New ‘property portal’ to apply for city-owned, land bank properties

March 18, 2026

Detroit's Housing and Revitalization Department has launched a new online portal for purchasing city-owned properties and certain Detroit Land Bank Authority parcels that aren't listed on BuildingDetroit. org. The upgraded system addresses problems with the previous outdated application process, which suffered from high rates of incomplete submissions and significant delays due to its inability to save drafts or allow applicants to track their progress.

Who is affected

Detroit residents
Entrepreneurs seeking to purchase property in Detroit
Real estate developers
The Housing and Revitalization Department
Detroit Land Bank Authority

What action is being taken

The Housing and Revitalization Department is rolling out a new online application portal
The new application is replacing the older format
Applicants can access the portal at buyproperty.detroitmi.gov

Why it matters

This matters because it removes significant barriers in Detroit's property acquisition process. The previous system created inefficiencies through incomplete submissions and delays, which discouraged potential buyers and slowed down property transactions. By streamlining the application process and improving transparency through features like status tracking, the city makes it easier for residents and businesses to invest in Detroit properties, potentially accelerating neighborhood revitalization and economic development.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com