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We all love an underdog, don't we? Someone who won't be bullied, who will stand up for themselves and their rights in the face of all-powerful corporations and governments, they give us all hope that we little guys do have the power after all.

Often referred to as 'nail houses' or 'holdouts,' such as these have become high profile media sensations, particularly in China where the brave homeowners receive widespread support against the perceived bullying of the powers that be. Anyone who has seen the movie 'Up,' or Australian classic 'The Castle' will identify with this! These holdout cases most often happen when the government needs land for highway building or decides to do resident relocation of the whole village if the land that it sits on serves a purpose for mining or other heavy industries. Since selling property isn't something that can be forced, some people stand their ground, refusing to take the ridiculously small buy out cash.

Scroll down to see the astonishing examples below, and don't forget to vote for your favorite!

#1

Edith Macefield Refused To Sell Her Home Even After Being Offered More Than 1 Million Dollars For It. She Later Became The Inspiration For The Movie "Up"

Edith Macefield Refused To Sell Her Home Even After Being Offered More Than 1 Million Dollars For It. She Later Became The Inspiration For The Movie "Up"

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#2

Mary Cook Had Refused To Sell Her Narrow, Handsome Home While All The Neighboring Homes Were Demolished. Today The House Sits Tightly Squeezed Between Its Giant Neighbors, Looking Much Like An Illustration From A Children’s Story Book

Mary Cook Had Refused To Sell Her Narrow, Handsome Home While All The Neighboring Homes Were Demolished. Today The House Sits Tightly Squeezed Between Its Giant Neighbors, Looking Much Like An Illustration From A Children’s Story Book

wirednewyork.com Report

#3

Vera Coking First Refused To Sell Her House To Bob Guccione, Who Wanted To Build His Casino Around It. Later She Refused To Sell To Donald Trump

Vera Coking First Refused To Sell Her House To Bob Guccione, Who Wanted To Build His Casino Around It. Later She Refused To Sell To Donald Trump

Library of Congress , Press of Atlantic City Report

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Wanda Queen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anyone who refuses to be pushed around my Trump is an ace in my book!

echo999 avatar
Echo
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Forget Trump. Anyone who stands up to a corporation who wants, and thinks they can just pay to get it, is a win in my book. Any entity human or legal, that's sole purpose is to gain profit, without regard to the impact or displacement of others, can just go to hell. Don't get me wrong there are some great cases to look at when it comes to property purchases, but the whole system of corporate government of a business has done nothing but erode the sensible compensation of the laborer, exploitation of resources, and an over decline in the stability of those who may be involved, but not sitting on the board of directors. * Incoherent Rant Finished *

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Stannous Flouride
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Especially after it went belly-up because of lousy management. Who the hell manages to go bankrupt running a casino? ...Oh yeah, THAT guy.

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Nancy Ward
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’ve been here.I’m from Jersey my ex-husband had a call in Atlantic City and we drove around a bit.This lady was famous in AC because she really pissed trump off.He didn’t pay his guys and he went bankrupt on all his casinos.We knew he was a jerk close to 40 years ago.

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Suzanne Haigh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the UK they may not have had any choice, council slap compulsory purchases orders on people and there is little they can do. Area have been classed as "slum area" so the council can force people out and give them next to nothing. This is not always the case, re: the man who refused to sell his farm so they had to build the M62 around it, not sure what amkes the difference.

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layne
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Simply awful turn of events both elite self-$$$-idols wanted to buy the widow out solely for the largess of gambling casinos only to gain themselves more largess.

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Sébastien Haramendy
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Isn't there a "FOR SALE" sign on the second picture ? Looks like she made up her mind...

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Kikka io
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great woman. resisting for all free thinkers of America

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#4

An Owner That Refused To Sell His House In Melbourne, Australia

An Owner That Refused To Sell His House In Melbourne, Australia

EddieAteDynamite Report

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Aniket Trivedi
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its very saddening that a lot of beautiful neighborhoods are being distroyed to make enormous claustrophobic buildings.

