Published on November 12, 2025
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh launched the City-Owned Property Search, a new search tool that helps the community easily find City-owned vacant land available to apply for purchase. The Department of Assessment accepts applications to purchase City-owned property and either redevelop or maintain the land for private use. The interactive map allows users to search by address or neighborhood to find available property and start the application process.
“The City-Owned Property Search is part of our overall efforts to make data available to the public and easy to access,” said Mayor Walsh. “Prior to launching this tool, the community had to reach out to us and go through several steps before finding what City-owned property might be available to purchase. Now, that information is accessible from our website with an easy-to-use map that links interested buyers directly to the online application.”
The map is viewable on both desktop and mobile devices and enables users to quickly find up-to-date commercial and residential vacant land owned by the City of Syracuse. Once selecting an available property, a pop-up window appears with property information including the parcel’s zoning designation. The pop-up also includes a link to the City's Online Application Portal where you can apply to purchase the property.
Applications should describe in detail the final use of the property, indicate how the intended use of the property will benefit the surrounding neighborhood, and illustrate the applicant’s capacity to maintain the property. 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, and approved proposals must be voted
on by the Syracuse Common Council.
For step-by-step instructions and to use the tool, visit syr.gov/city-owned-property.
For media inquiries, members of the press should contact the Office of Communications by emailing press@syr.gov.