Unlisted Land
Navigating the path to purchasing unlisted land from the City of Medicine Hat: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Are you considering buying land from the City of Medicine Hat? Our team in Land & Real Estate is here to help. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a first-time buyer, understanding the municipal approvals process can make all the difference.
The City may consider a Direct Sale of unlisted land through an Expression of Interest, when one or more of the following apply (as per the Land and Real Estate Policy 0188):
- Unique Business Needs: Non-residential land with specific configurations or servicing requirements not available elsewhere.
- Remnant Parcels: Land that no longer serves a municipal purpose, adjacent to the purchaser’s property with no potential beneficial to others.
- Road Right-of-Way: Adjacent road right-of-way that solely benefits the purchaser and its closure/sale does not impact others.
- Un-serviced Land: Where the developer will complete all servicing and development.
- Land Exchange: If mutually beneficial to both parties.
All Direct Sales must be at Fair Market Value. Sales below Fair Market Value require Council approval and must comply with the Municipal Government Act.
Purchasers are responsible for all related costs, including surveys, land use amendments, and other due diligence.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Estimated real estate sales process timeline*
*Subject to change based on complexity and purchaser timelines
*Council approval is required for any transaction that exceeds all Signing Authority Limits under Policy 0188, or for any sale below Fair Market Value.
*Sale of Road Right-of-Way is dependent on approval from the Road Authority and a Road Closure Bylaw being approved by Council.
Real Estate Sales Process
1. Expression of Interest submission
Begin by filling out the Expression of Interest form with as much detail as possible.
If your Expression of Interest involves industrial land use or significant utility needs, please complete the Project Intake Form with as much detail as possible.
*Additional review timelines may be required for these inquiries.
2. Internal Review
The Land & Real Estate team will reach out to you with any questions and then review and evaluate the expression of interest.
3. Technical Coordinating Committee
The Land & Real Estate will initiate a TCC for circulation to all City departments to see if there are any challenges or concerns with selling the land.
4. Complete a Comprehensive Market Analysis
The Land & Real Estate team will conduct and in house CMA to determine the fair market value of the land.
5. Proposal letter & negotiation
A proposal letter will be emailed to the applicant. We will share the findings of the TCC and the CMA. If the applicant decides they would like to move forward, the Land & Real Estate team will negotiate the terms and conditions of the transaction.
This period may vary depending on the complexity of the negotiations.
6. Administrative approval
Land & Real Estate makes a recommendation to sell the subject property. We will bring forward the strategy, list price and terms and conditions of the sale. The recommendation will go to the appropriate Signing Authority level for the decision.
7. Council approval
*Securing a date on Council's calendar may prolong the timeline, depending on alignment with meeting schedules.
*All sale transactions below Fair Market Value must be approved by Council. Land and Real Estate is not obligated to entertain Expressions of Interest below Fair Market Value.
8. Purchaser due diligence
The purchaser initiates the process of meticulously examining the property, gathering all essential information needed to make an informed decision about moving forward with the purchase. This may include getting studies done, development approval, rezoning, or consolidation, all of which will be at the purchaser’s expense.
9. Closing
Closing funds are received, and Closing documents are forwarded to the purchaser’s solicitor for registration.
In total, depending on the complexity of the transaction, it could take as few as six months and as many as nine or more months from submitting the Purchaser Application Form to Closing on the sale of the property.
As the transaction is being finalized, the purchaser ideally is nearing the acquisition of planning approvals and can commence construction without delay upon Closing.
At every stage, our team provides support and guidance, ensuring your experience is seamless. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We're here to help you every step of the way.
Summary
In total, depending on the complexity of the transaction, it could take as few as six months and as many as nine or more months from submitting the purchaser application to closing on the sale of the property.
As the transaction is being finalized, the purchaser ideally is nearing the acquisition of planning approvals and can commence construction without delay upon Closing.
At every stage, our team provides support and guidance, ensuring your experience is seamless. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We're here to help you every step of the way.
Contact Us
Land Development & Real Estate
364 Kipling Street SE
Medicine Hat, Alberta
T1A 1Y4
403-529-8248
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