land release: who qualifies and how to apply

The City of Aurora released 120 parcels on July 8 for residential and small-scale commercial use in the Riverbend neighbourhood and along Lincoln Street, with lot sizes ranging from 0.25 to 0.8 acres.

The move follows a 14 percent rise in building permits issued in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year, according to city records. Housing demand has intensified as new employers opened offices near the downtown transit hub, pushing median sale prices to $412,000 in June.

City staff at the Aurora Planning Commission and the Aurora Land Bank Initiative identified the sites after completing environmental reviews on former industrial parcels. Riverbend sits two blocks south of the Aurora Riverwalk trail, while the Lincoln Street parcels border the Oakwood Heights elementary school attendance zone.

Who qualifies

Applicants must meet one of three categories. First-time homebuyers earning no more than 120 percent of area median income can reserve a single-family lot. Licensed general contractors registered with the city may apply for up to three lots each. Non-profit housing developers qualify for larger blocks if they commit to keeping at least 40 percent of units affordable for 15 years. All buyers must complete a city-approved financial literacy course before closing.

How to apply

Applications open July 15 at the Aurora Development Office on 450 Maple Avenue. Required documents include proof of income, a site plan sketch, and a $250 non-refundable processing fee. The deadline is September 30, 2026. The city will hold two public information sessions, one on July 22 at the Riverbend Community Center and another on August 5 at Lincoln Street Library branch. Successful applicants receive a 90-day option to close; prices start at $85,000 for the smallest lots and rise to $210,000 for corner parcels with river views. Buyers who miss the deadline can join a waitlist maintained by the Land Bank Initiative.

Staff recommend reviewing the full parcel map and income tables posted on the city website before submitting paperwork. Those who need help calculating income limits can call the Development Office at 303-555-0192 during regular business hours.

This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.