Land Registry to start Central Registration System
****************************************************************

The Land Registry will launch the Central Registration System (CRS) on February 12, 2005 as part of its programme to increase efficiency and to improve services to customers. An Integrated Registration Information System (IRIS) has been developed and will be put into operation to support the CRS on the same date.

Under the new system, the nine registries (Urban, Islands, Tsuen wan, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, North, Tai Po, Shatin and Sai Kung) now operating will be merged into a single registration unit for the whole of Hong Kong.

The following changes in procedures and services will take effect from 0900 on February 12:

* Registration of all property transactions will be carried out at the Queensway Government Offices (QGO). Separate registration offices will no longer be maintained in New Territories districts. All instruments should be delivered to the Customer Centre on the 19th Floor of the QGO for registration.

* Search services will continue to be available at the Customer Centre as well as at seven New Territories Search Offices. Self-service terminals will be installed in these offices and can be used throughout office hours, including lunch hours.

* Search services will be available over the Internet between 0830 and 0030 every day, including Sundays and Public Holidays. The existing Direct Access Service that uses a proprietary network will be discontinued as from 1900 on February 8, 2005.

* The Reports on Title and Owners Incorporation Office will be relocated from Marina House, Sai Wan Ho to QGO.

* Applications for registration of Owners Corporations and search of Owners Corporation records for Hong Kong, Kowloon and Islands District will be received for the time being on the 28th Floor of the QGO (these services will be relocated later to the 19th Floor after refurbishment work on old offices has been completed).

* Applications for Owners Corporation services for all other New Territories districts will continue to be received at their respective district search offices.

Reduced fees for providing land searches and land documents will also come into effect on February 12.

Detailed information on the changes and revised fees has already been given to all regular users of Land Registry services and is available on the Land Registry website (http://www.landreg.gov.hk) or at any Land Registry office.

To familiarise customers with the IRIS Online Services, a step-by-step demonstration and tutorial is available on the Land Registry's website. Customers may also refer to the website for a revised Memorial Form Easy Guide, which provides up-to-date information on the new memorial form specified by the Land Registrar.

Members of the public who have queries about the new arrangements are welcome to contact the Land Registry's customer service hotline (3105 0000) before February 12 and hotline (3105 0000) on or after February 12 or approach staff at the information counter on the 19th Floor of the QGO or at any New Territories Search Office.

Ends/Monday, February 7, 2005