The Land Registry - Title Registration - Proposals for Title Registration

What is title registration?

Title registration is a land registration system under which title to land is conferred by registration in the Title Register, as opposed to the deeds registration system where title passes upon execution of a valid deed of transfer. The Title Register is conclusive evidence of the title to the property and the person registered in the Title Register as owner is recognised by law as the legal owner. In general, the title to the property is only subject to registered matters and overriding interests affecting the property. Overriding interests refer to interests that affect the property notwithstanding that they are not registered, e.g. public rights and leases for a term not exceeding 3 years (where the lessee is to take possession of the property forthwith under the lease at the best rent without a premium). Title can be established as a matter of fact by checking the Title Register and there is no need to look behind the Title Register and check the historical title documents to ascertain ownership of a property as under the present deeds registration system in Hong Kong. Title registration system has been operating in many overseas jurisdictions with common law background.