Purchasing City-Owned Property
The City becomes owner of homes and vacant lots when owners fail to pay taxes. The City's priority for these properties is to transfer them to the ownership of responsible City residents to live in the homes or take over adjacent lots to make a bigger yard.
Auctions of City-Owned Properties
Several times a year, the City holds public auctions at which it sells homes and lots it has taken for the non-payment of taxes through the tax foreclosure process. News of scheduled auctions is always posted here on the City's website.
Interested purchasers may get on a contact list to be notified when auctions have been scheduled. This can be done by contacting the City's Office of Housing at (413)787-6500 or emailing vadorno@springfieldcityhall.com
To view Auction Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) click here.
High Bidders will be required to sign several documents following the auction. Generalized samples of these documents can be viewed below:
- Memorandum of Sale of Real Property
- Affidavit Pursuant to M.G.L., c.60, §77B
- Affidavit Disclosure of Property Owned
- Buyer's Acknowledgement
- Lead Paint Notification and Waiver & Property Transfer Notifcation Certification
All new construction on build-able lots purchased at the auction will be required to undergo the Site Plan Review Process by the Office of Planning and Econmic Development. This review process is used to ensure that the proposed structure is in context with the predominate architectural style found within the particular neighborhood. This review is also used to ensure compliance with the City's Zoning Ordinance. It is recommended that you review the City of Springfield-Design Guidelines to get an idea of the type of construction that will be permitted in each neighborhood. Questions regarding Design Guidelines and the Site Plan Review Process should be directed to the Office of Planning and Economic Development at (413)787-6020.
High Bidders who purchase properties with buildings on them will be required to submit rehabilitation plans and cost estimates to the Office of Housing for review and approval. A generalized sample Rehabilitation Plan form can be viewed here.
AUCTION WORKSHOP INFORMATION - Have questions about the auction? City requirements? Deed Restrictions??
Click on the link or thumbnail below for access to the Municipal Auction Information Workshop Powerpoint.
Abutter Lots
There are two ways the City disposes of vacant lots to abutters:
Abutter's Auctions
The first, is when a vacant lot it too small to build on and it is not needed for a public purposes, the City tries to find a responsible owner who would like to add the property to their own and take care of it. The City auctions these lots off at special "Abutter's Auctions", where only abutters can bid on the lots. When these auctions have been scheduled that information will be posted here.
Abutter Lot Sale Program
The second, is when a parcel is valued under $35,000 and the City has determined it is not needed for another public purpose. A direct sale with the abutter can happen through the Abutter Lot Sale Program. Click here to view the application and additional information for the Abutter Lot Sale Program.
Requests for Proposals (RFP)
Some properties have characteristics that make them particularly suitable for certain types of development or maintenance. For these properties, the City uses a Request for Proposals (RFP) process. This process enable applicants to provide information to the City about the proposed use of the propoerty, and the City is able to weigh various competing uses based on measures other than just the price offered for the property. RFPs are announced here on the City's website and published in the local news.
Please click on the following link for a copy of the Power Point presentation for the City's Technical Assistance Workshop held on 12/20/2018. The workshop provided technical assistance on how to submit a successful RFP response to the City, including a review of Frequently Asked Questions and provide troubleshooting advice for potential respondents. It is good general information for anyone who may be interested in bidding on an RFP in the future.
Additional Information
For additional information regarding the purchase of City owned properties, you may contact Vanessa Adorno at the Office of Housing at (413)787-6500 or via email at vadorno@springfieldcityhall.com
If you are interested in receiving email notifications of City of Springfield property sales, email vadorno@springfieldcityhall.com