Do We Ever Own Our Homes?

[pafjlh]

I asked this because there is another topic about renting or owning a home. This got me to thinking that when it gets right down to it do we ever really own our homes. Lets face it if we don't pay our property taxes at the end of the year, guess what the state can come in and take ownership of our house because they own the land its standing on.

I don't know if this is really fair. After all, we paid for the house we made our payments on time. Yet we are told every year at least here in the United States that we have to pay our properties taxes. Yes, I know some who haven't paid them in awhile, and haven't had the state take their house, I guess the state has no reason for wanting their land at this time. But there is no denying that the state would have ever right to repossess the house all because the property taxes weren't paid.

 

[Jordan]

To be fair, the government can take your house or land even if you do make your tax payments.
The majority of the time they will offer you a sum (Normally way less than what it may be worth) and if you don't accept they will take it without giving you anything.

This happened to my grandfather long time ago when they wanted to build a harbour and he refused to sell the government his land xD They just took it.

So to answer the question. On paper, you do own your land. No other civilian can say otherwise. However, when it comes down to it, The government can do as they please. Which makes the reality of the situation, probably not! :/

 

[missbishi]

It's the same in the UK too - you might own your own house but the government can issue a compulsory purchase order if they want the land back. Again, these offer are usually less than the market value and there's not a great deal you can do about it. I've heard of people being turfed out of homes they've lived in for 50-60 years because of these purchase orders.

 

[Ash1280]

From my experience in ownership is paying real estate and school taxes.
I may add paying the water bill will keep your home out of trouble.
If I don't pay I'll lose.

 

[Stardom22]

To be fair, the government can take your house or land even if you do make your tax payments.
The majority of the time they will offer you a sum (Normally way less than what it may be worth) and if you don't accept they will take it without giving you anything.

This happened to my grandfather long time ago when they wanted to build a harbour and he refused to sell the government his land xD They just took it.

So to answer the question. On paper, you do own your land. No other civilian can say otherwise. However, when it comes down to it, The government can do as they please. Which makes the reality of the situation, probably not!

I thought it was only my government that has the tendency of grabbing land that belongs to its people.

 

[theearner]

I think all homes are the in hand of governments. They can be taken from us one day .