Good possessory title

A “Good Possessory Title” in Jamaica refers to ownership established through long-term, uninterrupted possession rather than formal legal documentation. This concept is rooted in the principle of adverse possession, where an individual who occupies land openly, continuously, and without the permission of the rightful owner for a specified period—typically 12 years under Jamaican law—can claim legal ownership. To secure a good possessory title, the occupant must demonstrate exclusive control and a clear intention to treat the land as their own, evidenced by actions such as maintaining the property, paying taxes, or making improvements. This concept is crucial in Jamaican real estate, particularly where formal titles are absent, as it provides a pathway to legal ownership for long-term occupants. Case law, such as Wills v. Wills, highlights how courts evaluate possessory claims based on the continuity and exclusivity of possession. Similar principles apply globally, making possessory title a vital tool for regularizing property ownership in regions where formal land registration may be incomplete, thus contributing to legal certainty and stability in real estate transactions.