Deeds registration

Abstract: A system of registration of title to land was first introduced int England by the Land Transfer Act 1862. Many commentators have since charted its development and have described the struggle between those espousing title registration and those advocating a reformed system of unregistered conveyancing. There has, however, been little discussion of an alternative which was strongly advocated in the nineteenth century; a general register of deeds, rather than title. The article explains the difference between the two systems and describes the various proposals for the establishment of a deeds register. It then analyses the relative strengths and weaknesses of the two systems of registration and suggests that the eventual ascendancy of title registration was due less to any inherent superiority than to external factors.

Abstract: Sri Lanka has two types of cadastral system operating in the country and is in the process of cadastral system migration from deeds registration to titles registration. The deeds system, which was introduced in 1863, is well established, and the titles registration system, the introduction of which is ongoing, was initiated in 1998. Expectedly, the deeds system has several drawbacks, while the titles system meets unexpected difficulties. The purpose of this paper is to give an overview and a comparative analysis of both systems, thereby suggesting options for improvement.

Abstract: This article investigates the concept of using cell-phone technology for obtaining information about unofficial (off-register) transfers in land as are commonly undertaken by the urban poor in South Africa. Since the introduction of social housing programmes in South Africa after the democratic elections in 1994, mass land distribution and housing projects have been undertaken. Formal transfer of these properties has been discouraged by policy (such as a moratorium on transfers for a period of years), and the inaccessibility of land professionals and formal processes to the poor. From the disuse of formal transfer mechanisms one can conclude that these fail, at least in part, to meet the needs of this segment of society. Cell- (mobile) phone technology penetrates urban poverty more than other interactive technologies such as the internet, largely due to the lack of access to computers and the 'digital divide'. The aim of this article is exploratory. It investigates the potential use of cell-phone technology as a means to inform authorities that a transfer of property has taken place informally or semi-formally. Such information could pave the way for a process of formal registration and hence aid the upkeep of the deeds registration system. Research into the potential use of the cell-phone as an information and communication technology (ICT) tool of land administration, particularly in the developing world, is undertaken. It is envisaged that a more detailed investigation will follow, which will include an analysis of organisational and legislative capacity. Further study in which the use of cell-phone technology in land administration is tested, taking into consideration structural/organisational factors as well as socio-economic and cultural factors and motivating factors for use, may be required.