Paper #2

Blockchain and NFC for Real Estate Certificate Management: An Albanian Case Study

Elva Leka, Luis Lamani, Arjol Lule and Klajdi Hamzallari

Abstract: This paper presents a novel framework designed to enhance the certification of real estate ownership and transactions through the integration of Ethereum blockchain technology, Near Field Communication (NFC), and smart contracts. The proposed architecture establishes a secure, transparent, and efficient digital certificate management system by leveraging immutable blockchain records, decentralized document storage via the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), and NFC paper tags for effective physical-to-digital integration. The implementation employs encryption keys, Quick Response (QR) codes, and NFC tags to ensure data integrity and accessibility. A user-centric design has been developed to accommodate various stakeholders, including property owners, buyers, notaries, and land registry officials. This solution significantly improves upon traditional real estate transaction methods by facilitating end-to-end digital transactions, enhancing transparency and traceability, and substantially reducing the risk of fraud. By empowering participants to execute transactions and update records on a decentralized platform, this system fosters increased trust and operational efficiency within the Albanian real estate market. Furthermore, the design ensures compatibility with existing tax and payment procedures, providing a seamless transition for all stakeholders involved. The findings of this project aim not only to revolutionize real estate practices in Albania, but also to offer a scalable model for global implementation. By addressing the challenges associated with property certification and transactions, this innovative system contributes to a safer, more transparent, and efficient real estate environment. This framework is characterized by legal compliance, enhanced traceability, and robust fraud prevention mechanisms, ultimately paving the way for a modernized approach to real estate management in Albania and beyond.

Keywords: Blockchain; Cadastre; Ethereum; NFC; Smart Contracts.