How to Legally Claim an Abandoned House? Uncovering the Opportunities in 2025
Have you ever walked past an abandoned house and thought, “What if I could just move in?” Believe it or not, that house might be a hidden gem. As cities grow and people move, abandoned houses are becoming more common. Some of these houses have been sitting empty for years, just waiting for someone to take them on. If you're looking for affordable housing or a new project, these abandoned houses could be your opportunity. But, don’t think you can just walk in and claim them. There are legal steps to take. Here’s how you can legally claim an abandoned house, along with some updated data from 2024 to guide you.
What is an Abandoned House?
An abandoned house is essentially a property that has been left empty for a long time and isn’t being maintained by anyone. These houses are usually the result of economic downturns, natural disasters, or people simply moving away. According to 2024 US real estate data, there are around 3 million abandoned houses across the country, many of which are ripe for the taking — but only if you know the legal path to claiming them.
How to Legally Claim an Abandoned House?
While an abandoned house might seem like an easy target, there are legal procedures involved if you want to claim ownership. One common way to do this is through a process called Adverse Possession. In simple terms, if you openly occupy a property and meet certain criteria, you could eventually claim it as your own. Let’s walk through the steps you need to follow.
1. Make Sure the Property is Unclaimed
First, you need to confirm that the house doesn’t have a clear owner. This means doing a bit of research. You can check the property's ownership records through public records or by contacting local authorities. If the house has been abandoned for years and no one is taking care of it, that’s your first clue that it might be fair game.
2. Live in the Property for a Set Period of Time
Once you’re sure the house is unclaimed, you need to actually live in it — but there’s a catch. You can’t just squat there secretly. The law requires you to live in the house openly and continuously. Different states have different requirements for how long you need to live there. For example:
In California, you only need to live in the property for 5 years without interference from the original owner.
In Texas, you need to live in the property for 10 years.
3. Repair the Property and Pay Property Taxes
While living in the house, you need to show that you’re taking care of it. This means fixing it up — repairing the roof, plumbing, and maybe even adding a fresh coat of paint. Additionally, you’ll need to pay property taxes during the time you’re living there. This helps prove that you are maintaining the property and invested in it.
4. Legal Process to Claim Ownership
After you’ve met the living and maintenance requirements, it’s time to take things to court. You’ll need to submit a formal claim for Adverse Possession to the local court. You’ll need to show evidence that you’ve been living in the property, paying taxes, and making repairs. If the court agrees, you could be granted legal ownership of the house.
Another Route: Buying Abandoned Houses at Auction
If the Adverse Possession route feels too long or complicated, there’s another option: you can buy abandoned houses at auction. In 2024, around 100,000 properties in the US were sold through foreclosure or auction — many of them abandoned. These auctions often sell properties at a fraction of their market value, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest or secure a home.
Real-Life Stories: Successfully Claiming Abandoned Houses
Daniel's Story: Daniel found an abandoned house in California. After doing some research, he realized the original owners had moved away years ago and never bothered with the house. He decided to move in and start fixing it up. After paying the property taxes and living there for 5 years, Daniel applied for legal ownership and successfully claimed the house as his own.
Amy’s Fixer-Upper: Amy, based in Texas, found an abandoned house that had been left empty for over 10 years. She purchased the property through an auction and put in a fair amount of money to renovate it. After the repairs were completed, Amy rented out the house and made a solid return on her investment.
New York Foreclosure Case: In New York, Tom won a bid on an abandoned house at a foreclosure auction. After spending some time fixing it up, he put the house on the market and made a significant profit. In 2024, auctioned properties like Tom’s accounted for nearly 25% of all real estate transactions in the state, often going for much less than their market value.