The authors are analyzed the regulatory framework for the regulation of land relations in Russia. The paper describes the current mechanism for determining the grounds for establishing land rights and their registration, presents an analysis of the law enforcement practice of recognition of property rights, taking into account long-term ownership of real estate. The article is presented offers and ways to improve the mechanism of determining the grounds for establishing rights to land plots and their registration. The authors are noted that these proposals should be taken into account in the development of the draft new version of the civil code of the Russian Federation.