The Oakland County Treasurer's Office 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 positive economic impact, infuse new energy and help our residents, business owners and communities 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 surplus properties are purchased by responsible owners and redeveloped for productive use consistent with community plans. Surplus properties can be viewed and applied for on the interactive map after you read and agree to the terms below.

Types of Applications

Side Lot Disposition

The Side Lot Disposition Program allows homeowners who are living next to a vacant residential lot owned by the Oakland County Treasurer to purchase property.
Parcels of property eligible for inclusion in the Side Lot Disposition Program shall meet the following minimum criteria:

• The property shall be vacant, unimproved real property;
• The property shall be physically contiguous (right side or left side) to adjacent owner-occupied residential property;
• The property shall consist of no more than two lots capable of development. Initial priority shall be given to the disposition of properties of insufficient size to permit independent development; and
• No more than one lot may be transferred per contiguous lot. 

Single Vacant Lots

A single vacant lot may be used to: 1) allow existing property owners to expand their footprint with property adjacent to rental or commercial property; 2) allow people located in close proximity to these properties to own and care for property, create community gardens or greenspace by providing a plan with proof of water access; and, 3) create a new development on buildable lots.

Adjoining or Closely Located Vacant Lots

Adjoining or closely located vacant lots allow new developments that contribute to healthy neighborhoods through new housing development consistent with municipal goals.

Applicants must provide the following: municipal approval, development proforma, completed projects, development team description and contact information, funding documentation, and other documentation you deem important during the application review process.

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 documentation you deem important during the application review process.
  

Key Terms and Best Practices

As you explore making a surplus property purchase, please consider the following key terms and best practices.

• All property is sold "As Is," and sales are final.
• You cannot apply for a property if you have lost it to foreclosure.
• Staff and immediate relatives of the Oakland County Treasurer's staff are prohibited from purchasing property from the surplus property portfolio.
• 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 have a plan that can be completed within six months and must 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 value of property and bid based on area comparables.
• Due diligence! Call municipality to see if there are issues with the property. Are there any assessments due? Is it buildable? Is your use permitted?
• Review the Surplus 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 send an email to surplusproperty@oakgov.com.