Homeownership & Foreclosure

Heirs Property

“Heirs property” is created when a property owner dies, passing land or home to their heirs, but the formal probate process has not been completed. Heirs property is disproportionately experienced in communities of color. Together, fractured ownership and exclusionary policies prevent many families from enjoying the full physical and financial security promised by homeownership.

Keeping it in the Family: Legal Strategies to Address the Challenge of Heirs Property and Prevent Home Loss

January 29, 2024

This report highlights and evaluates the efficacy of various laws and policies aimed at helping owners of heirs property, a significant driver of land loss in communities of color.

Read More about: Keeping it in the Family: Legal Strategies to Address the Challenge of Heirs Property and Prevent Home Loss
September 30, 2025
February 6, 2026
AFN Policies to Preserve Wealth

Recent

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Local Solutions to Protect Heirs Property Owners from Property Tax Foreclosure

February 6, 2026

What States Can Do To Protect Heirs From Disaster Displacement

September 30, 2025

Comment to FEMA Review Council on Heirs Property and Extreme Heat

May 15, 2025

Letter to HUD on CDBG-DR and Heirs Property/Alternative Title Documentation

October 21, 2024

Texas Comment Letter to FEMA on Equity Interim Final Rule

July 22, 2024

Homeowners at Risk: Nationwide Survey Reveals Critical Gaps the CFPB Must Address to Prevent Foreclosures

February 21, 2024

Keeping it in the Family: Legal Strategies to Address the Challenge of Heirs Property and Prevent Home Loss

January 29, 2024

Big But Brief: Challenges to Sustainable Homeownership Among Older Black Adults

October 11, 2023

Property Tax Foreclosures on Heirs Property: The Devastating Consequences and Recommendations for Prevention

August 22, 2023

Comments & Letters

View All for Comments & Letters
Comment to FEMA Review Council on Heirs Property and Extreme Heat

May 15, 2025

Letter to HUD on CDBG-DR and Heirs Property/Alternative Title Documentation

October 21, 2024

Texas Comment Letter to FEMA on Equity Interim Final Rule

July 22, 2024

Reports

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Keeping it in the Family: Legal Strategies to Address the Challenge of Heirs Property and Prevent Home Loss

January 29, 2024

Property Tax Foreclosures on Heirs Property: The Devastating Consequences and Recommendations for Prevention

August 22, 2023

Unmet Promise: Reverse Mortgage Servicing Challenges and How to Preserve Housing Stability for Older Adults

February 6, 2023

Issue Briefs

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Local Solutions to Protect Heirs Property Owners from Property Tax Foreclosure

February 6, 2026

What States Can Do To Protect Heirs From Disaster Displacement

September 30, 2025

Homeowners at Risk: Nationwide Survey Reveals Critical Gaps the CFPB Must Address to Prevent Foreclosures

February 21, 2024

Heirs Should Not Be Subject to Florida’s Homestead Tax Exemption Penalty

August 22, 2023

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