Understanding Property Titles in Guyana

# Understanding Property Titles in Guyana

*By Guyana HomeHub Team*

If you're buying property in Guyana, you're going to hear two terms over and over: **Transport** and **Certificate of Title**. These are the two main ways property ownership is documented in Guyana.

Understanding the difference matters. It affects how you verify ownership, how the purchase process works, and where you go to check records. This guide explains both systems in plain language.

## What Is a Transport?

A Transport is the traditional legal document proving property ownership in Guyana. It comes from the Roman-Dutch legal system that Guyana inherited from its colonial history.

When you own property "under Transport," you have full and absolute ownership. You can:

- Sell the property
- Rent it out
- Pass it to your children
- Build on it
- Use it as collateral for a loan

The Transport document itself is filed at the **Deeds Registry** in Georgetown (with sub-registries in Berbice and Essequibo).

### How Transport Works

When property is sold, ownership doesn't just change hands with a signature. There's a formal legal process:

1. **Agreement of Sale** — Buyer and seller agree on terms and sign a contract
2. **Title Search** — Buyer's attorney verifies ownership at the Deeds Registry
3. **Preparation** — Seller's attorney prepares the Transport document
4. **Advertisement** — The pending transfer is published in a newspaper for three consecutive weeks
5. **Objection Period** — After the final ad, there's a 10-day window for anyone with a claim to object
6. **Passing Transport** — If no valid objections, buyer and seller (or their attorneys) appear before a Supreme Court judge to officially transfer ownership
7. **Registration** — The new Transport is recorded at the Deeds Registry

Yes, this involves the Supreme Court. It's more formal than property transfers in the US or Canada. But this process provides strong legal certainty — once Transport is passed, your ownership is very secure.

### Where Transport Records Are Kept

The **Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority** maintains all Transport records. Locations:

- **Georgetown:** Main registry
- **Berbice:** Sub-registry
- **Essequibo:** Sub-registry

Anyone can request a search to verify who owns a property under Transport.

## What Is a Certificate of Title?

A Certificate of Title is a newer form of property documentation used in Guyana, managed under the Land Registry Act.

Like Transport, a Certificate of Title proves full ownership. You have the same rights — to sell, rent, build, and transfer the property.

The difference is in how the system works and where records are kept.

### How Certificate of Title Works

The Certificate of Title system is generally simpler than Transport:

1. **Agreement of Sale** — Buyer and seller agree on terms
2. **Title Search** — Buyer's attorney verifies ownership at the Land Registry
3. **Transfer Documents** — Attorneys prepare transfer instruments
4. **Registration** — The transfer is registered at the Land Registry
5. **New Certificate Issued** — Buyer receives a Certificate of Title in their name

There's no requirement to appear before a Supreme Court judge. The process is handled administratively through the Land Registry.

### Where Certificate of Title Records Are Kept

The **Land Registry** (separate from the Deeds Registry) maintains Certificate of Title records.

## Transport vs. Certificate of Title: Key Differences

| Aspect | Transport | Certificate of Title |
|--------|-----------|---------------------|
| Legal origin | Roman-Dutch law | Land Registry Act |
| Where registered | Deeds Registry | Land Registry |
| Transfer process | Requires Supreme Court appearance | Administrative registration |
| Newspaper advertising | Required (3 weeks) | Not always required |
| Common in | Georgetown, older established areas | Newer housing schemes, developments |
| Ownership rights | Full and absolute | Full and absolute |

**Bottom line:** Both give you secure, legal ownership. The process differs, but the end result is the same — you own the property.

## Which System Applies to Your Property?

Generally:

- **Older properties in established areas** (Georgetown, older villages) are usually under Transport
- **Newer housing schemes and developments** often use Certificate of Title
- **CHPA allocations** typically come with Certificate of Title

When you're buying, ask upfront: "Is this property under Transport or Certificate of Title?" Your attorney will verify this and handle the appropriate process.

## How to Verify Property Ownership

Whether Transport or Certificate of Title, you MUST verify ownership before buying. Here's how:

### For Transport Properties

1. Request a copy of the Transport from the seller
2. Take the property details (lot number, location) to the **Deeds Registry**
3. Request an official search
4. The registry will confirm:
- Who is the registered owner
- The property boundaries
- Any mortgages, liens, or encumbrances
- Any pending transactions

### For Certificate of Title Properties

1. Request a copy of the Certificate of Title from the seller
2. Take the property details to the **Land Registry**
3. Request an official search
4. The registry will confirm ownership and any encumbrances

### Why This Matters

In Guyana, there have been cases of:

- People selling property they don't own
- The same property sold to multiple buyers
- Forged Transport documents
- Properties with hidden mortgages or liens

A proper search catches these problems before you hand over money. Never skip this step.

Your attorney should handle this verification for you. If anyone tells you it's unnecessary, that's a major red flag.

## Common Questions

### Can I convert from Certificate of Title to Transport (or vice versa)?

In some cases, yes. Land held under Certificate of Title can be "brought under Transport" through a legal process. Consult an attorney if you have a specific reason for wanting to do this.

### Which is "better"?

Neither is inherently better. Both provide secure, legal ownership. Transport has a longer history and more established case law. Certificate of Title is more streamlined administratively. For most buyers, it doesn't matter — you just need to follow the correct process for whichever system applies.

### What if the property has no Transport or Title?

This is a problem. Some properties — especially older family land — may not have clear documentation. These are risky to buy. If a seller can't produce a Transport or Certificate of Title, proceed with extreme caution (or don't proceed at all). An attorney can advise on whether ownership can be established.

### What is "passing transport"?

This is the formal act of transferring ownership. Buyer and seller (or their attorneys with Power of Attorney) appear before a Supreme Court judge, who certifies the transfer. The new Transport is then recorded at the Deeds Registry.

### How long does the transfer process take?

For Transport: Typically 2-4 months due to the advertising period and court scheduling.
For Certificate of Title: Often faster, potentially a few weeks.

Timelines vary. Ask your attorney for an estimate based on your specific situation.

## Protecting Yourself

Understanding titles is important, but verification is essential. Always:

1. **Hire a Guyanese attorney** who specializes in property law
2. **Conduct an official search** at the Deeds Registry or Land Registry
3. **Review all documents** before signing anything
4. **Use proper payment channels** — never send money without verified ownership

These steps protect you whether the property is under Transport or Certificate of Title.

## Learn More

This guide is part of our series on buying property in Guyana:

- [**Buying from Abroad**](/guides/buying-from-abroad) — Complete guide for diaspora buyers
- [**Buying Locally**](/guides/buying-locally) — Guide for Guyanese residents
- [**Avoiding Scams**](/guides/avoid-property-scams) — How to protect yourself from property fraud

Browse verified listings on Guyana HomeHub to start your property search with confidence.

**[Browse listings on Guyana HomeHub](/properties/buy) →**

*Have questions about property titles? [Contact a licensed agent](https://wa.me/5927629797) through Guyana HomeHub.*