Philenews

Uncollected Revenues, Foreclosures and Understaffing at the Land Registry

Published March 12, 2026, 17:13
Uncollected Revenues, Foreclosures and Understaffing at the Land Registry

The Parliamentary Control Committee found significant problems in the Department of Lands and Surveys, such as a large amount of uncollected revenues (€18.5 million in 2024, an increase of €3 million compared to 2023), delays in monitoring lease agreements and taking action against debtors, as well as understaffing. In addition, pending applications for the lease of state land (approximately 8,000) with an average completion time of 8 years and illegal leases (1,100, some pending for over 15 years) were identified. The Audit Office pointed out the lack of transparency in the process of allocating state land, as it is done on the initiative of the interested party and not through a public tender. In addition, the use of private land for foreclosures without a legal order or with expired orders was found, while expropriation would be preferable. Extensive delays in the execution of the activities of the Department of Lands and Surveys cause public frustration. The Chairman of the Control Committee described the Department as the “poor relative” of the Public Service, pointing out the need to strengthen staffing. The Director of the Department of Lands and Surveys defended the Department's work, describing it as a model at European level, while assuring transparency of its actions. However, the need for improvements in citizen service and addressing the identified problems was recognized.