What are the pros & cons of both titles when purchasing land in Jamaica?

What are the responsibilities of the seller and buyer at this junction?

Can anyone share personal experinces and tips?

Please & thank you very much,

-True North

ASK FOR A LAWYER'S TELEPHONE # AND SAVE YOURSELF ALL THE HEADACHES.

Common law Title holder should have a updated
land tax receipt with their name on it as the owner or person in possession of the land for the title to be valid
land tax receipt has this information: name of owner ,size of property, location and a valuation #
this is the information you use to transfer the property.
If common law title holder do not have a
tax receipt with their name don't touch it, it is trouble
Registered Title: has all the information
and can be used for business transaction
eg: secure a bank loan or a car loan
If you have all the right information and submit your document to the National Land Agency
and is on the tax roll you are the legal owner
The Registered title office have to go to the National Land Agency to verify ownership
before they can issue a Registered title

When purchasing you want to make certain that the owner is in fact the owner; there are no other person(s)who may later legally challenge the sale. You also don't want to be in a situation where you are unable to register land that you purchase because of existing factors. As CeCe stated get an attorney that has no conflicts of interest. Exercise the same good sense you would normally to be certain that everything is in order. You may begin by checking with The National Land Agency http://www.nla.gov.jm/

Thanks to all the people who shared their knowledge and tried to give solid advise about purchasing land in Jamaica. I do appreciate all the info posted here. I wanted to hear from the people first before speaking with legal representation.

I realize this has been a emotional thread at times in past postings. I want to be forthcoming by saying I have been visiting the island since the mid 80's and have always wanted to buy property here.

Not to just have a place to call home but a place where I could employ many local people and improve their standard of living. Build a place to help build local lives is my motto.

I have always tried to stay with local people and never pay the BIG hotels. I come to Jamaica I want to help Jamaicans. Here on the south coast I have brought many friends & family and stayed at Villa Arcadia, Folichon, Dolphins Villa, Cacona, Mountian view, and Mar Blue over the last 4 years. I have forged many friendships with the local fisherman, farmers, shop owners, hospitality people and policemen.

Know that I have discovered the southcoast after roaming 70% of the island. I have fallen in love with a local women from Hounslow, we married at Kory's Sunset Resort in 06. We are now in the middle of purchasing some land for our future retirement years of growing grey together.

The plan remains the same, improve the standard of living for as many local familes as possible.

Thanks once again,

- True North