ABSTRACT. In this study, the author examines existing blockchain land registries across various nations. It takes along the use of these systems and their outcome. Conventional land registries are earmarked with issues such as fraud, inaccuracies and cumbersome systems. Land records can be stored in blockchain in a secure, transparent and decentralized manner. The research problem is associated with the possibility to compare the implementation of blockchain by countries and to consider its advantages and issues. The study will mean surveys and literature review. It concludes that blockchain enhances transparency, safety and efficiency in land registries. Most users have also concurred that blockchain decreases fraud and accelerates property transfer. As an example, certain countries make transactions within days, as opposed to months. Costs are saved by cutting third parties as well, so blockchain also has high setup costs. There are however challenges. The utilization of blockchain is slowed down by legal regulations that do not facilitate its utilization. Others are not user friendly particularly the non-technical user cannot have access through them. Technical challenges such as size to large populations and high costs are common issues. There is mixed trust in blockchain and some of its users are uncertain about its use. The overall satisfaction level with blockchain systems is average, but there is still a scope of improvement. It ends up saying that blockchain is transformative to land registries but requires improved policies and regulations, intuitive platforms, and cost-effective technology. Georgia and Sweden prove to be successful but other countries are not. A good point of improvement, in the future, should be on clear regulations, easy access as well as reduction of costs. Governments and policymakers will benefit in ways suggested by this research to create excellent blockchain-based land registries. It brings out the prospect of safe, effective, and equitable land registration records across the globe.

Keywords: blockchain; land registry; transparency; security; decentralization; property transactions; legal framework

How to cite: Popescu, G. H., and Ciurlău, C. F. (2023). “Blockchain-enabled Land Registry Systems: A Cross-Country Evaluation of Implementation and Outcomes,” Smart Governance 2(3): 7–21. doi: 10.22381/sg2320231.

Received 12 April 2023 • Received in revised form 22 September 2023
Accepted 26 September 2023 • Available online 28 September 2023