Should I ask my parents to transfer my inheritance now?

A man using his mobile phone. Illustration photo by Pexels

I am a 45-year-old man from a northern midland province in Vietnam, currently residing and working in Hanoi. I am a homeowner, having purchased my property with my earnings. Previously married, I am now divorced and live alone, while my 11-year-old son stays with his mother. I operate my own business and maintain a stable lifestyle, avoiding gambling, drinking, and betting.

I have an older half-brother, my mother’s son from her first marriage. My mother married my father when my brother was two years old, and since then, he has been a part of our family, currently working in our hometown. I also have a younger sister who resides and works in Hanoi. Financially, both my brother and sister are better off than I am. Our family members are all well-educated and maintain a strong mutual respect.

We demonstrate filial piety to our parents, responsibly handle family affairs, and equally share duties without any gender distinctions. My sister, being the most financially secure, often provides more material support to our parents than my brother and I.

My parents, both aged 75, live on a 1,500-square-meter property in our hometown with a 35-meter road frontage. Five years ago, they allocated a 450-square-meter plot with a 14-meter road frontage to my brother, who has built his home there and lives in it currently.

My younger sister received a 550-square-meter plot, which has only a 5-meter road frontage and is L-shaped, remaining undeveloped for now. Nonetheless, both she and my brother are content with their shares.

I am to inherit the plot where my parents currently live, which is the largest area and has the most road frontage at 16 meters. However, they intend to transfer it to me only after their passing. I have been allocated the largest share because I am my father’s only biological son and will be tasked with upholding the ancestral rites in the future.

Recently, I proposed that my parents subdivide the land they promised me into three parts, with two transferred to my name immediately and one retained in theirs. They rejected this idea, concerned that I might use the property for unintended purposes, risking the ancestral estate.

Although my siblings have reassured me that there will be no disputes and the land will eventually be mine, I perceive a considerable risk. The property is highly valuable, and substantial assets like this can affect decisions over time. Currently, the land is valued at approximately VND15–20 million (US$588-$784) per square meter, and its value is expected to increase significantly within the next 10-15 years, which is when I might finally obtain ownership.

I have shared my perspective and attempted to convince my parents, but despite explaining the potential complications that could arise, they remained unconvinced. My brother and sister, who have already received their portions, supported our parents’ decision. They opposed my request to transfer two-thirds of the land to my name, consenting only to a minor portion. This discussion has visibly fatigued my parents.

I find myself in a challenging position as I seek to secure legal ownership of the promised property promptly to circumvent future difficulties. Possessing the title would enable me to use the land for advantageous endeavors, such as securing a business loan when necessary. I have no plans to sell the property, instead, I intend to retain it for my retirement when I return to my hometown. While my siblings have already received their shares, I am still waiting for mine.

What strategies can I employ to manage this situation effectively, ensuring I achieve my objectives while preserving family unity?