Govt moves forward with e-conveyancing to fast-track land transactions

The government has unveiled plans to revolutionise the property transfer system through e-conveyancing, a digital platform designed to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce costs, and speed up the process of securing land ownership records.

E-conveyancing allows instruments and documents needed for property transactions to be digitally prepared, signed, settled and lodged.

Minister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance Dwight Sutherland told a colloquium on Wednesday that while the existing system is well-established, it remains plagued by inefficiencies, hefty charges and lengthy waiting times in securing ownership records.

“We often face delays, high transaction costs and hurdles in securing definitive ownership records,” he said.

“These challenges can discourage not only our locals but investors who do business daily as it relates to land transactions in this country. Therefore, as a government we are committed to reimagining these processes to improve accessibility, fairness and equity for all Barbadians.”

He emphasised that as the demands of modern society grow, so too does the need to ensure that the systems underpinning land rights, ownership documentation and property transfers are aligned with global best practices. He further noted the importance of e-conveyancing as both a necessity and an opportunity.

The push for e-conveyancing follows the first Housing Colloquium held last October 11 under the theme Transforming the Land Transaction Process, which identified persistent issues within the property transfer system.

These issues, according to the minister, have deterred both locals and investors seeking to carry out business in the sector.

The minister further highlighted international examples where e-conveyancing has transformed land transactions by improving transparency, expediting processing times and enhancing security.

He stressed that Barbados must develop a system tailored to its unique legal and historical framework, stating: “The journey towards e-conveyancing is not simply a technological one.”

“It is multifaceted, requiring collaboration across multiple disciplines. That is why we are bringing together legal professionals, banking institutions, the Barbados Revenue Authority, the National Insurance Scheme and other key stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition,” he added.

Sutherland noted that the government intends to create a modernised land management system that improves accessibility and fairness for all Barbadians.

He acknowledged the complexities involved in digitising land transactions but expressed confidence in the country’s ability to successfully implement the system.

“This colloquium is more than a discussion—it is a platform for shaping tangible solutions,” he said.

“What we accomplish here today will lay the foundation for a modernised process that strengthens our domestic system and enhances Barbados’ competitiveness in the regional and international space,” he said.