Side or Rear Yards

If you live next to a vacant lot, owned by a public agency, you may be able to buy it for a side or rear yard. Start the process below or view the process in the 
Side or Rear Yard Flyer.

Requirements

The buyer must:

  • Own and live in the property next to the vacant lot
  • Owner must be named on the deed to his/her residence to be eligible.
  • Pay closing costs to buy the lot
  • Maintain the lot after purchase

The public property must:

  • Be vacant without any structure on it
  • Bordering the buyer’s property on the side or the back

Steps for buying a side yard

1. Before you begin

Review the requirements above

2. Confirm eligibility

Do you own the home you live in?

Is your name – owner of this home – on the deed to your residence?

Does the lot you want to buy touch your property on the side or the back?

Are you up-to-date or in a payment agreement on your city taxes, water bill and gas?

3. Confirm yard availability

Enter your address to find out if there are any available side or rear yard eligible properties for purchase.

*eligible properties are shown in orange

4. Read the Terms & Conditions

  • Can be used only as a side/rear yard – no parking, no building.
  • 30-year mortgage on the lot for the appraised value.
  • Must have permission to sell the lot, or can give the lot back.
  • If the lot is sold during those 30 years, the mortgage must be paid in full.

5. Complete the Application

  1. Download the Purchase Application.
  2. Print and complete all sections or complete online using a PDF editor.

6. Submit the Application

Mail

Print out the completed application file, your Proof of Funds and Plans for the lot and mail to:
Philadelphia Land Bank
Attn: Side or Rear Yard Application
1234 Market St., 16th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Online

Click the Online Submission button. Fill in the information requested, upload your completed application file, along with your Proof of Funds and Plans for the vacant lot and Submit.

7. Next Steps

  • The Philadelphia Land Bank staff will contact you within 60-120 days about whether your application qualifies.
  • If your application qualifies, it also needs Board and City Council approvals (2-6 months).
  • You must be able to cover the cost of recording all the documents (about $1,000).

Philadelphia Land Bank
1234 Market St., 16th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-448-3034
land@phdc.phila.gov

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The Philadelphia Land Bank (PLB) is staffed by employees of PHDC. The Land Bank is an independent organization overseen by an independent board of directors. PHDC and the Land Bank work together to create seamless programs and services that support community development in the City of Philadelphia.