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#5

One Resident Of A Toronto Duplex Refused To Sell, So They Cut It In Half

One Resident Of A Toronto Duplex Refused To Sell, So They Cut It In Half

The Huffington Post Report

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Luke Wright
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is on St. Patrick Street in downtown Toronto. Its not "new" exactly, back in 1950 they split this house, the apartment complex now stands on what would have been the other half of the duplex.

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#6

This Slender Gothic-Inspired Townhouse, Flanked By Massive Prewar Apartment Buildings Up And Down The Block

This Slender Gothic-Inspired Townhouse, Flanked By Massive Prewar Apartment Buildings Up And Down The Block

Ephemeral New York Report

#7

China’s Government Paved A Highway Around These Stubborn Homeowners. The Residents Eventually Moved Out But The House Had Become A Symbol Of Resistance Against Developers

China’s Government Paved A Highway Around These Stubborn Homeowners. The Residents Eventually Moved Out But The House Had Become A Symbol Of Resistance Against Developers

news.nationalpost.com Report

#8

Randal Acker Refused To Sell His Small Queen Anne Victorian Home In Downtown Portland, So They Built A Huge Portland State University Residence Hall Around It

Randal Acker Refused To Sell His Small Queen Anne Victorian Home In Downtown Portland, So They Built A Huge Portland State University Residence Hall Around It

ackerlaw.com , commons.wikimedia.org Report

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#9

In Guangzhou, The Authorities Have Had To Build A Ring Road Around This Block Of Flats Because Three Families Would Not Budge

In Guangzhou, The Authorities Have Had To Build A Ring Road Around This Block Of Flats Because Three Families Would Not Budge

chinadaily Report

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Lana Zhao
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are termed in China as "nail houses", as in stubbon nails. Quite often the people in nail houses are not compensated or undercompensated for the loss of their homes and have nowhere else to go. Be stubbon or lose house, so therefore lose job and starve on the streets.

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#10

The House Of Austin Spriggs, Washington D.c. The Owner Was Offered $3 Million, Said No, And Later Sold It For $4 Million

The House Of Austin Spriggs, Washington D.c. The Owner Was Offered $3 Million, Said No, And Later Sold It For $4 Million

thecityfix , zusin Report

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#11

Although His Is The Only Standing Building In What Used To Be An Old Neighborhood Of Roubaix, In Northern France, Salah Oudjani Refuses To Sell The Coffee House He Has Worked In For The Last 46 Years

Although His Is The Only Standing Building In What Used To Be An Old Neighborhood Of Roubaix, In Northern France, Salah Oudjani Refuses To Sell The Coffee House He Has Worked In For The Last 46 Years

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Judy Semmens
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that picture is from 2011. It's still there but a road runs past and there's a sports complex opposite. I hope that brings Monsieur Oudjani plenty of trade! If you want to take a look on something like Google Maps, the address is 126 Rue de Tourcoing.

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#12

Now A Church, This Queen Anne House Prevented Yet Another Apartment Building From Being Constructed

Now A Church, This Queen Anne House Prevented Yet Another Apartment Building From Being Constructed

ephemeralnewyork Report

#13

A Lone Resident Holds Out Against Luxury Villas In Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, In July 2013

A Lone Resident Holds Out Against Luxury Villas In Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, In July 2013

HAP / Quirky China News / REX Report

#14

Developers Were Forced Into Building Around These Holdouts In Washington DC

Developers Were Forced Into Building Around These Holdouts In Washington DC

Forgotten New York Report

#16

The Founders Of This Hotel Couldn't Buy These Houses Due To The High Asking Price. So The Hotel Was Built Around The Two Buildings Instead, And They Are Now Souvenir Shops

The Founders Of This Hotel Couldn't Buy These Houses Due To The High Asking Price. So The Hotel Was Built Around The Two Buildings Instead, And They Are Now Souvenir Shops

