Plain-English definitions of the terms you'll encounter when buying or selling property in Jamaica — and how they compare to UK and USA/Canada equivalents.
| Term | Jamaica | UK | USA / Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attorney-at-Law | Primary legal advisor in property transaction | Solicitor | Attorney |
| Completion | Completion | Completion | Closing |
| Conveyancing | Property transfer process | Same | Often called Closing or Escrow |
| Down Payment | Usually 5–10% on signing Agreement for Sale | Often 10% exchange deposit | Earnest Money Deposit |
| Mortgage | Loan secured by property | Same | Same |
| Real Estate Agent | Licensed real estate professional | Estate Agent | Realtor / Broker |
| Strata | Apartment ownership structure | Leasehold / Commonhold equivalent | Condominium (Condo) |
| Surveyor | Measures boundaries, subdivision work | Similar | Land Surveyor |
| Title | Registered ownership document | Registry title | Deed often proves ownership |
| Valuation | Valuation report | Valuation | Appraisal |
Plain English: The deal document before ownership changes hands.
Why it matters: It sets the terms, rights, and obligations before transfer.
Plain English: Compliance checks to prevent illegal funds entering the transaction.
Why it matters: Protects the transaction from being used for unlawful activity.
Plain English: Certification for foreign documents such as Powers of Attorney, affidavits, and declarations.
Why it matters: Confirms that foreign paperwork is properly validated for use in the transaction.
Plain English: The real person who ultimately owns or controls the property or transaction.
Why it matters: Identifies the true owner behind the legal paperwork.
Plain English: A warning flag on the property record.
Why it matters: It alerts others that title is being challenged or claimed.
Plain English: The official proof of who owns the property.
Why it matters: It confirms ownership and transfer rights.
Plain English: The process that moves property from seller to buyer.
Why it matters: It covers the steps needed to complete the transaction.
Plain English: Someone else may use part of the land for a specific purpose.
Why it matters: You may own the land but not have exclusive use of every part.
Plain English: Baggage attached to a property.
Why it matters: It can affect use, sale, or value.
Plain English: Identity and background checks required before a transaction can proceed.
Why it matters: Helps verify who is involved and supports compliance checks.
Plain English: Certification for foreign documents such as Powers of Attorney, affidavits, and declarations.
Why it matters: Confirms that foreign paperwork is properly validated for use in the transaction.
Plain English: Proof showing where purchase money came from — salary, savings, sale proceeds, or inheritance.
Why it matters: Shows the money is legitimate and properly documented.
National Housing Trust — a concept unique to Jamaica with no direct foreign equivalent. Allows qualifying contributors to withdraw savings toward a home purchase or access NHT mortgage financing.
Tax Registration Number — a 9-digit number required for virtually all property transactions in Jamaica. Similar in function to a Social Security Number (USA) or National Insurance Number (UK), though not a direct equivalent.
National Land Agency — Jamaica's land registry authority, responsible for title registration and searches.
Tax Administration Jamaica — responsible for Stamp Duty, Property Tax, and Transfer Tax administration.
Land governed by the Registration of Titles Act. This is the gold standard of Jamaican property ownership — the title is government-guaranteed.
Completion is the stage at which the sale transaction is finalised — following payment of the purchase money.
Registration is when the new owner's name is placed on the title and possession is granted.
A Pre-Qualification is a conditional indication from a mortgage lender that the applicant may be favourably considered for a mortgage loan of a stated sum.
It is a strong indicator to real estate agents and vendors of the amount of financing the applicant is likely to have in place.
The Registered Owner's name appears on the title.
Property may have a Beneficial Owner on whose behalf the Registered Owner holds the property.
Title usually refers to the Registered Title issued by the NLA under the Registration of Titles Act.
A Deed shows ownership of unregistered land.
A Valuation report provides a professional estimate of the market value of the property.
An Inspection may be conducted by the purchaser or professionals acting on their behalf to confirm the condition of the property, the boundaries, and whether any other interests or activities are apparent which might affect the purchaser's interests.