Why doesn’t the City of Baltimore just give away vacant homes?
As of April 2025, the City of Baltimore owns just over 900 of the 12,839 vacant buildings. Most need major repairs costing between $150,000 and $300,000. Giving them away without funding for rehab wouldn’t result in livable homes.
Of the 12,839 vacant properties (as of April, 2025), the City of Baltimore owns just over 900 of them. Many of these properties require major renovations, with costs ranging from $150,000 to $300,000. Simply giving away these properties without addressing the financial burden of repairs would not solve the issue or ensure safe, livable housing.