Available City Properties

The City is working for you by inviting the community to imagine what is possible. Explore the available properties, see their potential, and think about what you would create. Maybe you envision a neighborhood gathering place, a food truck destination, a baseball field, a space for local events, or a new business that serves the community. These are just a few possibilities—the real opportunity is bringing your vision to life. If you have an idea for how you would transform one of these spaces, we want to hear it and work with you to make it a reality.

Available Property Map

Frequently Asked Questions

General information

The Real Property Division helps buy and sell property for the City of Albuquerque and handles leases as well.  Our team works with City departments on right-of-way, easement, and other property related projects as well.

• Planning and reviewing City property needs and inventory
• Buying and selling property
• Obtaining land needed for roads, sidewalks, and other public projects
• Determining value for vacated right-of-way
• Selling vacated right-of-way
• Partnering with community members for licensing of City property
• Granting easements
• Negotiating and managing City leases

View the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) for zoning and subdivision regulations to govern land use and development within the City of Albuquerque and the City's system of planning.

When does the City buy property?

The City buys property for parks, open space, roads, sidewalks, libraries, community centers, police stations, fire stations, and other public needs. Our goal is to offer fair compensation based on a current appraisal while making the best use of taxpayer dollars.

While we cannot purchase every property offered to us, we are happy to consider properties that may benefit the community. Examples include:

• Property near existing City-owned land
• Property that supports public safety projects
• Property located in areas where the City is investing in improvements.

To discuss selling your property to the City, contact us.

When does the City sell property?

Sometimes the City owns property that is no longer needed. When that happens, the City may decide to sell the property.

If there is a property that is owned by the City not currently marketed, please feel free to inquire about its possible sale. There may be a chance that your inquiry will initiate the sale process, particularly if what you are working on benefits both the City and the community!

For information about buying City property, contact us.

Does the City lease property it owns?

When the City owns property but is not using it, we may lease it to another user. We welcome opportunities that support local businesses, organizations, and community growth. Our team works with tenants to help make projects successful.

To discuss leasing City property, contact us.

When does the City lease property from others?

In some cases, leasing property makes more sense than buying it. This may happen when the City only needs a space for a short time or when a property is in a location that meets a specific need, but where there is no property available for purchase. The City is a strong tenant, with responsible staff, safe operations, and solid financial and insurance credentials.

If you have a property you think the City should lease, contact us.

Does the City do right-of-way and easements?

The Real Property Division helps the City obtain land needed for public projects such as roads, sidewalks, and other transportation improvements. We also handle easements and help manage the process when public right-of-way areas are vacated.

For information about right-of-way or easements,contact us.

Not sure what you’re looking for right now?

No problem!  Send an email to [email protected], with the subject ‘UPDATES’ and we will send regular updates on available properties and any other interesting real estate business happening with the City.  We are doing more and more all the time, and the right property may be just around the corner.

Timelines

The Real Property Division works to move quickly and efficiently, and while the process of working with the City may have a few more steps than other transactions, each step is necessary for consistency and the integrity of each deal.  Depending on the complexity and type, transactions typically take between a few weeks and nine months.  We will keep you informed about important updates and work to resolve any issues that may come up along the way.

The City partners with outside contractors for services such as appraisals, surveys, and environmental assessments, and those contractors work diligently to be as timely and accurate as possible as well.

How the City of Albuquerque Property Sale Process Works

Selling City-owned property is a careful public process. This process is controlled by Federal and State Law as well as City ordinances and procedures set by the Administration.

City Review

The City confirms the property is no longer needed and can legally move forward with the sale.

1. Property is Identified
   The City or a member of the public identifies a City-owned property that may be sold.
2. Initial Approvals
   Real Property confirms the property is not needed for current or future public use and gets approval from City leadership to begin review.
3. Property is Reviewed
   Real Property will order an appraisal and a title binder. They check that the zoning is correct and that there are no code issues with the property.
4. City Council Declares the Property “Not Essential”
   Administrative Real Property Review Board reviews the information and sends it to City Council which may declare the property “Not Essential”. This means that the city can begin preparing the property for public sale.

Bidding Process

The property is advertised and interested buyers can submit bids.

5. Property is Advertised
   The City requests permission to advertise and sell the property. The property is listed in a paper of the county and on the CABQ website.
6. Public Bidding Begins
   Sealed bids are submitted through the City Clerk’s Office. Each bid must include the required $1,000 bid deposit, a cashier’s check, along with the bid.
7. Bids are Reviewed
   After the deadline, the city notifies the successful bidder. Deposit checks are returned to bidders who were not selected.

Contract and Closing

The City finalizes the agreement and completes the sale.

8. Purchase Agreement is Prepared
   Real Property prepares a purchase agreement for the selected bidder. There may be negotiations during this stage.
9. City Council Reviews the Contract
   This may take several months. If City Council approves the contract, the buyer is notified and their due diligence period begins.
10. Sale is Finalized
    The buyer and City coordinate a closing date. Once all requirements are complete, the sale is closed and the property is transferred.

Meeting, Event & Ceremony Rentals

Find City properties available to rent or reserve across the metro for your next meeting, event, or ceremony with a variety of settings and layouts to accommodate your group. Rentals & Reservations

Contact Us

Contact us for more information about Purchasing City Property, Leasing City Property, Right of Way & Easements, Partnerships & Proposals, or for General Information.

Available Properties Contact Form

Additional City Real Estate Resources

City of Albuquerque Integrated Development Ordinance.

Real Property Transaction Ordinance (pertaining to the sale of real property)

• Disposal of Not Essential Properties - Section 5-2-1
• Determination that Real Property is Not Essential - Section 5-2-2
• Proper Zoning Prior to Sale - Section 5-2-3