Mitsotakis: Greece to finally have a comprehensive land registry by 2025

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted the importance of the national land registry (Cadastral Office) during a speech in Parliament.

He stated, “By 2025, Greece will finally have a complete land registry, an accurate map of public and private property.”

During his address in the discussion about the approval of the Digital Mapping Bill, Mitsotakis said, “I take the floor today to emphasize the economic, social, and technological impact of the land registry. I want to underline how essential it is for its quick completion and note the changes it will bring as part of the country’s overall modernization plan.”

He also pointed out that the reform has been pending since the establishment of the Greek state, with early attempts by Kapodistrias and King Otto to register land, which were left unfinished. It wasn’t until the 1990s that efforts were revived, but delays caused Greece to remain the only country without a land registry. “By 2025, Greece will finally have a land registry, an accurate map of public and private property,” said Mitsotakis.

Benefits of the Land Registry:

“The benefits will unfold on many levels – boosting investments in the economy, resolving issues related to housing, and addressing environmental problems, such as unauthorized construction. The land registry will include precise digital maps, featuring cadastral data, zoning regulations, monuments, and unique regional attributes that will indicate where people or companies can legally build,” Mitsotakis emphasized.

This registry will also facilitate public administration by providing a clear picture of reality, complemented by tax data. The “Apostolos Doxiadis” program, which incorporates local urban and spatial planning, will further organize construction regulations.

Key Innovations:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI will improve public sector efficiency, initially being used to automatically review documents, although final decisions will still be made by officials.
2. Citizen Involvement: Citizens will have the ability to update or correct property records without needing to go to court, provided no other owners are affected.
3. Late Property Declarations: Owners who failed to declare their property on time and are listed as unknown owners will have another chance to file their claims.

On the Corinth Fire:

Mitsotakis also expressed condolences for the tragic loss of two citizens in the Corinth fire, calling for a reevaluation of wildfire preparedness.