Property & Land Laws in Guyana

Property and land matters in Guyana involve complex legal frameworks that combine modern law with historical systems. Our firm provides clear guidance to help you navigate these complexities.

Land Ownership Systems in Guyana

Guyana has several land ownership systems:

• Freehold Ownership - Complete ownership of land and buildings
• Leasehold - Right to use land for a specified period
• State Land - Government-owned land that may be leased
• Amerindian Land - Communally owned by indigenous communities
• Transport System - Unique to Guyana, involving formal transfer of title through the Deeds Registry

Property Transactions

Property transactions in Guyana generally follow these steps:

1. Verification of title and ownership
2. Agreement of sale between buyer and seller
3. Payment of deposit
4. Property survey (if required)
5. Legal documentation preparation
6. Publication of transaction in the Official Gazette
7. Final payment and transfer of title
8. Registration at the Deeds Registry

Transport vs. Certificate of Title

Guyana has two main systems of land title:

• Transport - Used for most properties, especially in older areas. Transfer requires advertisement in the Official Gazette and attendance at the Deeds Registry.
• Certificate of Title - Used in newer areas under the Land Registry Act. Generally simpler to transfer than Transport.

Land Use and Zoning

Before purchasing property, it's important to understand:

• Current zoning regulations for the area
• Permitted land uses
• Development restrictions
• Required permits for construction or renovation
• Environmental regulations that may apply

The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) oversees land use planning and development approval in most areas of Guyana.

Common Property Issues

Some common legal issues related to property in Guyana include:

• Boundary Disputes - Disagreements about property lines
• Adverse Possession - Claims to land based on long-term occupation
• Landlord-Tenant Disputes - Issues regarding leases, rent, and tenant rights
• Inheritance Conflicts - Disputes over property ownership after death
• Undivided Shares - Properties owned jointly by multiple parties

Property Tax Considerations

Property owners in Guyana should be aware of these tax obligations:

• Property tax based on the property's assessed value
• Capital gains tax on property sales (with certain exemptions)
• Stamp duty on property transactions
• Value-Added Tax (VAT) may apply to certain property transactions