How to Buy US Government Land

The Real Estate Espresso Podcast

How to Buy US Government Land

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How to Buy US Government Land: An Insider’s Guide

Welcome to the Real Estate Espresso Podcast, your morning shot of what’s new in the world of real estate investing. I’m your host Victor Menasce. Today, let’s discuss a unique opportunity that often goes unnoticed – the acquisition of US government-owned land. More specifically, let’s shed some light on how to buy US government land.

The Scope of U.S. Government Land Ownership

The U.S. Federal government owns about a quarter of the nation’s landmass, roughly equating to 640 million acres. These lands, which are primarily located in 12 western states, including Alaska, are administered by four main federal agencies – the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and the Department of the Interior. The Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior handle about 95% of the land.

The Authority to Buy and Sell

The Bureau of Land Management holds the broadest rights for both land acquisition and disposition, as delineated by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. As one of their responsibilities, the BLM seeks to acquire land for various purposes, such as protecting natural and cultural resources, offering increased opportunities for public access and recreation, and improving the management of lands.

Selling Government Land

All four land management authorities hold the power to sell land, with the Bureau of Land Management having the widest range of selling capabilities. When it comes to selling government land, they can operate under several authorities. Namely, sales and exchanges under various land management acts, transfers to other governments, patents under the general mining law of 1872, and geographically limited sale authorities.

Checklist for Buying U.S. Government Land
1. Understand the role and authorities of the Bureau of Land Management.
2. Verify if the land meets your specific requirements.
3. Get knowledge of the land use planning process and the specific criteria needed for selling tracts.
4. Be aware of geographically limited land sale authorities.
5. Keep an eye on the Congressional Research Service’s document entitled Federal Land Ownership (linked in the show notes) for further reading.

While the rules for acquiring U.S. government land can seem complex and challenging to navigate, they open up opportunities for a variety of individuals and organizations. Whether you’re a non-profit entity looking to serve a higher purpose, or a real estate investor seeking a unique, profitable venture, the U.S government land presents vast opportunities worth exploring.

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