MLUH Register a Property Seychelles : Ministry of Land Use & Housing

Organization : Ministry of Land Use & Housing
Type of Facility : Register a Property
Country: Seychelles

Website : http://www.luh.gov.sc/default.aspx?PageId=47

Register a Property :

1. Conduct a title search:
Parties verify that the title is free from encumbrances by conducting a search at one of the registries. Mahe has two registries:

Related : Ministry of Land Use & Housing MLUH Loan Scheme Seychelles : www.statusin.org/8596.html

one for old and one for new land. The search in the new registry is done by parcel number. If wanted, a certificate of official search can be obtained for Rps 50 in 1-3 days. However, this is not necessary for registration.

Agency: Property Registry
Time to Complete : 1 day
Associated Costs : 10 rps

2. Notary drafts and legalizes sale purchase agreement:
A notary is required by law to conduct this procedure. Parties make an appointment one day and usually visit the following day. Prior to the sales agreement, the buyer needs to grant (by resolution of the Board of Directors) a director or other representative the authority to buy the land at the agreed price, on behalf of the company. The seller has to do the same. Standard transfer agreements can be found in the Land Registration Act.

Time to Complete : 2 days
Associated Costs : up to 2% property value

3. Deposit sales agreement with Stamp Duty Commission (property registry):
The notary deposits 3 original copies (one each for seller, buyer and notary). The documents have to be submitted within 1 month after execution of the contract. If not, a validating duty (double of stamp duty, i.e. 10%) is charged. At the registry, the parcel number is checked and the stamp duty calculated (5% of property value) and approved. After a senior filing registrar has reviewed the documents and value, the file is sent to the Registrar for review and approval. If there is any doubt about the accuracy of the value, which may happen in about 40% of cases, the documents are sent to the evaluation office at the Lands Office. The valuation office would subsequently re-assess the property value and transfer the documents back to the Registrar. The surveying and valuation takes on average 1-2 months. Once the Registrar has approved, the notary returns for payment. He is either informed by phone or checks independently.

Agency: Stamp Duty Commission, Property registry

Time to Complete : 5 days
Associated Costs : no cost

4. Pay registration fees to Stamp Duty Commission and register property title:
Once the stamp duty and fees are paid, the transfer is registered (‘presentation of documents’) and the documents stamped. The Registrar approves the transfer by signature and the document is returned to the land section for dispatch. The legal time limit for registration (including approval of stamping) is 1 month, and it practice takes slightly less time.

Agency: Stamp Duty Commission, Property registry
Time to Complete : 25 days
Associated Costs : 5% property value + 25 rps (Registration Fee)