How to Buy Vacant, Blighted, or Tax-Delinquent Property

If you would like to purchase City-owned property: search this database; read more and find the relevant form here.

• Individuals:

1. 1. Fill out the “Request for Purchase form for Individuals” to apply to purchase a City-owned property.
   2. Pay a deposit of $200 or 10% of the purchase price, whichever is greater.

• Businesses:

1. 1. Fill out the “Request for Purchase form for Businesses” to apply to purchase a City-owned property.

• All applicants must be qualified buyers. A qualified buyer is one who:
  1. has paid taxes, water, sewage, etc.
  2. is in compliance with City codes and policies.

Purchases are subject to approval by the City Council and an objection process that requires an auction.

If you would like to purchase Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)-owned property: search this database; read more here.

1. Review the URA’s disposition process – available here.
2. Choose a property.
3. Click “Inquire about this Property” in the top right corner of the listing.
4. Login or register for a free account.
5. Select “Property Purchase/Transfer Application” before hitting “Next.”
6. Fill out the rest of the application.

• All purchases are subject to URA Board approval
• For properties owned by the URA intended for urban agriculture, please visit the Farm-A-Lot page.
• If you have questions, contact: propertyquestions@ura.org
• To confirm ownership of a property, you can use the Allegheny County Real Estate Portal.

1. 1. Search for a property by Address or Parcel Number
   2. Click through the General Information, Tax Information, and Owner History for a basic overview of tax delinquency, current condition, and recent changes in ownership.

• To determine the condition of a property, and whether it is Condemned, use Agency Counter (free login required).
• To get a better idea of the scope of municipal liens and other encumbrances on the property, you can create a free login and search the Allegheny County Court Records system.

If you would like to purchase private property: visit the Allegheny County Real Estate Portal to determine ownership and view property information.

You may also use the Court Records Civil/Family Division website to search for more information (requires a free login): 

• View records, including:
  • Legal actions
  • Municipal liens
  • other encumbrances 
  • Previous actions to quiet title
• Tip: Search by block and lot number (parcel number)

To purchase privately owned property: 

• Option 1: negotiate a direct sale with the current owner or heirs.
• Option 2: file for Conservatorship.
  • Pennsylvania Act 135 of 2008 allows judges to appoint a responsible party to bring a blighted property into compliance with maintenance and building codes.
  • Consult with this guide for more information on Conservatorship.
    • Ensure the property is eligible for conservatorship:
      • Must not have been listed for sale within the past 60 days.
      • Must not be owned or regulated under the Public Housing Act.
      • Must not be occupied by a squatter.
      • Must be vacant for 12 months.
      • Must be owned by the current owner for at least six months.
      • Must not be in foreclosure.
      • Must not be owned by a member of the military on active duty in time of war.
      • Must meet the definition of blighted:
        • A property is blighted if it is:
          • A public nuisance.
          • Dilapidated in appearance.
          • Unfit for humans.
          • Dangerous to children.
          • Used for illegal activity.
          • Requiring substantial rehabilitation (with no such attempt within a year).
          • Deteriorating or has debris, pests, or uncut vegetation (with no attempt to remedy).
          • Subject to unauthorized entry.
          • A fire/safety hazard.
• Option 3: participate in the City of Pittsburgh Treasurer’s Sale (for tax-delinquent property)
  • If a blighted property you have identified is tax-delinquent and has not been listed in the Treasurer’s Sale, you may submit this form to request a property be included in the next auction.
    • The property must owe back taxes or have a municipal lien.
    • You will have to bid against other prospective buyers the day of sale.
    • The prior owner or the person legally entitled to the property may redeem the property by payment of the full amount of back taxes within 90 days of sale.
• Option 4: participate in the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Sale (for tax-delinquent property).
  • View the date and location of the next Sheriff’s Sale, including pending properties, here.
  • Sheriff’s Sales occur on the first Monday of each Month (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday).
  • Note: Tax delinquency would not prevent a private sale.

If a property presents an immediate safety risk, you should call 911.

If there is no immediate safety risk, then contact 311 (the City’s non-emergency response center)

• Make sure there’s a fresh citation by filling out an online request form or dialing 311 or (412) 255-2621
  • Use “building maintenance” or “weeds and debris” ticket.
• Visit Agency Counter, PLI’s online citation and building permit database (free login required).
• Check the pending demolition list.
  • Download “Razed: buildings that have been demolished or are scheduled to be demolished after 12/1/2019.”
  • Tip: Condemned is not the same thing as pending demolition! 
• Contact your local Community Development Organization; they may have the capacity to purchase and rehabilitate the blighted property.