Over 1.5 Billion NT Dollars in Caotun Land Unclaimed, Risks Confiscation

In a striking display of bureaucratic inertia and familial discord, Taiwan's Caotun Township is facing the potential forfeiture of over 1.5 billion NT dollars in land and buildings. These properties, some dating back to the Japanese colonial era, have remained unregistered for inheritance for years. The Liberty Times reports that the sheer number of heirs, often leading to intractable disputes over division, and the reluctance to register properties under a 'joint ownership' by one heir, are primary reasons for the delay. In other cases, the land's value has diminished due to rezoning for public use, making the registration process seem not worthwhile. According to land law, properties left unregistered for over a year after inheritance proceedings begin are subject to a 15-year management period by the land administration. If still unclaimed after this period, they are auctioned, with proceeds held for 10 years before reverting to the national treasury. This situation highlights a complex intersection of property law, familial relations, and the practicalities of managing ancestral assets in Taiwan. The local land office is making a final push, with public notices posted and online information available, urging those with claims to come forward before the deadline.