The Isle of Man Land Registry hosted a delegation of Norwegian land administration professionals on Thursday, 1 October 2026, for a day of discussions, demonstrations and international knowledge-sharing.
The delegation included Per Ove Røkke, an authorised cadastral surveyor and senior engineer with the Norwegian Mapping Authority (Kartverket), and Lars Norum, a land consolidation judge within the Norwegian Courts Administration. They were joined by Dr Robin McLaren, an internationally recognised expert in geospatial and land administration systems, and Iain McDonald, the Island’s former Information Commissioner. Dr McLaren and Mr McDonald were instrumental in the development of the Island’s first computerised land registration system.
The visit provided an opportunity to understand and compare the different land registration regimes operating in Norway and the Isle of Man. Discussions covered the legal and practical operation of the two systems, including the registration of property rights, cadastral information, parcel subdivision, rectification procedures, proof of ownership and approaches to boundary disputes.
The Norwegian delegation also gave a presentation on the history of land registration in Norway, its national cadastral system and the separate role of the Land Consolidation Court. Colleagues from the Isle of Man Land Registry outlined the historical development of the Island’s system and demonstrated examples of registration in practice.
James Lowery, Legal Officer at the Land Registry, said:
‘The exchange was extremely helpful and informative. Although the two registries operate on different scales, we face many similar challenges. Sharing knowledge and experience helps us to continue to maintain accurate, accessible and resilient land information while responding to changing expectations and technological developments.’
The Land Registry regularly engages with professional organisations and land administration bodies to share knowledge and experience and support the continued development of the Island's land registration system.
The visit coincided with the refreshed Isle of Man Land Registry Dashboard being made available online, providing residents, businesses and property professionals with easy access to live application data and house price statistics, while improving transparency by making property sales information clearer and easier to understand.
