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Challenges in Systematic Property Registration in Romania: An Analytical Overview

Author

Listed:
  • Vasile Gherheș

    (Department of Communication and Foreign Languages, Interdisciplinary Research Center for Communication and Sustainability, Politehnica University of Timisoara, 300006 Timisoara, Romania)

  • Carmen Grecea

    (Department of Overland Communications Ways, Foundations and Cadastral Survey, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Politehnica University of Timisoara, 300223 Timisoara, Romania)

  • Clara-Beatrice Vilceanu

    (Department of Overland Communications Ways, Foundations and Cadastral Survey, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Politehnica University of Timisoara, 300223 Timisoara, Romania)

  • Sorin Herban

    (Department of Overland Communications Ways, Foundations and Cadastral Survey, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Politehnica University of Timisoara, 300223 Timisoara, Romania)

  • Claudiu Coman

    (Faculty of Sociology and Communication, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brașov, Romania)

Abstract

After the fall of communism, Romania embarked on a comprehensive land restitution process through Law No. 18/1991, aiming to re-establish private ownership rights, particularly for agricultural and forestry lands. Divergent historical legacies across regions have resulted in heterogeneous land administration systems, contributing to inconsistencies, overlapping claims, and prolonged legal disputes. To address these challenges, the Romanian government introduced the National Cadastre and Land Registration Program, which promotes systematic property registration across the country. Keeping in mind the fact that there is no integrated study that analyses national challenges from multiple dimensions such as history, law, institutions, technology, and socioeconomics and proposes systematic optimization strategies, this article provides a critical analysis of the legal and institutional framework governing land restitution and cadastral reform, highlighting the influence of historical administrative structures and the adoption of modern geospatial technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GISs) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). By adopting a qualitative and document-based research approach, focusing on the analysis of legislative frameworks, institutional procedures, and technical instruments used in systematic land registration in Romania, this study emphasizes the benefits of systematic registration, including increased legal certainty, investment stimulation, improved access to credit, and better planning and taxation. Despite progress, implementation remains uneven, hindered by documentation gaps, institutional capacity limitations, and administrative obstacles. Recent legislative adjustments and the integration of advanced geospatial tools aim to improve data quality and accelerate the registration process. Ultimately, the integration of legal, institutional, and geospatial components is essential for achieving transparent and accountable land governance, efficient resource management, and sustainable rural development in Romania.

Suggested Citation

  • Vasile Gherheș & Carmen Grecea & Clara-Beatrice Vilceanu & Sorin Herban & Claudiu Coman, 2025. "Challenges in Systematic Property Registration in Romania: An Analytical Overview," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-21, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:5:p:1118-:d:1660587
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vlad Păunescu & Divyani Kohli & Alexandru-Iulian Iliescu & Mircea-Emil Nap & Elemer-Emanuel Șuba & Tudor Sălăgean, 2022. "An Evaluation of the National Program of Systematic Land Registration in Romania Using the Fit for Purpose Spatial Framework Principles," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-24, September.
    2. Emilia Herman, 2024. "Sustainable Agriculture and Its Impact on the Rural Development in EU Countries: A Multivariate Analysis," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-26, June.
    3. Kornelia Grzelka & Karolina Pargieła & Aleksandra Jasińska & Artur Warchoł & Jarosław Bydłosz, 2024. "Registration of Objects for 3D Cadastre: An Integrated Approach," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-19, December.
    4. Sanda Marioara Naș & Mircea Vasile Bondrea & Virgil Mihai Rădulescu & Raluca Gâlgău & Ioel Samuel Vereș & Raluca Bondrea & Adrian Traian Rădulescu, 2023. "The Use of UAVs for Land Use Planning of Brownfield Regeneration Projects-Case Study: Former Brick Factory, Cluj Napoca, Romania," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-20, January.
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