Housing Office

Important Notice

The City of Salem is temporarily pausing the acceptance of new proposals for the purchase of city-owned properties.

🏘️ Going forward, properties will follow one of several strategic paths:

• Transferred to the City Land Bank
• Included in the upcoming public property auction – Info session May 7th; auction ends May 21st. Note: the list will be available on or around Monday, April 28th.
• Held for community use or planning review
• Marketed directly to developers based on location, condition, and redevelopment potential

🔁 What does this mean for you?
If you’ve already submitted an application:
✅ Your application will be reviewed by city staff, then move to the Housing Committee and City Attorney for evaluation, before being presented to the Governing Body for final approval, per our established policy.

🏡 Exciting Opportunity Coming Soon: The Salem Land Bank
The Land Bank will help the city:

• Create workforce housing
• Provide homes for Salem residents to buy for $1

While the sale price may be symbolic, these homes will require renovation or rehab. Buyers may need to qualify for programs like:

• USDA 502 Direct
• FHA 203(k) Rehab Loan
• USDA 515 Multifamily Loan (for larger projects)
• More details and eligibility requirements will be shared in the coming months.

Thank you for your continued interest in investing in Salem. Together, we are transforming our city – block by block. 💪🏽🌱

Forms & Applications

• Zoning Permit Application
• Certificate of Occupancy (CO) Application
• Housing Checklist
• Rental Registration Form
• Vacant Property Registration Form
• Ordinance 22-07
• Redevelopment Plan
• Developer Application for the City of Salem New Jersey

Salem City Tax Lien Redemption Application

The Salem City Tax Lien Redemption Application allows property owners or interested parties to request the redemption of tax liens by paying outstanding municipal taxes, penalties, and interest. This process provides an opportunity to reclaim properties encumbered by tax liens while ensuring the city recovers unpaid taxes and promotes productive property use.

This application is for private transactions, but final approval is required by the City Council. The process involves a review by the Director of Housing, the Tax Collector, and the City Solicitor before being presented to the governing body for approval.

How to Apply

1. Download & Complete the Application – The application can be printed online.
2. Submit to the Director of Housing – Ensure all required documents, including proof of funds and any relevant legal disclosures, are attached.
3. Application Review – The Tax Collector, City Attorney, and Director of Housing will assess your request.
4. City Council Approval – If recommended, your application will be placed on the City Council agenda for final approval.

Payment Terms

• 50% of the redemption amount is due upfront at the time of application.
• The remaining balance must be paid in full within three (3) years, though full payment upfront is preferred.

Z Download the Application (this is a MS Word document)

Important Notes

• The City of Salem DOES NOT require a Certificate of Occupancy (“C/O”) be obtained prior to the transfer of title to real property.
• However, a new owner will NOT be permitted to occupy, or allow  or suffer the property to be occupied UNTIL a valid inspection is performed and a valid C/O is obtained.
• There is no legal requirement that the Buyer acknowledge this legality in advance. However, as a Seller, it would be in your best interest to notify the BUYER as to the existence of this info1px1rmation.
• If the Salem City Housing Office determines that a property is being occupied WITHOUT a current and valid C/O, a complaint will be filed in municipal court against the CURRENT owner of the property.
• Please feel free to contact the housing office if you have any questions or need any further information.

Purchasing City-Owned Property

Interested in possibly purchasing a property currently owned by the City of Salem? If so, we have a current listing of available properties and instructions for making a bid.