The Land Administration Authority (LAA) manages land registration, cadastral surveying, conveyancing coordination and lease administration in Lesotho.
For investors, LAA provides the pathway to secure land tenure (leasehold), register property transactions, and verify title, which are prerequisites for financing and development approvals.
Regulatory Framework – Scope and Coverage
LAA’s scope includes:
- Land and lease registrations;
- Cadastral mapping and survey plan approvals;
- Property transaction processing (transfers, mortgages, subdivisions, consolidations); and
- Land information services (searches, deed copies, parcel mapping).
Regulatory Map: Who Does What
| Area | Primary Authority / Instrument | What it Means for Investors |
|---|---|---|
| Land allocation/leases | Local authorities and Ministry of Local Government; LAA registers | Allocation/lease issuance; LAA registers land rights – issues and manages land leases. |
| Cadastral survey | Licensed surveyors; LAA approvals | Demarcation and surveyed boundaries for titles. |
| Transfers and mortgages | LAA registry with conveyancers | Registered deeds for property/loan security. |
| Planning and land use | Local planning authorities | Zoning/consents that precede registration changes. |
Investor‑Facing Processes
| Process | Steps | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Site acquisition (lease) | Identify site → planning/land allocation → survey → lease issuance → LAA registration | Registered lease/title for financing |
| Subdivision/consolidation | Planning consent → survey plan → LAA approval → registration | Updated parcel(s) for development |
| Transaction and mortgage | Sale/lease deed → conveyancer lodgement → LAA registration | Registered transfer/mortgage for security |