New York, NY asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for New York

Q: A friend said that you don't own the land your house is on in NYC, even if its paid for, is this true?

It's paid for and I pay the taxes.. Please advise, in detail. Thank you.

2 Lawyer Answers
T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: In most cases in New York City, if you own a house, you also own the land it's on, known as "fee simple" ownership. However, there are exceptions, like land leases in some co-op buildings, where you might not own the land. If you're paying property taxes and have a standard ownership deed, it's likely you own both the land and the house.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Little Neck, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: This is something that real estate attorneys could have the deepest insight into, and you mention being interested in a detailed explanation. The question is posted in Estate Planning, which deals more with the disposition of property and assets through wills, trusts, and otherwise. You could try adding Real Estate as a category. Good luck

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.