphyteusis. "Cabreo" system (inventories for corporate bodies) and "Bando" notices establish early forms of title clarification for certain entities.
French Interlude
Introduction of the concept of "Libri delle Notifiche" (Registers of Notifications) by Napoleon, promoting the enrolment of notarial contracts in a summarized form – a precursor to more systematic recording of property transactions.
British Colonial Period
Commencement of compiling records related to immovable property, which would later form part of the Public Registry.
British Colonial Period
Official establishment of The Public Registry. This registry's primary function related to land was the enrolment of notarial contracts (deeds) concerning immovable property, typically in short form. This was a system of deed registration.
Post-Independence Malta
Enactment of the Land Registration Act (Chapter 296 of the Laws of Malta, originally Act XXXV of 1981). Established the Land Registry as a distinct entity, introducing a system of registration of title to land and mandated the use of map-based references (cadastral plans) for registered properties aiming to provide guaranteed security of tenure for registered proprietors.
Post-Independence Malta
Enactment of the Land Registration (Amendment) Act (Act No. VII of 1995). Significantly amended the 1981 Land Registration Act, further aligning the registration of title to land with Malta's Civil Law tradition of property law. Introduction and initial implementation of the LRCS (Land Registration Computer System). Computerized the Land Registry and modernized the system of land registration using advanced mapping technology.
EU Accession
Malta joins the European Union (1st May 2004). This would have implications for aligning with EU standards and directives over time, including those related to spatial data. Land Registration (Amendment) Act, 2004 (Act No. XIII of 2004, Part VIII): Continued the process of refining the Land Registration Act.
Setting up of the Agency
In 2019, LN 4/2019 titled Land Registration Agency (Establishment) Order allowed for the setting up of the Land Registration Agency. The Agency was entrusted with carrying out the functions and duties in relation to Land Registration and Condominium Registration.
- 1530 – 1798
- 1798 – 1800
- 1863
- 1889 (3rd August)
- 1981
- 1995
- 2004
- 2019
