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Puerto Rico’s Abandoned Properties
Does anyone have any information on how to contact owners of abandoned properties in Puerto Rico? Or contact the government agencies that would have information in connection with these properties? I understand that there are issues with inheritance laws and unpaid property taxes for many of these properties but surely there is a way to figure out this mess and get these properties sold and utilized. Please let me know if you have any information.
@Tsedey B. - Are you spending some time in Puerto Rico? I live in the San Juan area and agree there are a ton of abandoned properties all over the island. The municipalities here began a new program in November 2020 to eminent domain blighted/abandoned properties and sell them. There is a court process they go through which does take some time (6 months). It just started, and there's a lot of properties ! I'm involved in the program restoring some of these properties once they have gone through the process. I am still learning more about it and will have more answers over the next couple weeks/months. The properties I am seeing have been abandoned 10 years or more, but many still have good structure. As for other properties, you can use websites showing tax records here https://www.crimpr.net/ and perhaps use skip tracing services like TLO to find owners. (I haven't done this personally). Like you, I see the opportunity here.
@Kathryn Morea Thank you so much for this information! That is great news. Yes, I’m in the area and scoping out properties which has gotten insanely expensive recently. What is the name of the program that you are involved in? Would like to be part of this program as well if possible.
@Tsedey B. Yes, it has gotten more expensive, especially in the tourist areas like Old San Juan/Condado/Rincon. Buying outside of those hotspots is not so expensive, but yes, prices have increased since the lows right after the hurricane. Reach out to @Zachary Postil, he can get you the NDA and a list of available properties that have already started the muni eminent domain process.
@Kathryn Morea Awesome! I was looking for up and coming neighborhoods (near La Placita). I really appreciate you sharing this information!
The CRIM is a good place to start, but be prepared to wait in line or not get good customer service. The biggest problem with abandoned properties are the heir laws. These properties are tied up in the families disagreements, families move away, kids have kids, so it quickly becomes a mess.
@Kathryn Morea I would like to hear more about the recent changes. I have some areas I am working that I could find some benefit.
Hi Aaron - you can get online info here https://www.crimpr.net/ to look up some info. I also use landglide app on my phone for property info. The inheritance laws have made many abandoned properties, but those are now being identified as blighted properties and can go thru the eminent domain process to be sold and rehabbed. We have been starting the process to get these houses rehabbed but the program is not implemented in every municipality yet and it takes time to go thru the courts. These are in local markets, not so much in tourist areas. I find it's better to connect with the deal, then see if it works and see if you like the area, rather than find the property and try to make that particular property into a deal. I hope that helps.
Quote from @Kathryn Morea:
@Tsedey B. - Are you spending some time in Puerto Rico? I live in the San Juan area and agree there are a ton of abandoned properties all over the island. The municipalities here began a new program in November 2020 to eminent domain blighted/abandoned properties and sell them. There is a court process they go through which does take some time (6 months). It just started, and there's a lot of properties ! I'm involved in the program restoring some of these properties once they have gone through the process. I am still learning more about it and will have more answers over the next couple weeks/months. The properties I am seeing have been abandoned 10 years or more, but many still have good structure. As for other properties, you can use websites showing tax records here https://www.crimpr.net/ and perhaps use skip tracing services like TLO to find owners. (I haven't done this personally). Like you, I see the opportunity here.
Hi! I'm wondering about destroyed property. My family has a home in Joyuda that was pretty much destroyed during hurricane Maria and no one rebuilt. There's a fence around the property now due to danger of collapse. I want to find out how I can purchase the land back so I may rebuild the house. My grandfather is dead and my great aunts, that the property was supposed to go to, are in their nursing homes now with dementia and it seems no one (their kids) is interested (or they may just not have the funds) in restoring it. It's my childhood home. I want to preserve it and retire there when I'm ready.
I think you need to contact an attorney on the island who specializes in inheritance / herencia laws. Cool project for you. Good luck.