Abandoned properties belonging to Sudeten Germans to transfer to state ownership from January

Houses, cemeteries and plots of land that have been abandoned, mainly due to the post-war displacement of German residents in the former Sudetenland, will belong to the state from January, the Ombudsman's Office announced on its website on Monday. The ten-year period during which the displaced owners could request that their property be returned to them will expire at the end of this year.

In 2014, the rules regarding abandoned real estate changed, with ownership being transferred from local governments to the state. However, a ten-year grace period was instated, before which the property could not be considered truly abandoned.