Cadastral reform is presently being promoted as one means of improving and supporting economic development, social stability and environmental management. A study of the development of the Seychelles cadastre through its two centuries of existence lends credence to this assertion and could be considered a text book solution for many developing countries. It also brings to the fore some interesting observations and lessons, particularly for small island states.This paper overviews the development of the Seychelles cadastre, focussing on two relatively recent reforms initiated about four decades ago. The first concerned a move from general to fixed boundaries based on a national coordinate system, while the second concerned the introduction of title registration to replace a system of deeds registration. The paper presents important observations and lessons resulting from these reforms and suggests how the Seychelles cadastre might continue to develop over the next decade towards a multi-purpose role.