Cadastral plan (cadastre plan)

A cadastre is an official map and register of land parcels. The cadastral plan is the drawing that puts your parcel on it.

You need one when you apply for title registration, which is available only in declared registration districts. The plan is prepared by a licensed surveyor to the Commission's specifications, checked by the Survey and Mapping Division, and then used by the Land Registration Division to issue a land title certificate.

How it differs from a site plan:

• A site plan is enough for an official search and for deeds registration.
• A cadastral plan is checked against the official cadastral map, so overlaps with neighbouring registered parcels are caught before a title is issued.

The Commission also produces a related "title plan" for registered parcels. Both are products of the Survey and Mapping Division.

Because there are few licensed surveyors in Ghana, waiting for survey work can add time to a title application. Fees and target times are set out in the Commission's Client Service Charter, which says its fees are under revision; check the current figures with the Commission.

Why it matters to buyers. Because the cadastral plan is checked against the official cadastral map, it catches overlaps between parcels before a title is issued. That is one reason title registration gives stronger protection than deeds registration.

Typical sequence in a registration district. Commission a site plan and search, sign and stamp the indenture, have a licensed surveyor prepare the cadastral plan to the Commission's specifications, lodge it for approval, then apply for title registration. Objections can be raised during publication before the certificate is issued.

Cadastral plans matter mainly in title registration districts: Greater Accra and parts of Kumasi and the Central Region. Outside them, a certified site plan with the indenture is the usual standard. Sources differ on exactly which areas are registration districts; see that entry.