Recent Developments in the Administrative Settlement of Unclaimed real estate

In accordance with Article 166 of the 2025 Finance Law

Abstract

The classification of properties for which no owner has come forward or no individual has claimed possession during the various stages of the land survey process as unclaimed properties is one of the most commonly occurring disputes in practice. This prevalence has prompted considerable attention from the Algerian legislator, who has sought—through a series of successive legal and regulatory texts—to establish a legal framework for their settlement. The most recent effort in this regard is reflected in Article 166 of the 2025 Finance Law, which aims to overcome the challenges associated with such properties and to offer appropriate solutions in order to purify property ownership and regulate the real estate base. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the key legal developments introduced by the Algerian legislator in the 2025 Finance Law concerning the administrative settlement of unclaimed properties during land survey operations. The objective is to avoid judicial settlements and, consequently, prevent harm to rightful property holders while alleviating the burden on both citizens and judicial authorities