The Oakland County Land Bank Authority (OCLBA) is committed to supporting, strengthening and revitalizing neighborhoods and communities throughout our county. When residential and commercial properties are vacant, they represent a unique opportunity to create a positive economic impact, infuse new energy and help our residents, business owners and communities continue to thrive.

We welcome community-minded individuals and organizations to work with us in this endeavor by developing the available surplus properties to meet each community's unique needs. That's why we utilize a rigorous application process to ensure land bank properties are purchased by responsible owners and redeveloped for productive use consistent with community plans.

Land bank-owned property can be viewed and applied for on the interactive map after you read and agree to the terms below. Once your application is submitted, it will undergo a review process and may be referred to the Oakland County Land Bank Authority (OCLBA) Board for further consideration. You may also be asked to present your proposal to the Board as part of the evaluation process.

Types of Applications

There are different types of property available for purchase, including:

Non-Buildable Lots

Non-buildable lots are defined as lots that are insufficient in size or configuration for new construction under Zoning Ordinance regulations.

• These lots may be sold to neighbors that are physically contiguous (right side or left side) to owner-occupied residential property.
• No more than one non-buildable lot may be transferred per contiguous lot.

Buildable Lots

Buildable lots are defined as lots suitable in size and configuration under Zoning Ordinance regulations for the construction of housing units or commercial development.

New housing units play a crucial role in fostering healthy communities. They help expand the tax base, enabling local governments to fund essential services for residents, including affordable housing, parks, sidewalks, and other community amenities. This investment not only enhances quality of life but also promotes a vibrant, sustainable environment for everyone.

To be eligible to purchase a buildable lot, applicants must submit a completed application along with municipal support. Additionally, applicants are required to provide the following:

• Development proforma.
• Details of prior completed projects.
• Description of the development team.
• Contact information.
• Funding documentation.
• Proof of sufficient funds to purchase the property and complete proposed plans (bank statement, letter regarding access to funds, etc).
• Other relevant materials that may be important for the application review process.

List of potential uses for Buildable Lots and adjacent lots

• New housing development in line with the city, village or township’s vision and zoning code.
• Public Space – must have support from the city, village or township; most lots are already near an existing park or gathering space and will require significant maintenance by the individual or group proposing the plan.

List of Potential Uses for Non-Buildable Lots

• Yard addition for an adjacent property owner directly to the left or right of a vacant lot.
• Public Space – must have support from the city, village or township; most lots are already near an existing park or gathering space and will require significant maintenance by the individual or group proposing the plan.

Structures

A structure provides a renovation opportunity to help stabilize and revitalize a neighborhood or community. Applicants must provide the following:

• Municipal inspection, if required.
• Development proforma, completed projects, development team description and contact information, funding documentation, and other relevant materials that may be important for the application review process.
• Proof of sufficient funds to purchase the property and complete proposed plans (bank statement, letter regarding access to funds, etc.).

Key Terms and Best Practices

As you explore purchasing land bank property, please consider the following items:

• All property is sold "As Is," and sales are final.
• You cannot apply for a property if you have lost it to foreclosure.
• Quiet Title Action may be required if you plan to sell the property in the future.
• If there are multiple bids at the same time, a request for the highest and best offer will be requested on fully completed applications.
• Applications can be auto-filled directly from the map and must be fully complete for review.
• All applications must submit a plan that can be initiated within six months, with proof of permit applications and/or proof of construction commencement. The plan must also comply with city zoning and master plan documents.
• Multiple vacant lot applications must have a new housing development plan and have municipal support.
• Applications for structures must provide documentation, including but not limited to experience, team, proforma, and funding capability.
• There are no prices listed. Each applicant should research the property’s value and bid based on area comparables.
• Do your due diligence! Call the municipality to see if there are issues with the property. Are there any assessments due? Is it buildable? Is your use permitted?
• Review the property map or enter the address (or parcel identification number) for a specific property.
• There may be a Development and/or Purchase Agreement required for projects.

For more information or assistance, call (248) 858-0611 or email surplusproperty@oakgov.com.

View Property Map