This paper examines the reform of land property rights in the transitional countries of Eastern Europe.Procedures and practices differed from country to country depending on the pattern of collectivised agriculture that had preceded it，nevertheless in all countries principles of historic justice played a significant role.This is seen to have had two consequences.First，land ownership became secure but so widespread that it lost much significance.It did not determine who were the winners and losers in transition，or who would become successful post-socialist farmers.Cultural capital and social capital were much more significant in this respect.But it also fostered a mindset that directed attention away from the needs of the fast-growing rural poor by promoting the view that they should cope on the land that they had.The paper concludes by considering the relevance of these characteristics to the Chinese context.