NHLB is a Connecticut nonprofit (nonstock) corporation created to acquire, hold, and reactivate vacant, tax-delinquent, foreclosed, and blighted properties. Its mission is to return these properties to productive use—particularly for affordable housing, public benefit, and community revitalization.

Unlike private developers, NHLB’s primary mandate is community benefit—not profit. NHLB collaborates with public, nonprofit, and private stakeholders and works transparently under a Board-approved policy framework to ensure equitable and strategic land use.

NHLB may acquire properties through:

• Tax, blight, or mortgage foreclosures (not initiated by NHLB)
• Donations
• Purchases (at fair market or discounted rates)
• Deeds in lieu of foreclosure
• Transfers from government or quasi-governmental entities

Priority is given to:

• Blighted or hazardous sites
• Tax-delinquent or foreclosed parcels
• Properties within revitalization zones
• Lots suited for affordable housing or public green space
• Parcels identified in strategic or neighborhood plans

Yes. NHLB evaluates donations through a “Donation Report” that examines title, liens, environmental issues, market potential, and neighborhood impact. In some cases, donors may need to contribute funds for initial maintenance or remediation.

Properties in the New Haven Land Bank’s portfolio are slated for redevelopment to support affordable housing and mixed-use development in alignment with NHLB’s mission and community development goals.

Those interested in partnering with the New Haven Land Bank on development opportunities must first complete the Professional Building and Development Services RFQ. Completion of the RFQ process is required before an appointment can be scheduled to discuss potential partnerships.

After development, eligible transferees include:

• LMI (Low- and Moderate-Income) households
• Nonprofits or for-profits focused on affordable housing or community/economic development
• Public/private partnerships and qualified developers
• Government entities

NHLB considers both the fair market value and Total Project Costs when pricing properties. Sales may be made through:

• Open market listing
• Negotiated sale
• Request for Proposals (RFPs)
• Public auction
• Noncompetitive sales (for unique community-benefit uses)

NHLB prioritizes:

• Affordable homeownership and quality rental housing
• Neighborhood revitalization
• Public benefit uses like green space or infrastructure
• Projects in low/moderate-income neighborhoods
• Developers who demonstrate capacity, alignment with plans, and community engagement

An LMI Purchaser must:

• Have household income ≤ 80% of the New Haven MSA Area Median Income
• Not have property violations or tax delinquencies
• Complete a homebuyer education course from a HUD-approved agency (within 180 days of purchase)

• Property must be a Principal Residence for at least 183 days/year
• No commercial rental use (unless owner-occupying a multi-unit property)
• Subject to an Affordability Compliance Period, with potential resale or recapture provisions

Yes. NHLB may transfer properties for public benefit or innovative development, provided the use aligns with city plans. Consideration may be in cash or contractual obligations (e.g., affordability guarantees or public amenities).

Yes. NHLB may offer financing for affordable owner-occupied single-family homes. This typically involves a deed of trust with amortized installment payments and a balloon payment. Terms depend on an affordability analysis.