Federal real estate properties that are no longer needed by the federal government may be made available for public uses to state and local governments, regional agencies, or non-profit organizations.
Public uses for properties are those that are accessible to and can be shared by all members of a community, and include community centers, schools and colleges, parks, municipal buildings and many more.
We notify state and local agencies of the availability of any surplus federal real property that they may be eligible to acquire under certain laws. These laws allow property to be transferred to public agencies and institutions at discounts up to 100% of fair market value for:
Surplus property also may be leased to local public agencies to assist the homeless, and sales to public agencies may be negotiated at fair market value without restrictions on use.
Notification procedure
Based on the property’s location, the appropriate regional office writes to the Governor of the State or territory, clerk of the county, Mayor of the city or town, and any regional and metropolitan comprehensive planning agencies that may be concerned with the property’s ultimate use.
Announcements are also placed in Post Offices and other prominent places like the State Capitol building, county building, courthouse, town hall, or city hall.
A public agency or institution has 30 days from the date on the notice to advise the Office of Real Property Disposition’s regional office of interest in the property. The response should cite the applicable legislation and indicate how much time is needed to prepare and submit a formal application.
We review the formal application with other federal agencies with an interest in the property’s disposition. If the application is approved, the conveyance is completed.
For a list of available surplus real properties as well as more information, visit the Office of Real Property Disposition Resource Center.
U.S. General Services Administration