The BuyIntoBmore Fixed Pricing Program is a sales program for specific City-owned vacant buildings and lots! To learn more about the program, review the Fixed Pricing Program policy or explore this page for additional details.
Spanish version: Descargar la política del Programa de Precios Fijos.
Program Implementation Phases
The program is being implemented in the following phases:
- PHASE ONE - Fixed Pricing Program Homeowner Priority
Fixed Pricing Priority Application Period: Calling Future Homeowners!
Phase Overview
Initial priority is given to Baltimore City residents who plan to restore and live in a home as their primary residence. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity beginning April 1, 2024, to secure your spot as a homeowner!Duration
90 Days for Priority Period (Continual application process thereafter on first-come-first-served basis.)Priority Review
Applications for properties that will be used as a primary residence are prioritized during this period.Purchase Information
Properties purchased for use as a primary residence will sell for $1!! Applicants must provide proof of available funding of no less than $90,000 to complete the renovations and are subject to the application vetting process.Application Fee
Applicants are required to pay a $100 application fee. If the application is approved and moves to settlement, the application fee will be applied as a credit to the settlement statement. If the application is rejected, the application fee will be refunded.Incentives
Applicants may inquire with Live Baltimore and DHCD Office of Homeownership for any available incentive programs they may qualify for.Rehabilitation Budget Information
All applicants must have an AVAILABLE budget of $90,000 for property rehabilitation per property applied for. Most of the City's inventory will require significant rehabilitation to bring the property to code. Estimates range between $125 - $150 per square foot to complete a rehab, and, as such, most rehabs may require more than $90,000. However, DHCD determined that $90,000 is the minimum amount of assets or financing a purchaser would need to have to prove that they could afford to complete the scope of work. Therefore, to keep the vetting process clear, consistent, and equitable, $90,000 per property is applied across the board.What to Expect
Application Review: DHCD will accept applications on a rolling basis and award or rejection decisions rendered within two weeks of receipt of an application.
Awarding Process: Properties will be awarded once an applicant successfully passes the vetting process. If there are multiple applications for the same property and all applicants successfully pass the vetting process, applications will be reviewed by order of submission.
Remedy Process: If an applicant is unable to pass the vetting process, they will be given five business days to remedy the issue. If unable to remedy the issue, the next eligible applicant will be reviewed for award.
- PHASE TWO - Charm City Roots (beginning April 15)
Phase Overview
Charm City Roots: Identifies properties not yet owned by the City where applicants have a legacy or familial interest. Focuses on the emotional connection and sense of belonging that comes with owning a home with familial or legacy ties in Baltimore.How it Works
Through our Charm City Roots portal, individuals with a familial or legacy connection to a vacant property that is not City-owned will be able to express their interest in purchasing that home as their primary residence. Once received, DHCD will determine if the property is eligible for acquisition and, if so, work with the individual to prepare them for homeownerhip while the property is acquired.ntent.- PHASE THREE - Fixed Pricing Developer, Non-Profit and Community Land Trust Submissions (beginning July 1)
Phase Overview
Includes future homeowners, community land trusts, non-profit and for-profit developers.Important Dates
All applications received PRIOR to March 20, 2024, will resume processing April 1, 2024.All submissions received AFTER March 20, 2024, and not belonging in Phase One, will be reviewed beginning July 1, 2024, and are subject to standard program guidelines. Additionally, any property applied for by developers between April 1 - July 1, 2024, does not reserve the property or prevent the property from being awarded to a homeowner during the Phase One priority award period.
What Can You Expect From the Fixed Pricing Program?
Streamlined Disposition Process! - Say goodbye to long waits. Our new process is about efficiency, ensuring that your application moves swiftly through each stage with clarity and ease.
Clearly Defined Pricing Structure! - No more guessing games. Our transparent pricing structure lets you know exactly what to expect at every step, empowering you to make informed decisions confidently.
Consistent and Equitable Processing! - Fairness is our priority. Every application is treated with the same care and attention, ensuring a level playing field for all applicants.
Reduced Timelines! - Time is precious. That's why we've aimed to cut our processing times in half, from over 180 days down to just 90 days!
What Properties Qualify? How Much Will Properties Be Sold For?
This program will apply to properties that fall within the E-J Housing Housing Market Typology. Use the accordions below to find specific pricing and criteria based on property and purchaser type:
Vacant Building
- For-Profit Developers AND 501 (c)(3) Nonprofits (51 or more employees)
Property Type: Vacant Building
Price: $3,000
Criteria: Must be developed for residential or mixed-use includes residential with a use and occupancy permit obtained within 12 months from the date of settlement.
- 501 (c)(3) Nonprofits (50 or less employees)
Property Type: Vacant Building
Price: $1,000
Criteria: Must be developed for residential or mixed use that includes residential with a use and occupancy permit obtained within 12 months from the date of settlement.
- Community Land Trusts
Property Type: Vacant Building
Price: $1
Criteria: Must be a registered Affordable Housing Land Trust registered with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation and in compliance with the states affordable housing land trust laws found in Section 14 of the annotated code of the Maryland Real Property article.
- Homeowner
Property Type: Vacant Building
Price: $1
Criteria: Must maintain as primary residence for a minimum of 5 years after issuance of use and occupancy permit, which should be obtained within 12 months from date of settlement.
Vacant Lot
- For-Profit Developers AND 501 (c)(3) Nonprofits (51 or more employees)
Property Type: Vacant Lot
Price: $1,000
Criteria: Must be developed for residential, mixed use that includes residential or green space with a use and occupancy permit obtained (when applicable) within 12 months from the date of settlement.
- 501 (c)(3) Nonprofits (50 or less employees)
Property Type: Vacant Lot
Price: $500
Criteria: Must be developed for residential, mixed use that includes residential or green space with a use and occupancy permit obtained (when applicable) within 12 months from the date of settlement.
- Community Land Trusts
Property Type: Vacant Lot
Price: $1
Criteria: Must be a registered Affordable Housing Land Trust registered with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation and in compliance with the states affordable housing land trust laws found in Section 14 of the annotated code of the Maryland Real Property article.
- Homeowner
Property Type: Vacant Lot
Price: $1
Criteria:New construction for residential use (Must maintain as primary residence for a minimum of 5 years after issuance of use and occupancy permit, which should be obtained within 12 months from date of settlement), orSide yard for adjacent primary residence
How Are Applicants Vetted?
Our vetting process includes the following criteria:
Rehabilitation Budget: Applicants must have a budget of $90,000 available for property rehabilitation per property applied for. This ensures sufficient resources are allocated for improvements.
Vacant Building Inventory: We assess whether applicants own vacant building inventory older than two years or less than two years without a recent open/active permit. This helps us gauge their experience and readiness for rehabilitation projects.
Legal Impediments: The Department shall assess whether applicants have unresolved, ongoing or pending legal matters that could hinder their capacity to finalize the project.
Lien and Judgment Checks: We confirm that applicants do not have any open federal or state liens or judgments. This helps mitigate financial risks and ensures participants are in good standing with regulatory authorities.
Learn more by reviewing our Fixed Pricing Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions
Fixed Priced Program Webinar
Apply Now!
Use the Buy Into Bmore interactive map to find a property and start your application now!