San Francisco approves auction of $4.4m mansion over $340,000 tax debt

A San Francisco mansion valued at approximately $4.4 million is scheduled for auction to settle a tax debt exceeding $340,000. The property, located at 250 32nd Avenue in the affluent Sea Cliff neighborhood, has been vacant for years and accumulated the unpaid taxes. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously endorsed a resolution permitting the Treasurer and Tax Collector to sell the Mediterranean-style home at a public auction.

The decision aims to address complaints about squatters, police visits, and allegations of property deed fraud. The case has attracted the attention of city prosecutors and legal authorities. The property is listed as Assessor’s Block 1391, Lot 014, and was purchased by Wei Wang and her husband in 2013. Wang later moved abroad and ceased paying property taxes, causing the unpaid amount to accumulate over several tax years.

Alleged fraudulent property transfers occurred due to the prolonged period of vacancy, with eight separate deeds recorded by Brandon Aadee and Diana Peng, including forged notary signatures and altered documents. City Attorney David Chiu filed a lawsuit accusing Aadee and Peng of attempting to unlawfully take ownership of the home.

A temporary restraining order was issued, preventing them from transferring, selling, or claiming financial interest in the property. Residents of Sea Cliff have expressed frustration due to unauthorised visitors, construction noise, and suspected break-ins, leading to frequent police calls. The Board of Supervisors' unanimous vote allows the Tax Collector to arrange and conduct the public tax auction to recover the tax debt and restore neighborhood stability.