Should I accept three properties from my estranged father?

I am 23 and recently graduated from college in Ho Chi Minh City. Last week, my father unexpectedly called and offered to transfer three rental properties into my name as an inheritance—two on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City and another in neighboring Binh Duong Province.

He said that the next time I visit his hometown, we should meet and complete the transfer paperwork as soon as possible.

A house for rent. Illustration from Pexels

What concerns me most is his repeated insistence that I keep the arrangement completely secret, particularly from his relatives. He warned that if they found out, it could cause serious conflict. When I asked for some time to consider the offer, he agreed but urged me to make a decision quickly so he could make his own arrangements.

My parents divorced when I was very young, and my father later started another family. For roughly 15 years, despite operating a construction company and a feng shui consulting business, he provided financial support only occasionally, about once every six months.

I was raised entirely by my mother, who went on to build a successful business and acquire significant property assets. She also bought me a car when I started college. Even without anything from my father, I am unlikely to face financial insecurity because of the assets my mother has accumulated.

That is partly why his sudden offer feels so strange. We have almost no emotional relationship, and to me he is little more than a stranger. It is difficult to believe that someone so distant would suddenly hand over valuable property without any conditions attached.

His insistence on secrecy has only deepened my doubts. I keep wondering whether he has another motive or whether the properties could be tied up in debts, disputes or other legal problems.

There is also another family issue on my mind. My paternal aunt is getting married later this year, and I am unsure what gift would be most appropriate. I am considering 24-karat gold, a jewelry set or a cash gift of several million dong (VND1 million = US$38.6).

Money is not the issue. I simply want to be generous without making the gift seem excessive or socially awkward.

I would appreciate advice, especially from older readers with more experience in family and property matters. Should I accept the three properties? How can I discreetly verify their ownership status and check for any legal complications? And what would be an appropriate wedding gift for my aunt?