Man Gets Angry After Discovering A $1.5 Million House Was Built On The Land He Owns

Aug 10, 2023

Owning a parcel of land can be reassuring for many as they possess the liberty to decide what to do with it. Whether they would like to transform it into a residential building, a commercial complex, or something else, the decision falls entirely upon the owner of the land. 

That was the case for Daniel Kenigsberg until he discovered that the parcel of land he owned in Connecticut was illegally built by another “landowner.” 

According to NBC New York, property owner Kenigsberg filed a lawsuit against Sky Top Partners for illegally building a $1.5-million house on the land he owns. The developer paid $350,000 for the land in October 2022. 

Now living in Long Island, New York, Kenigsberg caught a whiff of the news from his childhood friend when he revealed that a house was being built next door to them. Turns out, a fraudulent deed and a special power of attorney were signed by one Daniel Kenigsberg from South Africa. 

The land was bought by Kenigsberg in 1991, but he hasn’t touched it since. Upon finding out about the bogus sale, Kenigsberg sued the firm involved on nine counts, including trespass, statutory theft, and unfair trade practices, The Greenwich Times reported. 

Court documents revealed that Kenigsberg asked for damages amounting to $2 million, as well as demanding that the firm should restore the land back to its original state before they started construction. 

“I’m angry that so many people were so negligent that this could have happened….It wasn’t for sale…It’s more than obnoxious, it’s offensive and wrong,” he told the publication. 

The forged special power of attorney and deed of sale was made legally by Anthony Monelli of Trumbull, Connecticut. According to The Greenwich Times, Gina Leto and Greg Bugaj of 51 Sky Top Partners admitted that they, too, were victims of a scam. 

"We learned to our shock and dismay that Kenigsberg, had not, in fact, sold the property to us,” the company told CT Insider. "Rather, a third party had impersonated Kenigsberg and — through the carelessness and neglect of the various real estate professionals involved in the transaction — managed to list, market, and sell the property without anyone ever catching on."

The Fairfield Police Department told NBC New York that they are actively investigating what transpired on the legal ruckus. However, they assured Kingesberg that construction on the land had already been halted. 

Kenigsberg was furious with the legal mix-up that occurred. In a statement to The Greenwich Times, he elaborated more on the confusion and surprise he felt upon discovering what happened. 

“You know when you go back to your old neighborhood…it still more or less looks the same. That was this family’s house and that was that family’s house,” he said. “It just struck me as very weird. You have a picture in your mind and then…”

Per the publication, the house had been listed for $1,475,000. 

“Stunning new construction built on quiet side street by respected local builder,” the listing on the embattled building read. “Great location…Great back yard. Room for playset, kick a soccer ball, or a swimming pool.”

What can you say about Daniel Kenigsberg’s problem? Have you encountered a similar problem to his? What would you have done if you were in his shoes? Let us know, and pass this on to your family and friends!