Registers of Scotland launches keeper-induced registration consultation

Keeper-induced registration (KIR) could play an important role in completing the Land Register by 2024, according to a new consultation launched by Registers of Scotland (RoS).

The consultation report lays out the benefits of using KIR, which was introduced through the Land Registration etc. (Scotland) Act 2012 and allows the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland to add titles onto the land register without an application from the owner.

RoS has said using KIR could help it achieve its target of registering all public land by 2019 and completing the land register by 2024.

A number of pilot projects suggest KIR is best applicable to proprties within “research areas”, where RoS has identified the rights and burdens relevant to each property, and which are typically residential housing developments that contain high volumes of properties of a similar nature.

Sheenagh Adams, Keeper of the Registers of Scotland said: “I believe that having a completed, map-based, digitised land register will be a national asset for Scotland as it will provide a clear picture of who owns what and where.

“It will benefit all land and property owners, as once a property is on the register, it provides clarity of ownership, backed by a state guarantee. In future, it will make transactions quicker, cheaper and easier.

She added: “KIR will allow me to add titles where I can safely identify the boundaries and where the burdens and rights that go along with the area of land are straightforward. I’d encourage anyone with an interest in land registration to participate in the KIR consultation.”

Fergus Ewing, minister for business, energy, and tourism, said: “While Registers of Scotland is focused on encouraging voluntary applications to the land register in this initial phase, it is only right that other mechanisms are put in place to help achieve the goal of completion within the timeframe.

“Other titles will come onto the register through certain triggers, such as house sales, but by using the KIR option, properly titles can be added to the land register more rapidly.

“This consultation provides an opportunity to have a say on how the KIR process should work and I would encourage anyone with an interest to get involved.

“The Scottish government remains committed to completing the land register as we believe it will be a national asset for Scotland.”

The consultation paper is available on the RoS website. A number of questions are asked in relation to how KIR could be used going forward.