Curious to hear the boards thoughts on a hypothetical. We have a property near us that I've been thinking quite a bit about because it has a run down/abandoned house on it and the thought of adverse possession came up. Now this isn't something I would frankly have the cahones (or possibly the money) to even attempt but it feels like this property would be ripe for someone to adversely possess.

I'm not aware anyone has set foot on this property (6 acres) in probably 10 years, the house is literally falling in on itself and vegetation is out of control. The owners based on my research appear to be in their 80's with one living in Minnesota.

Could someone simply start taking care of the property or fence off the property and just hope it continues as is with the owners never setting sight on the property? Would it take 10 years?

What happens if the owner does find out, it seems like you would be almost certainly be facing criminal trespass charges?

I don't know on the taxes, I've asked the CAD for a list of delinquent properties.

I really have zero plans to do this, more so just curious because I've taken an interest in the property. As far as buying it, I think it would conservatively go for 60-75k/acre which I'm not going to do (the one acre next to it with a run down barn was bought for $120k)

In all honesty, I'll most likely pursue talking with the county about making this a public health nuisance issue as the property isn't secured in any way, right across from a large city park/baseball/soccer complex and the house is a danger. All I really want is that house gone.

Ol_Ag_02 said:

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So you want to steal their property?

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Old Army really is dead.