New streamlined service for property dealings

DEALING with property matters at the government’s Land Registry offices has been made easier following a raft of new measures introduced to streamline its work.

The Interior Ministry, which is responsible for the work of the Land Registry, said in a statement this week that “a more convenient service” would be provided by allowing many procedures to be completed in branches outside the area where a property was located.

Previously, for example, transferring title deeds — or “koçan” — could only by done at the branch of the Land Registry where the property to be sold, donated or exchanged, was situated. Now, however, it can be done at any branch across the country. It cited as examples the fact that title deeds for a property in Girne could now be transferred in Lefkoşa, or a similar transaction for a property in Gazimağusa could be enacted at the Land Registry in Güzelyurt.

The same applies to mortgage transactions, including renewing or lifting them, while title deed maps can now be obtained from all branches of the Land Registry, where previously they could only be sourced from the Interior Ministry.

In addition, immovable property search documents often needed by lawyers in filing a court case or by members of the public for some official applications, may now be obtained from the Registry in any district.

The statement said removing the need to go to a particular district branch to complete a range of procedures was aimed at saving time and travel expenses for members of the public.

For some procedures, however, including those related to judicial decisions such as interim orders, or to register a memorandum, it remains necessary to use the branch for the district where the property concerned is located.