Roeland Koning Report

#17

One Chinese Family Refused To Move Their Relatives Ancient Graves. The Small, Bizarre Column Stood 10 Meters Above The Foundation Floor For Months, Until They Finally Accepted Compensation

One Chinese Family Refused To Move Their Relatives Ancient Graves. The Small, Bizarre Column Stood 10 Meters Above The Foundation Floor For Months, Until They Finally Accepted Compensation

AFP Report

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Emily Rose
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

sad that these new 'better' buildings are taking precedence over the ancient graves of our ancestors.

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#18

Farmers Live Stuck In Between Three Highways. Hundreds Of Households Were Relocated But The Government Wasn't Able To Reach A Consensus With This Family

Farmers Live Stuck In Between Three Highways. Hundreds Of Households Were Relocated But The Government Wasn't Able To Reach A Consensus With This Family

news.sina.com Report

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Kara Witham
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Why did the chicken cross the road" jokes endless potential.

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#19

Mrs Wu Ping Was The Only Person From 241 Properties Who Refused To Leave. She Battled With Contractors And Bids For Almost 3 Years Before Caving In April Of 2007 For Quite A Pretty Penny

Mrs Wu Ping Was The Only Person From 241 Properties Who Refused To Leave. She Battled With Contractors And Bids For Almost 3 Years Before Caving In April Of 2007 For Quite A Pretty Penny

venture160 Report

#20

This Saloon Refused To Sell Their Property To An Apartment Company And Now The Apartment Has To Build Around Them

This Saloon Refused To Sell Their Property To An Apartment Company And Now The Apartment Has To Build Around Them

AllCarsEatGas Report

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Melanie Ramos
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, they absolutely shouldn't sell! Especially with all those new potential customers moving in all around them!

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#21

This "Nail House" Is Blocking Traffic In Shanghai

This "Nail House" Is Blocking Traffic In Shanghai

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Laury M.
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Blocking traffic" sounds as if it actually just went and settled down in the middle of the road >.>

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#22

The Spiegelhalter Family Refused To Sell Their Shop To The Expanding Wickhams Department Store

The Spiegelhalter Family Refused To Sell Their Shop To The Expanding Wickhams Department Store

Reading Tom Report

#23

The Entire Rockefeller Plaza Complex Was Moved, Due To These Two Buildings Whose Owners Refused To Sell

The Entire Rockefeller Plaza Complex Was Moved, Due To These Two Buildings Whose Owners Refused To Sell

ScoutingNY Report

#24

The Tenant Of This Apartment Building In Kunming, China, Has To Cross A Moat After The Contractors Dug A Ditch To Force The Last Family Out.

The Tenant Of This Apartment Building In Kunming, China, Has To Cross A Moat After The Contractors Dug A Ditch To Force The Last Family Out.

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#25

A Nail House Sits In The Middle Of A Road Under Construction In Nanning, China, In April 2015. The Owner Of The House Didn’t Reach An Agreement With The Local Authority About Compensation For The Demolition

A Nail House Sits In The Middle Of A Road Under Construction In Nanning, China, In April 2015. The Owner Of The House Didn’t Reach An Agreement With The Local Authority About Compensation For The Demolition

China Stringer Network / Reuters Report

#26

Residents Of The Guangfuli Area Of Shanghai Have Collectively Decided Not To Leave Their Homes, Creating An Entire "Nail Neighborhood." Tao Weiren Sits In Front Of His Two-Story House, Which Is Now Surrounded By High-End Condominium Buildings

Residents Of The Guangfuli Area Of Shanghai Have Collectively Decided Not To Leave Their Homes, Creating An Entire "Nail Neighborhood." Tao Weiren Sits In Front Of His Two-Story House, Which Is Now Surrounded By High-End Condominium Buildings

