When land ownership reverts to the state, what is it called?

When land ownership reverts to the state, this process is referred to as escheat. Escheat occurs when a property owner dies without a will and without any identifiable heirs. In such cases, the state has the legal right to take possession of the property in order to ensure that unclaimed property is managed and utilized for public benefit. This principle is rooted in the idea that all property ultimately belongs to the state, especially when an owner cannot be identified or an ownership claim is unsettled.

Understanding escheat is essential for real estate professionals, as they must be aware of how property ownership can change in situations involving no heirs, ensuring they provide accurate information and guidance to their clients.