The Land Registry will launch the Central Registration System on February 12 to increase efficiency and improve customer service. An Integrated Registration Information System has been developed and will be put into operation to support the registration system on the same date.

Under the new system, the nine registries - Urban, Islands, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, North, Tai Po, Sha Tin and Sai Kung - now operating will be merged into a single registration unit for the whole of Hong Kong.

New change

The following changes in procedures and services will take effect from February 12:

* registration of all property transactions will be conducted at the Queensway Government Offices;

* search services will still be available at the Customer Centre as well as at seven New Territories Search Offices. Self-service terminals will be installed in these offices and can be used throughout office hours, including lunch hours;

* search services will be available over the Internet between 8.30am and 12.30am every day, including Sundays and public holidays. The existing Direct Access Service will be discontinued as from 7pm on February 8;

* the Reports on Title & Owners Incorporation Office will be relocated from Marina House, Sai Wan Ho to the Queensway Government Offices;

* applications for registration of Owners Corporations and search of Owners Corporation records for Hong Kong, Kowloon and Islands District will be received for the time being on the 28/F of the Queensway Government Offices (these services will be relocated later to the 19/F); and,

* applications for owners corporation services for all other New Territories districts will continue to be received at their respective district search offices.

Reduced fees 

Reduced fees for providing land searches and land documents will also come into effect on February 12.

Detailed information on the new fees has already been given to all regular users of Land Registry services and is available on its website or at its offices.

For enquiries call 2867 2882 before February 12 or 3105 0000 afterwards, or visit 19/F Queensway Government Offices, or at any New Territories Search Office.