There have been numerous instances where individuals have purchased prime real estate at a reduced price. When these individuals are ready to take ownership, they discover that the property belongs to the government. However, only the government can sell land that belongs to the government. In other cases, people purchase property and build a structure on it. Years later, an employee from a government agency may appear and request that those individuals leave the property.
Once you have the desire to buy government land, you have to ensure that the land is truly owned by the Jamaican Government. Once the government holds the land you want, there is an application form accessible at the National Land Agency (NLA). The application form is necessary to acquire government land, whether for buying or leasing. This is possible through the NLA’s Estate Management Division, which manages lands under the Commissioner of Lands’ jurisdiction. The Division is in charge of land divestment (lease or sale), acquisition of lands needed for public purposes, and management of land settlement plans.
Across the island, there are a variety of criteria and regulations that control government land settlements. However, the purchasers of these properties, as well as a major number of the general public, are unaware of them, and as a result, they frequently run into problems with the National Land Agency (NLA), the regulatory organization in charge of these holdings. A land settlement is a residential or agricultural development. The Jamaican government established it as a post-independence concept to redistribute land, empower the poor, and grant land to the landless.
Purchasing government land in Jamaica can be a complex process, but with the right knowledge and guidance, it is possible to successfully acquire a piece of land for your use or investment. It is important to note that the process for purchasing government land in Jamaica may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. It is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified attorney to assist you with the process. By following the steps outlined below and seeking the guidance of a qualified attorney, you can successfully acquire a piece of government land in Jamaica for your use or investment.
Identify the land you wish to purchase
The first step in the process of purchasing a piece of government land is to identify the amount of land that you wish to purchase. You can do this through your site visit or by searching the Land Register, which is a public database that lists all the government-owned land that is available for sale. Alternatively, you can contact the Land Administration and Management Program (LAMP) for information on available land.
Complete and submit relevant forms
Once you have identified the land you wish to purchase, you should contact the Ministry of Land and Housing to verify that the land is available for sale and obtain the necessary application forms. When you’ve identified your location, the size/area of property needed, and the proposed purpose, you may either complete and submit your Application to Acquire Land at the NLA’s Estate Management Division. The form is also available online via the NLA’s website, where you can print it and complete it. You must complete the application form and submit it to the Ministry, along with any supporting documents. These documents may include proof of your identity, proof of citizenship, proof of financial capacity, and any other documents required by the Ministry.
Estate Management Division
20 North Street
Kingston
Tel: (876) 750-5263
Monday – Thursday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Wait until your application is reviewed
The National Land Agency will review your application and conduct any necessary due diligence to ensure that you are eligible to purchase the land. This may involve verifying your identity, checking your credit history, and conducting a title search to ensure that the land is free of any encumbrances or liens. Some of the steps that the NLA will take include:
- Examine your application.
- Conduct due diligence investigation on the property, which should include:
- Visit the Site
- If the land is controlled by the NLA for another GOJ Ministry, Department, or Agency, obtain a ‘no objection’ letter (MDA)
- Obtain feedback from regulatory agencies such as NEPA, municipal councils, and so on.
- Conduct a property valuation.
- Conduct a public tender/bidding process by publicizing the property in print and on the NLA’s website.
- You must submit a proposal by the advertisement.
- Accept and evaluate tender/bid proposals.
- Bids were evaluated and an award recommendation was made to the parent ministry and necessary authorities.
- A ministerial review and decision have been delivered.
- Prepare the Sale/Lease Agreement.
Both leases and land acquisitions take twenty (20) weeks to process from the date you submit your application.
Pay relevant processing fees
A successful application will require you to pay the purchase price of the land as well as any relevant fees. Cash, bank draft, or wire transfer are the most common methods of payment. Following payment, the NLA will transfer the land’s title to your name and issue a document of conveyance.
Collect your approved documents
When the NLA agrees that everything is in order, they will provide you with an Agreement that you should sign. You must go to the NLA to obtain a copy of the final completed Agreement, which is now legally binding on all parties.
You would have received either of the following document at the end of the process:
- Your signed Lease Agreement
- Your signed Sales Agreement
The process of acquiring a piece of government land in Jamaica can be lengthy. However, when you buy from the government, trust that there will not be any issues with your process. If your purchase with cash or will be paying monthly payments, the government will provide you with your land title. You won’t have to go through the process of obtaining your land title yourself. Additionally, you can feel comfortable knowing that you’ve acquired a piece of land that is legal.
