Summary of Find a City-owned property
- How to find and purchase abandoned properties?
- Can you claim someone else’s abandoned property?
- How to obtain abandoned property for free?
- Can you take stuff from abandoned places?
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AI Overview
AI Overview
Acquiring abandoned property involves identifying neglected, vacant, or tax-delinquent properties, researching ownership via county records, and pursuing legal acquisition through tax/foreclosure auctions, direct owner negotiation, or adverse possession
. Key steps include verifying the property’s legal status, assessing liens, and complying with local regulations to legally transfer ownership.
Steps to Acquire Abandoned Property
Locate and Identify Properties: Look for boarded windows, overgrown yards, or no mail. Use online databases like Auction.com or RealtyTrac, or visit county tax assessor websites.
Determine Ownership: Search public records at the local county assessor’s office or hire a title company to find the legal owner.
Verify Liens and Back Taxes: Check for unpaid taxes, mortgages, or liens, as you may be responsible for them.
Methods of Acquisition:
Purchase from Owner: Contact the owner (if found) and negotiate a direct sale.
Tax/Foreclosure Auctions: Bid on properties sold by the county or bank.
Adverse Possession (Squatter’s Rights): This allows someone to claim ownership if they occupy and improve the property for a specific period, though it is legally complex and risky.
Legal Process: Engage a real estate attorney to navigate quiet title actions, which ensure a clear title free of old claims.
Key Considerations
Legal Definition: Real property is rarely deemed truly “abandoned” (unlike personal property) and almost always has an owner, even if it is a bank.
Condition Assessment: Abandoned properties often require significant rehabilitation and may not have utilities turned on.
Code Enforcement: Contact city officials to check for demolition orders or health hazards.
Disclaimer: Laws regarding abandoned property vary significantly by state and local jurisdiction. Always consult a legal professional.
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Some City-owned properties are available for purchase. The resources described below can help you find the right property for your needs.
Who
Businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in purchasing a City-owned property.
How
There are many ways to search for City-owned properties.
PHDC
PHDC manages more than 5,000 properties for sale around the city. Most properties are vacant land or buildings in need of major repairs. Properties are sold at fair market value. This value is established through independent appraisal.
Properties proposed for public benefit may be available at discounted prices to nonprofits. To qualify, projects must address community needs, including:
- Affordable housing.
- Quality of life issues.
Residents seeking a side yard may also be eligible for discounted prices. For more details, see the City’s Disposition Policies.
To find properties, you can:
Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC)
PIDC leases and sells large industrial and commercial sites throughout Philadelphia. The inventory of land includes industrial parks and the 1,200 acre Navy Yard development.
Philadelphia County Sheriff
The Sheriff’s Office hosts sales where court-ordered foreclosed properties are sold. Sheriff sales are public auctions.