For Developers

Whether you're just getting started or leading large-scale projects, Baltimore City DHCD offers tools, programs, and partnerships to help you invest in Baltimore’s future. Explore the resources below or contact us to get connected.

How Can We Help?

Our most common resources are below. Looking for something specific? Search or contact us.

I am interested in renovating multiple vacant properties

Whether you're a large-scale developer, a local community development corporation, faith-based developer, or emerging developer, we encourage you to visit BuyIntoBmore and learn more about investing in city-owned properties. You can easily apply for multiple properties through BuyIntoBmore, this video will show you how.

How can we transform markets to make a significant impact on a local neighborhood?

The role of public investing is to help transform markets within our communities as we engage in a holistic approach to development. DHCD’s Framework for Community Development is the comprehensive roadmap for investment in our neighborhoods, and supporting new markets. Oliver and Greenmount West were the proof-of-concept neighborhoods for the Framework, showing how partners like ReBUILD Metro can drive block-wide revitalization that reduces vacancy, boosts population growth, and uplifts long-time residents and the local community.

What could the return on investment look like?

In December 2023, Mayor Scott alongside BUILD and the Greater Baltimore Committee released an initial report analyzing the potential market impacts of a $3 billion investment strategy.

I am a small to medium sized developer, how much risk do I need to take on to rehab a vacant property?

In order to purchase a property from the City of Baltimore, one would need to show a minimum of $90,000 available (cash or loan) in order to submit an application. Depending on the condition of the vacant property, it can cost between $150,000 - $300,000 to complete the renovation. Interested parties can cross check on CoDeMap to see if this property would be next to privately owned vacant properties, and whether there are homeowners on the block or if there are active permits. The more permit activity, rehabbed vacant properties, and homeowners, the less risk you would take on.

I am an emerging developer, how do I get started?

There are several organizations in Baltimore that support emerging developers through training programs. One is the Charm City Buyers' Accelerator Program for individuals interested in learning how to develop real estate. With extensive local experience, this program has helped stimulate more than $40 million in investment in Baltimore City since 2020.

I am a developer and I want to work with Baltimore City

In 2024, DHCD launched the Developer Registry to help strengthen community relationships and ensure collaboration with partners working to improve local communities. There will be additional similar opportunities in the future to help lead and guide community-driven development.

FAQs

What is a TIF?

How is the Affordable Housing TIF different?

Why doesn’t the City of Baltimore just give away vacant homes?

Are all the vacant properties houses? Does the City of Baltimore own them all?

How will Baltimore pay for a $3 billion investment strategy?

How is the City of Baltimore preventing displacement?

How do we know this redevelopment won’t repeat past racial injustices?

What is the “whole block strategy”?

What role does the private sector play?

How does this initiative support Baltimore’s other priorities?

I own vacant properties in Baltimore. How can I donate or sell them to the City of Baltimore?

What is a TIF?

How is the Affordable Housing TIF different?

Why doesn’t the City of Baltimore just give away vacant homes?

Are all the vacant properties houses? Does the City of Baltimore own them all?

How will Baltimore pay for a $3 billion investment strategy?

How is the City of Baltimore preventing displacement?

How do we know this redevelopment won’t repeat past racial injustices?

What is the “whole block strategy”?

What role does the private sector play?

How does this initiative support Baltimore’s other priorities?

I own vacant properties in Baltimore. How can I donate or sell them to the City of Baltimore?

What is a TIF?

How is the Affordable Housing TIF different?

Why doesn’t the City of Baltimore just give away vacant homes?

Are all the vacant properties houses? Does the City of Baltimore own them all?

How will Baltimore pay for a $3 billion investment strategy?

How is the City of Baltimore preventing displacement?

How do we know this redevelopment won’t repeat past racial injustices?

What is the “whole block strategy”?

What role does the private sector play?

How does this initiative support Baltimore’s other priorities?

I own vacant properties in Baltimore. How can I donate or sell them to the City of Baltimore?

We're in this together

We're in this together

We're in this together