Slovakia is preparing to modernize its land registry system, a move that will end the current practice of free and public access to property records. Proposed legislation from the Surveying,Cartography and Cadastre Office (ÚGKK) would require registration – and in some cases,a fee of 6 euros – to access detailed land title information,a change officials say will bolster data security and combat fraud.While the real estate industry largely supports the update, concerns are rising about potential cost increases for property buyers and sellers as an inevitable result of the new system, expected to take affect in 2027 if approved by parliament.
Slovakia’s land registry is poised for its most significant overhaul in years, potentially impacting property owners and those involved in real estate transactions. The country’s Surveying, Cartography and Cadastre Office (ÚGKK) has proposed legislation that will change how the public accesses property records, ending the current system of free and anonymous online access to land titles.
Under the proposed changes, individuals will be required to register for access, and in some cases, pay a fee. “Each user will now need to create a registration, which will be free of charge, to create a digital record of who is accessing cadastral data,” explained Lucia Gocníková, head of the ÚGKK, in a statement to STVR.
Basic property information will remain publicly available without registration, but detailed data – including owner names, ownership shares, and any existing liens – will be accessible only to registered users. The most substantial change is the introduction of a fee for a complete electronic land title intended for legal purposes, costing citizens 6 euros.
Real Estate Industry Supports Changes, But Client Costs Expected to Rise
The proposed changes have been met with a generally positive response from the real estate sector. Currently, agents must visit the land registry in person to obtain property titles. “If you register and pay the fee, you’ll receive a land title that can be used for legal purposes online. This is a significant benefit and will save us a lot of trips to the land registry,” said Daniela Rážová, a real estate agent and CEO of BOND reality.
However, Ján Palenčár, president of the National Association of Real Estate Agencies of Slovakia, warned that the changes will likely increase costs, particularly during property sales. “When handling a transaction, especially a sale, a real estate agency frequently checks the informative land title. This will add tens of euros to the cost, and ultimately, the client will pay that extra expense,” he cautioned.
Enhanced Data Protection is a Key Goal
A primary aim of the proposed legislation is to strengthen the protection of personal data. “Social security numbers will only be accessible to the person to whom they belong – the owner or the social security number holder,” noted Lucia Semančínová, a lawyer and data protection expert.
The changes will also allow for better tracking of access to the land registry. Officials say this is intended to prevent cyberattacks, which the land registry has faced in the past, and to deter fraud. “Law enforcement agencies will be able to identify individuals who repeatedly view properties belonging to seniors or people living alone. This is currently one of the most common methods used by fraudsters,” Gocníková added. The move underscores the growing concern over property fraud and data security.
If approved by parliament, the new cadastral law is expected to take effect in 2027.
