Taking a Deep Dive into Buying Government Property

In today's episode, we’re talking about something that most people probably didn’t know was a thing: buying buildings from the federal government. 

Read the full article

• Guide to Buying Buildings From the Federal Government

About the authors

• Pamela V. Rothenberg
• Patrice Z. Howard, Ph.D.

Transcript

Welcome to Womble Perspectives, where we explore a wide range of topics, from the latest legal updates to industry trends to the business of law. Our team of lawyers, professionals and occasional outside guests will take you through the most pressing issues facing businesses today and provide practical and actionable advice to help you navigate the ever changing legal landscape.

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Host 1:

Hello and welcome back to Womble Perspectives! Today we’re talking about something that most people probably didn’t know was a thing: buying buildings from the federal government. 

Host 2:

Yeah, so the federal government—specifically under the Trump administration—is accelerating the sale of surplus properties. We’re talking office buildings, warehouses, even major headquarters. It’s part of a broader effort to streamline operations and relocate agencies to more cost-effective areas.

Host 1:

Does that mean the government is just selling off buildings? And that anyone can buy them?

Host 2:

Pretty much, yes. If you’re a qualified bidder, you can participate. And earlier this year, a list of over 400 properties slated for disposition was released. It was quickly pulled, but the momentum hasn’t stopped. For example, the Housing and Urban Development headquarters, which totals 1.1 million square feet, is up for accelerated sale.

Host 1:

So, what’s driving this?

Host 2:

A big part of it is an executive order from April 15th. It reversed a policy that required federal agencies to locate in central business districts. Now, they’re encouraged to move to more affordable areas, which frees up prime urban real estate.

Host 1:

Okay, so let’s say I’m an investor. Where do I even start?

Host 2:

Great question. First, you’d have to head to the General Services Administration website. They run the Auctions platform and the Federal Real Estate Marketplace. Then you’d need to create an account on Login.gov and verify your identity to bid.

There are listings, bidding instructions, and deadlines. Some properties are marked for “accelerated disposition,” which means they can skip a lot of the usual red tape.

Host 1:

Sounds promising on the surface, but I’m guessing there’s a legal side to this.

Host 2:

Absolutely. For starters, the process is governed by the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act. You’ll also want to understand the Federal Acquisition Regulation which is being overhauled right now.

Host 1:

And are the rules different for a foreign investor?

Host 2:

Absolutely. Foreign investors need to be aware of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. They review transactions that could give foreign entities control over federal property. It’s a national security thing.

Host 1:

Got it. So once a buyer finds a property, what’s next?

Host 2:

They’ll have to assemble a team—lawyers, appraisers, financial analysts, and ideally a broker who’s familiar with federal deals. Then review the Invitation for Bids or Request for Proposals. That document lays out everything: minimum bids, submission deadlines, required forms.

Host 1:

And the bidding process?

Host 2:

It could be a sealed bid, live auction, or online. You’ll submit a formal proposal, usually with a bid deposit. If your bid is accepted, you move into negotiations and sign a Purchase and Sale Agreement.

Host 1:

Sounds like a lot of paperwork.

Host 2:

It is. And after that comes due diligence—inspections, title reviews, environmental assessments. If there are non-government tenants, you might need to deal with Federal Acquisition Regulation novation requirements before the transfer.

Host 1:

So how long can this whole process take?

Host 2:

Anywhere from six months to over a year, depending on the complexity. But with the right team and preparation, it can be a smart investment. It’s definitely a niche market, but one with real potential.

Host 1:

Excellent. Thanks for breaking that down. 

That’s it for today’s episode of Womble Perspectives. If you’re curious about investing in federal property and want more information, check out the link in our show notes.

Thank you for listening to Womble Perspectives. If you want to learn more about the topics discussed in this episode, please visit The Show Notes, where you can find links to related resources mentioned today. The Show Notes also have more information about our attorneys who provided today's insights, including ways to reach out to them.

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