The Turks and Caicos Islands Crown Land Unit (TCICLU) has announced the extension of its Crown Land Amnesty Program, effective October 4, 2024, with enhanced eligibility criteria.
This initiative, which now runs until May 31, 2026, seeks to empower residents by regularizing land ownership for those who have lived on Crown land for five years or have made substantial property improvements. The program supports sustainable development, security, and investment by providing pathways for residents to gain legal title to the land they occupy.
With a broader eligibility scope, the extended program aims to offer a fair and inclusive approach to land ownership.
“This amendment enhances inclusivity by offering terminal amnesty options even to those with expired leases, allowing lease renewal or conversion to freehold title (FHT) under specific conditions,” stated Director of the Crown Land Unit, Keisha Holder-Lopez. The program encourages land development, specifically for individuals who initiated development prior to 2023 or made financial commitments towards formal land ownership.
Applicants to the Crown Land Amnesty Program can access several options for transitioning to freehold title, including:
Option 1: Conversion of a Residential Conditional Purchase Lease (CPL) to a Freehold Title (FHT) without needing to settle outstanding arrears to the Crown.
Option 2: Acquisition of an FHT through installment payments for those who demonstrate financial constraints, a primary residency requirement, and a freehold purchase price above $75,000.
Option 3: Conversion of a Residential CPL to a long lease for residents over 60 or those incapacitated due to illness. Executors of estates may also apply if the deceased lived on the property.
Option 4: Adjustments, reconfigurations, or exchanges of land parcels to facilitate freehold title acquisition, offering flexibility to optimize land holdings.
This extension emphasizes good governance, transparency, and equitable land distribution, with Holder-Lopez encouraging all eligible residents to take advantage of this opportunity. “By participating in the Crown Land Amnesty Program, residents can secure their rights, contribute to economic growth, and foster a sustainable future for all,” she added.
Interested individuals can learn more by visiting the TCI Crown Land Unit's website at www.gov.tc/crownland/rcplamnesty or following @tcicrownlandunit on social media.
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