Map Highlight: Federally Owned Lands Map

In a joint effort, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of the Interior (DOI) plan to unlock around 400,000 acres of federally owned land. The goal? Tackle the affordable housing shortage by increasing the supply of buildable land.

The federal government is preparing to sell and repurpose underutilized land—including to developers. Now, you can see all that land in one place with the Federally Owned Lands Map on Acres.com.

The Federally Owned Lands Map, found in Acres’ Layer Library, is a free, interactive tool that gives you nationwide visibility into public land ownership. With this map, you can easily view:

• Land Type
• Managing Agency
• Total Acreage

Acres’ federally owned land data is derived from Esri.

Considerations for Developers and Investors

• Potential for Reduced Costs: Federal land may be offered at below-market rates or with incentives for affordable housing.
• Government Partnerships: There is potential for support—such as infrastructure assistance, tax incentives, or relaxed zoning—from local or federal agencies.
• Long-Term Investment: Newly released public land could offer stable returns and portfolio diversification over time.
• Rules and Regulations: Development may still be subject to restrictions (e.g., residential-only use, height limits, or environmental protections).
• Infrastructure Challenges: Many of these parcels are in rural or undeveloped areas. Developers may need to finance utilities, roads, and other essential infrastructure.
• Positive Social Impact: Projects on federal land can boost local economies, create jobs, and enhance a developer’s public image—especially when aligned with sustainability or affordability goals.

Using Acres’ Layer Library to Get Ahead

Identifying Suitable Parcels

Use the Federally Owned Land layer to locate opportunities that align with HUD and DOI goals. Filter by location, access, and surrounding infrastructure to find parcels ready for residential development.

Understanding Ownership and Boundaries

Clear property data matters. Acres aggregates ownership and boundary information into one platform—reducing guesswork and legal risk.

Accelerating Site Selection

With a user-friendly interface and powerful data overlays, Acres simplifies land evaluation. Make smarter, faster decisions that align with evolving federal initiatives.

Share and Collaborate with Stakeholders

Custom, shareable maps make it easy to communicate opportunities with clients, team members, or partners. Users can highlight potential sites and generate professional reports with just a few clicks.

Real-Time Market Intelligence

Acres updates its land data, sales, and mapping layers in real-time. When federal assets hit the market, users are among the first to know—keeping them ahead of the competition.

Final Thoughts

With the possibility of government land sales, Acres’ free Federally Owned Lands Map can help you plan your next move. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, investor, or land manager, this tool provides the insights you need to act confidently and stay ahead of the market.