KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – On April 1, the National Land Agency (NLA) will be increasing the fees for certain land title transactions.

The existing fee structure, which was implemented in 1995, has become unsustainable over time, due primarily to inflation and increased operational costs. Fees for which increases have been approved are currently $500 or less, with some fees as low as $5.00.

Speaking with JIS News, Registrar of Titles, Cheriese Walcott, explained that all transactions relating to properties would fall under land titles.

“When you register the land for the first time; if you are doing a transfer by way of gift when there is no consideration; if you have procured a mortgage, paid off that mortgage and you are now discharging the mortgage or if you are co-owner of a property and one has died and you are joint tenants, then these are all examples of transactions that would be registered at the titles office,” she noted.

The Registrar pointed out that the new fees are expected to significantly improve the NLA’s ability to finance continued advancement in the provision of services to clients, through new technology and expansion of its facilities.

She noted that the current fee structure has existed for 21 years and that over the years, operation costs have increased, and the agency has invested in infrastructure and technology to allow for easier and more efficient production of titles.

“We have tried as much as possible to look at other ways to avoid the increase in fees over the years, but it has now become untenable, so we are really at the point where the fee increase has become necessary,” Walcott explained.

The list bearing the increased fees may be accessed on the NLA’s website at: www.nla.gov.jm or persons may call 946-5263/750-5263 for further details.