Aly Song / Reuters Report

#27

Zheng Meiju Outside Her Nail House In Rui’an, Zhejiang Province, In July 2013. She Has Been Living In The Partially Demolished Home For Nearly A Year, Even Though The Water And Electricity Supply Were Cut

Zheng Meiju Outside Her Nail House In Rui’an, Zhejiang Province, In July 2013. She Has Been Living In The Partially Demolished Home For Nearly A Year, Even Though The Water And Electricity Supply Were Cut

China Stringer Network / Reuters Report

#28

The Farm In The Middle Of Narita Airport. Farmers Are Refusing To Give Up Their Land In The Middle Of This Airport In Japan. The Runway Is Only Half Usable Because Of Their Refusal To Relocate. They Are Currently A Literal Stones Throw Away From The Flight Path And Must Be Living An Earth Shaking Experience.

The Farm In The Middle Of Narita Airport. Farmers Are Refusing To Give Up Their Land In The Middle Of This Airport In Japan. The Runway Is Only Half Usable Because Of Their Refusal To Relocate. They Are Currently A Literal Stones Throw Away From The Flight Path And Must Be Living An Earth Shaking Experience.

Google Maps Report

#29

Hard-Line Developers In China Diverted A River To Encircle Householders Who Refused To Move From Their 900-Year-Old Village

Hard-Line Developers In China Diverted A River To Encircle Householders Who Refused To Move From Their 900-Year-Old Village

Imaginechina/ Rex Features Report

#30

The 'Million Dollar Corner' That Macy's Had To Build Around, And Then Hide Behind A Billboard

The 'Million Dollar Corner' That Macy's Had To Build Around, And Then Hide Behind A Billboard

wiki Report

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DancingToMyself
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"A Million Dollar Hotel", anyone? With Milla Jovovich, by Wim Wenders movie...

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#31

The Last House In This Area Stands In Front Of A Shopping Mall In Central China's Hunan Province

The Last House In This Area Stands In Front Of A Shopping Mall In Central China's Hunan Province

Stringer Shanghai / Reuters Report

#32

The Last House Of An Old Neighborhood Stands Alone In A Future Shanghai World Expo 2010 Parking Lot, Under Nanpu Bridge On April 6, 2010, In Shanghai, China. The Holdout Owner Of The House Was Shi Yuji. The House Was Destroyed Days Later, And The Owner Moved Into A Workers' Dormitory

The Last House Of An Old Neighborhood Stands Alone In A Future Shanghai World Expo 2010 Parking Lot, Under Nanpu Bridge On April 6, 2010, In Shanghai, China. The Holdout Owner Of The House Was Shi Yuji. The House Was Destroyed Days Later, And The Owner Moved Into A Workers' Dormitory

Lucas Schifres / Getty Report

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Olga Vol
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

sad :( he had a house and now doesn't even probably own that dormitory ...

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#33

This "Nail House" House Sits On A Mound Above Ground Level Because The Developer Dug Out The Land Around It

This "Nail House" House Sits On A Mound Above Ground Level Because The Developer Dug Out The Land Around It

China Stringer Network / Reuters Report

#34

Nail Houses Whose Owners Refused To Relocate, At The Construction Field In Taiyuan, Shanxi Province Of China

Nail Houses Whose Owners Refused To Relocate, At The Construction Field In Taiyuan, Shanxi Province Of China

VCG Report

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Margaret Harper
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of these cities look really grubby and dirty. Like nobody is trying to upkeep them.

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#35

A New Motorway In China Has Been Cut In Two After A Homeowner Refused To Sell Their House To Developers. The Homeowner Has Been Considering Whether To Move Or Not For Years Now

A New Motorway In China Has Been Cut In Two After A Homeowner Refused To Sell Their House To Developers. The Homeowner Has Been Considering Whether To Move Or Not For Years Now

CEN Report

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Sheila Weila
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why do developers go ahead and build when they don't have all of the land yet. It is useless this way!

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