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Surplus County Property

The Surplus County Property section provides information on real estate owned by DeKalb County that is no longer needed for government operations and may be available for sale or transfer.

The GIS team helps maintain accurate records and mapping for these parcels, supporting transparency and informed decision-making. This page outlines how surplus property is identified, reviewed, and managed, and offers resources for residents, businesses, and community partners interested in learning more about available County-owned land.

 

Interested in buying county-owned surplus real estate?

View eligible Property: Surplus Real Estate Portal

Get notified about upcoming sales: Purchasing & Contracting Department

 

How to Purchase DeKalb County-Owned Property

DeKalb County Surplus Property Process

(Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 36-9-3)

The sale of surplus real estate property owned by DeKalb County Government must comply with applicable state laws and local policy. The following procedure outlines the standardized process by which private parties may request to purchase county-owned property that is no longer needed for public use.

 

Step 1:

Create a DeKalb County GIS Hub Community Account:

Create ArcGIS Account

 

Step 2:

Select an Eligible Property & Submit an Application:

Request for Surplus Declaration

 

Step 3:

Internal Department Review

Upon Receipt, the GIS Department will:

  • GIS Department verifies the county’s interest and determines availability.
  • Notice of Intent for surplus declaration is shared with relevant county departments for review.
  • A Fair Market Value appraisal is ordered.
  • Appraised value is provided to the petitioner which will serve as the minimum bid requirement.

 

Step 4:

Resolution Submission for Board of Commissioners (BOC) Approval

  • If the Petitioner agrees to proceed, the Real Estate Specialist seeks formal BOC approval on behalf of the Petitioner to: 
    • Authorize CEO to execute a Resolution to declare the property surplus (as permitted under O.C.G.A. § 36-9-3)
    • Authorize sale via a sealed bid process (managed by Purchasing & Contracting)

 

Step 5:

Sale via Competitive Bidding

The Purchasing & Contracting Department will:

  • Advertise the opportunity in accordance with Georgia public notice laws.
  • Publish the Bid solicitation is posted on DeKalb County Active ITBs and RFPs.

Note:

  1. Bids must include a required deposit as specified in bid instructions.
  2. Bidders must register for an OpenGov Procurement account to receive notifications.

 

Step 6:

Bid Opening & Award

  • The Purchasing & Contracting Department reviews all bids in a formal opening.
  • Highest qualified bidder is selected and notified.
  • Winning bidder submits remaining balance via wire transfer.
  • Upon receipt of full payment, a quitclaim deed and PT-61 form conveying title are issued.

 

Step 7:

Deed Recording

  • Buyer records the deed and PT-61 form with the DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court within 3 weeks.
  • Buyer is responsible for all recording/transfer fees and keeping copies for records.

Important Disclosures

  • This process applies only to fee simple or constructive fee simple properties.
  • DeKalb County reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
  • Delinquent tax deed payoffs by Tax Commissioner or parcels owned by the DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority must be processed through those respective entities.

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