General Information
The City of Tucson owns over 4,000 parcels of land throughout Pima County. Most of that property is used by one of the following City departments:
- Fire
- Police
- Transportation (drainage or future right-of-way)
- Parks and Recreation
- Community Services (affordable housing programs)
- Water (well or reservoir sites)
- Operations (City facilities like City Hall or City Court Building)
- Library
- Tucson Convention Center
All property that is currently not in use by a City Department and is not needed for a future service is declared surplus and sold by the City.
It is the responsibility of the Real Estate Program to acquire, manage and dispose of all City property. Revenues generated from sales of surplus properties generally return to either the City’s general fund, to the acquiring department’s budget, or to other governmental entities depending upon the method and financing of the original purchase.
Applying for Purchase
An application and a listing of all surplus City-owned property is available from the Real Estate Program (520) 791-4181. If you are interested in a particular parcel, just notify us and the City will begin the sales process.
The Sale Process
There is a strong demand for some of the surplus properties, and in those cases, the City pays the entire cost of the appraisal. For all other properties, you (the requestor) will be asked to pay the appraisal fee, following the completion of the City’s competitive appraisal bidding process. This payment shall apply as a credit toward your purchase of the property, or be refunded to you if you are not the successful bidder, but only if the property is sold within one (1) year from your request.
The appraised value, once established by the appraiser and agreed to by the City’s Appraisal Review Committee, sets the minimum acceptable bid price for the property.
A date is then set for the opening of sealed bids, and the property is advertised for sale. The highest and best bidder is awarded the property, subject to final City Council approval.
The whole process generally takes five to twelve months (from date of request to City Council approval) depending upon the marketing time and complexity of the appraisal.
Sales are generally as is with no guarantees or assurances regarding environmental, archaeological, or development conditions. However, all information and studies currently available on the property will be disclosed to potential purchasers.
Costs To You
Besides the actual purchase price and the previously mentioned appraisal fee (if applicable), you will pay at close of escrow one-half of the closing costs, any title insurance fees beyond the City-paid standard form title insurance, and any recording, establishment or account servicing fees regarding a Contract for Sale (for financed transactions).
Broker/Agent Commission
The City of Tucson pays the commission of a broker/agent who represents the successful bidder if the broker/agent correctly acknowledges the bid documents where indicated, and is not a principal/buyer. Commission fees vary by property, but do not exceed 5% of the sales price.
Terms Available
The City will accept sales on terms, but must require a 30% down payment and a maximum of a 3-year repayment term. Interest rates are competitive.
Questions
Call the Real Estate Program at (520) 791-4181 (FAX 791-5641) for any additional information.
