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Information On Purchasing City-Owned Properties

Click here for printable format: Real Estate Brochure


Introduction

The City of Buffalo has over 4,000 parcels of improved properties and vacant lots which have been acquired through tax foreclosures. These properties are available in all sections of the City of Buffalo and are classified for residential, business and industrial purposes.
Properties owned by the City of Buffalo can be purchased three ways:
  • At Public Auction
  • City of Buffalo Urban Homestead Program
  • Purchase (negotiated sale)
The following is a general overview of the various disposition programs offered by the City of Buffalo for the sale of city-owned property acquired through tax foreclosure.

Public Auction

Annually, the City of Buffalo assesses it’s inventory of city-owned improved properties acquired by tax foreclosure. Those properties deemed saleable are offered for sale at public auction to the highest responsible bidder. The bidder must have the ability to acquire and make any necessary repairs to the property.

THE AUCTION IS HELD ONCE A YEAR
The date, time and location are publicized
through the media.

Negotiated Sale

Any person wishing to acquire an improved property or vacant lot owned by the city can do so by making application to the Division of Real Estate to acquire the property.

The city is required to receive FAIR MARKET VALUE for its real property. The purchase price is established at the time of application using current market data.If the purchase is for an improved parcel (home or other structure), purchaser is required to:

  • provide estimates for necessary repairs
  • proof of financial ability to complete purchase and repairs
The City of Buffalo may assist purchaser with technical and financial support.
 
For more information on these and other programs, contact:
City of Buffalo
Office of Strategic Planning
Division of Real Estate
Room 901 City Hall
716-851-5261