Property
Deeds registration with alien landholding control
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines uses a deeds registration system administered by the Registrar of the High Court, so title depends on the chain of recorded deeds rather than a conclusive register, and a historic title search is essential. Non-nationals require an alien landholding licence before acquiring land, which is particularly relevant to villa and yacht-related development in the Grenadines. Adverse possession can perfect title after twelve years.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — National deeds registry; no state guarantee of title
- Deadline — Alien landholding licence: obtained before completion of the purchase
- Deadline — Adverse possession: twelve years of undisturbed possession
- Deadline — Stamp duty: paid on recording of the deed
Governing law
- Registration of Documents Act
- Alien Landholding Regulation Act
- Land Acquisition Act
- Possessory Titles Act
In practice
The Possessory Titles Act provides a statutory route to convert long possession into a declared title, which is important because undivided family land is widespread and often blocks sale or development. In the Grenadines, high-value transactions frequently uncover defective chains, so title investigation should begin well before exchange rather than during it.