Real Estate Division

About the Public Auction Process

All State Trust Land transactions must be in accordance with the State's mandate to assure the highest and best use of the land, and to act in the best interest of the Trust. The auction process is initiated by an application, completed by the applicant in consultation with Department staff, and filed with the Land Department. Submission of an application does not guarantee that the land will be sold. The Trust cannot subsidize development for any purpose, no matter how commendable, at the expense of its beneficiaries. All sales of State Trust Land must be approved by the Department’s Board of Appeals, an independent body of 5 members, appointed by the Governor. The Land Department is authorized to pay commissions to Arizona licensed real estate brokers.
 
A verbal auction is held in the county in which the subject parcel is located. Bidding begins at the appraised land value, and is increased by established increments. The final sale or long term lease price will be the highest and best bid accepted and the auction.

Financing terms for purchasing or long term leasing are available and will be specified in the legal advertising notice prepared prior to each auction.