The Department of Assessment accepts applications to purchase and redevelop City-owned vacant land. Applications should describe in detail the final use of the property, indicate how your project will benefit the surrounding neighborhood, and illustrate your capacity to maintain the property.
The map below identifies the City-owned property currently available to apply for purchase. Scroll down for steps to use the map and access the application:
View Map in Full Screen
To apply to purchase a property, please follow the Online instructions below. If you require assistance with online access, please visit us in person at the Central Permit Office.
Use the map above or select the 'View Map in Full Screen' button for a larger view.
Search by address or neighborhood. Use the key to determine if a property is residential (green) or commercial (blue) vacant land.
Click on an available property to view property information.
Use the application checklist below before submitting your application:
$500 Deposit. This fee is non-refundable unless the Property Disposition Review Committee or Common Council denies your application or denies the request to order an appraisal. Upon approvals, this deposit will go toward the purchase price.
Click on the button below to access our Online Application Portal. In the search tool, the pop-up window for the available property also includes a link to the application. If this is your first time using the portal, you will need to create an account. Instructions for the portal can be found here.
Follow the steps to provide the required information. You must provide all required information; incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Pay by inputting your credit card information. Credit card fees will apply. Please call or visit the Department of Assessment to pay by check. You will be able to submit your online application after payment is received.
Applications are reviewed by City planning staff and an interdepartmental review committee. The City has the right to deny the sale of City-owned property. Upon approval, proposals are voted on by the Syracuse Common Council. Applicants will be informed within eight weeks of submission whether the application has been approved or denied.
Apply Here
One Park Place 300 South State Street, 1st Floor Syracuse, NY 13202
The main entrance is located on the south side of the building, on East Onondaga Street. Parking is available for visitors at the One Park Place Parking Lot, located at 343 East Onondaga Street.
You may use the computer located at the front kiosk in the Central Permit Office to access the application online. From here, see steps 1 to 8 outlined in the Online steps to apply. If you have questions or need assistance, a staff member can help you. Please direct any questions about the application itself to the Department of Assessment at 315-448-8270 or assessment@syr.gov.
An appraisal may be required to determine the property’s value and sale price. When necessary, the City of Syracuse Department of Assessment will request this. The cost of the appraisal is set by the appraiser and shall be the applicant’s responsibility.
Property may be purchased from the City for the following price(s). The purchaser will be responsible for all additional taxes and fees prior to taking title to the property; these include but are not limited to curb cut closure expenses, as determined by City staff, and re-subdivision costs.
$0.50 / square foot (minimum sale price of $500.00)
*Less than 30 feet of frontage and less than 90 feet of depth, or less than 2,000 square feet.
**Select City-owned structures may be sold for less than the appraised value if the property qualifies for such sale under law.
The Greater Syracuse Land Bank 315-422-2301 info@syracuselandbank.org