Buy A Side Lot

Are you a property owner living next to a vacant lot? If it shares a common edge with your property, you may be able to buy it under our side lot program.

How it works

Adding a side lot to your property is a very popular way to increase your home value and make use of land that was formerly abandoned.

To help the community reach these goals, the Land Bank operates a one-stop shop in partnership with the City of Toledo.

If we or the City of Toledo own a vacant lot that is eligible, we'll invite you to apply for it. If you are qualified, you may buy the lot. The price of the lot depends on the size: $100 per 10 feet of frontage, with a minimum price of $100.

You will combine the new side lot with your existing property. Doing so increases the homeowner's land value and brings the once-delinquent lot back to the tax rolls. Two next-door neighbors may want the same side lot. In this case, we will divide the new piece of land to meet the request.

Homeowners and businesses that are next door to a vacant lot are eligible to purchase under the program.

Some vacant lots are being held for new housing development, farming, or other community goals and won't be available under the program.

It's sparked something inside of me to do more.

Fletcher Richardson Transformed a side lot into a world-class garden

Frequently Asked Questions

I see that the City of Toledo owns this vacant lot. Should I still request it from you?

Yes! The Land Bank manages a one-stop shop for side lots on behalf of the City of Toledo. The Land Bank will work to seamlessly and efficiently handle your request.

What if I only want to adopt the vacant lot, not purchase it?

The Land Bank may allow you to use the vacant land for maintenance or greening purposes through a license. Even if you aren't eligible under our Side Lot Program, you may want to consider your options through a license. Learn more at our Adopt a Lot page.

What if I want to build a new home or business on vacant land?

If you are interested in building a new home or business on vacant land, we'd love to hear from you! Purchasing land for new development is different than a side lot, but we explain everything you need to know at our Build on Vacant Land page.

I'd like the Land Bank to become the owner of a property, but I have no interest in buying it myself. What do I do?

Thanks for your attention to your neighborhood. Please submit a Property Request. Our team will review the property and let you know how we might be able to help.