Costs may include legal fees, Stamp Duty, registration fees, and search fees. These vary based on property value and lawyer rates.
Conveyancing and the Registration of Title
Conveyancing and the Registration of title involves the process of transferring legal ownership of real property to another. We prepare and review documents for the sale, gift and transfer of real property.
Clients are advised and assisted on the documents needed to facilitate the transfer, the process in which these documents are gathered and the final stages of executing their respective Deed or Memorandum in their favour.
Each transaction is handled with precision and legal clarity. We ensure that property rights are fully protected and compliant with the laws of Trinidad and Tobago.
Documents and Services Included
- Deeds of Conveyance, Deed of Gift, Deed of Assent and other instruments used to effect the transfer of legal ownership of land.
- Thorough Title Searches and Investigations
- Applications to bring lands under the Real Property Act CHAP 56:02 (Adverse Possession Claims)
- Agreements for Sale
- Escrow Services
- Compliance with the Financial Intelligence Unit of Trinidad and Tobago (FIU)
Arvin Arjoonsingh
Frequently Asked Questions – Conveyancing and the Registration of Title
Answers to common questions about conveyancing and the registration of title in Trinidad and Tobago.
Stamp Duty is a government tax paid during property transfers. It’s usually paid by the buyer unless otherwise agreed.
A Deed of Conveyance transfers ownership; a Certificate of Title proves legal ownership registered under the Real Property Act.
Common documents include a signed Deed of Conveyance, Certificate of Title, identification, and proof of payment (e.g. Stamp Duty receipt).
The process typically takes between 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the transaction and availability of required documents.
How to Transfer a Land Title in Trinidad
This step-by-step guide helps you understand the process and what to expect.
What is a Land Title, and Why Does It Matter?
A land title is the official record that proves you legally own a piece of land. In Trinidad and Tobago, this ownership is either recorded through deeds (under the Common Law system) or registered titles (under the Real Property Ordinance, often referred to as the Torrens system).
If you are buying or receiving land, the title must be properly transferred to reflect you as the new legal owner. Without this step, the property legally still belongs to the previous owner even if you have already paid for it or moved in.
Step-by-Step: How to Transfer a Land Title in Trinidad
Hire Attorney: A licensed attorney will oversee the entire process, ensuring compliance with property law and protecting your interests.
Title Search: This step confirms the seller�s ownership, and checks for any liens or disputes at the Land Registry.
Draft Deed: Your attorney prepares a legal document that clearly states the terms of the land transfer.
Pay Fees: These include Stamp Duty based on property value, as well as legal and registration fees.
Register Deed: Filing the signed deed at the Land Registry legally completes the ownership transfer process.
Certificate of Title: If registered under the Torrens system, a Certificate of Title is issued confirming ownership.