In the past year, we made substantial progress in preparing for the launch of the title registration system. We have completed the post-enactment review of the Land Titles Ordinance and are reviewing the Land Titles (Amendment) Bill prepared by the Law Draftsman. Preparation of the rules that will support operation of the main Ordinance is also underway. We would introduce the Land Titles (Amendment) Bill and its related rules to the Legislative Council as soon as practicable after our consultation with the stakeholders is completed.

We are preparing the transitional requirements, operation practices and procedures, and also working on the design and development of an IT system to support title registration. Planning for public education and training programmes is also underway. To keep colleagues informed of the development of the title registration system, in-house briefings covering both legal and operational aspects have been conducted.

The introduction of title registration is a long overdue reform of the land registration system in Hong Kong that will bring a number of benefits to the community. The new system will provide certainty to ownership and interests in land. The title register itself is evidence of title rendering it unnecessary to review historical title deeds to establish title as at present. This will simplify conveyancing.