Andorra Backs Property Registry Bill but Calls for Timeline Revisions

The Andorran government has given a favourable assessment to a democrats-led parliamentary proposal for establishing a property registry, while urging revisions to the implementation timelines for a secure and effective rollout.

In its required review ahead of the bill's initial plenary vote in the Consell General, the executive praised the initiative as a significant institutional milestone. The planned registry would introduce a modern electronic system organised around the "folio real" model, providing detailed and reliable information on property legal status, ownership, encumbrances, and restrictions. This digital format would promote administrative interoperability, streamline processes, and enhance public access to records, in line with European legal standards and the increasing demands of real estate activities.

Executives highlighted the proposal's comprehensive framework for registry operations, registrar roles, and oversight mechanisms, describing it as a technically specialised institution to build trust among citizens, legal professionals, and economic operators. The review lauds the measure for bolstering legal security, transparency in real estate transactions, and protection of property rights.

However, the government warned that the proposed deadlines—particularly for the law's entry into force, IT system deployment, registrar selection and appointment processes, and service launch—are tight and require adjustment through parliamentary amendments. Adequate time is needed to coordinate substantive and procedural rules on real property rights, finalise supporting regulations, build technological infrastructure, ensure links with other public registries, and provide specialised training for registrars and staff. This phased approach would prevent legal uncertainties or operational disruptions and align with technical, organisational, and regulatory demands.

The review, expected for publication early next week, clears the path for a plenary vote on advancing the bill to committee review. Given backing from the chamber majority and the government, approval remains likely.

The executive reaffirmed its alignment with the bill's goals, including reducing uncertainty over property status, easing access to financing, boosting confidence in transactions, and aiding public policies on housing, urban planning, environmental protection, and land management.