GOV
2022 Flood Recovery CDBG-DR Home Buyout Program
The City of St. Louis’ 2022 Flood Recovery CDBG-DR Home Buyout Program Voluntary Buyout Program helps eligible homeowners whose properties were impacted by the 2022 flooding move out of areas at higher risk of future flooding.
About the CDBG-DR Voluntary Home Buyout Program
Through the 2022 Flood Recovery CDBG-DR Home Buyout Program, the City may purchase eligible homes at fair market value and provide eligible homeowners with additional incentives to help them relocate to a safer location. Participation in the program is completely voluntary. After the City purchases a home, it will be demolished, and the land will remain permanent open space to help reduce future flood risk.
The program is part of the City’s 2022 Flood Recovery Programs CDBG-DR and is funded through Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Contact CDA to Get Started
Applications for the Voluntary Home Buyout Program will be available in October 2026. Please check back soon for application information and instructions.
Contact the CDBG-DR Information Line at (314) 657-3838 or cda-floodbuyout@stlouis-mo.gov to get started.
Please leave your name and contact information, and a program representative will return your call.
Program staff will ask a series of questions to determine whether you meet the preliminary eligibility requirements for the Voluntary Home Buyout Program. Homeowners who meet the preliminary requirements will receive an application.
If you do not meet the preliminary requirements for the Voluntary Home Buyout Program, staff can help connect you with the Healthy Home Repair Program (HHRP).
Who May Be Eligible
The Voluntary Home Buyout Program is available to eligible property owners whose homes were impacted by the 2022 flooding and are located within the City’s designated buyout area.
Basic eligibility requirements include:
- Owning an eligible property within the designated buyout area.
- Demonstrating that the property was impacted by the 2022 flooding.
- Provide proof of ownership.
- Meeting applicable Program requirements.
Additional eligibility requirements apply to certain relocation assistance and incentives. Funding is limited, and location within the designated buyout area does not guarantee eligibility or participation in the Program.
What Homeowners May Receive
The City will determine the fair market value of an eligible home through an appraisal completed by a Missouri-licensed appraiser. The appraisal establishes the amount the City may offer for the property.
Eligible participants may also receive:
- A $5,000 participation incentive
- Personalized relocation assistance
- Additional relocation or rental assistance for eligible low- and moderate-income households
How the Home Buyout Process Works
Applying for the program does not require you to sell your home. Before making a final decision, homeowners will have an opportunity to review the purchase offer, ask questions and understand the relocation benefits available to them.
The process generally includes:
- Apply and provide documents
- Property review
- Environmental review
- Duplication of Benefits review
- Property appraisal
- Relocation review
- Purchase offer
- Closing and relocation
- Property demolition and conversion to permanent open space
The amount of time needed will vary depending on the property and individual circumstances. Program staff will guide homeowners through the process and let them know when additional information or documentation is needed.
Creating Green Space and Reducing Flood Risk
After the sale is complete, the City will own the property. The home will be demolished, and the property will be maintained as permanent open space. It will not be redeveloped with another home or building. Keeping the property as open space helps reduce future flood risk and provides an area that can hold floodwater.
The City is also developing plans for green infrastructure and potential new community green spaces, which could include prairies, natural areas, and other uses that help manage stormwater and benefit the surrounding community. The City is working with neighborhood stakeholders and partners, including the Forestry Division, Green City Coalition, and Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD), to help shape these plans.
Required Documents
Applicants will need to provide documents that help the City confirm their identity, property ownership and eligibility. Depending on the household and property, these may include identification, proof of ownership, mortgage or lien information, insurance and disaster assistance records, income information, and proof that the home is the applicant's primary residence.
Gathering documents ahead of time can help make the application and review process easier.
Program Resources
Looking for more information about the Voluntary Home Buyout Program? Click here to download helpful program resources and flyers, including the Program Overview and Eligibility, Understanding the Home Buyout Process, Frequently Asked Questions, and Required Document Checklist.
These resources can help homeowners understand the program, determine what to expect during the buyout process, and prepare the documents they may need to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Voluntary Home Buyout Program?
The 2022 Flood Recovery CDBG-DR Voluntary Home Buyout Program helps eligible property owners relocate from areas impacted by the 2022 flooding and at higher risk of future flooding.
The City may purchase eligible homes at fair market value. Depending on eligibility, homeowners may also receive financial incentives and relocation assistance to help them move to a safer location. After the City purchases a home, the structure will be demolished, and the land will remain permanent open space to help reduce future flood risk.
Will I be forced to sell my home?
No. Participation is voluntary. Homeowners can choose whether to participate.
Applying for the program does not require you to sell your home. You will have an opportunity to review the purchase offer, ask questions, and understand your benefits before deciding whether to participate.
How is the program funded?
The Voluntary Home Buyout Program is funded through Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
HUD allocated $25.834 million to the City of St. Louis for long-term recovery from the severe storms and flooding that occurred July 25–28, 2022. The City is using this funding for several recovery programs, including the Voluntary Home Buyout Program.
Who may apply for the program?
The program is for homeowners whose properties are in areas affected by the 2022 flooding and identified by the City as having a higher risk of future flooding. Homeowners will need to provide information about themselves and their property. The City will review each property and application to determine eligibility.
Does being in an eligible area guarantee that my property qualifies?
No. Being in a designated area does not automatically mean a property qualifies.
The City will review the property, ownership information, and other program requirements before making an eligibility determination.
How long does the home buyout process take?
The timeline will vary depending on your property and individual circumstances.
Some properties may require additional reviews or documentation. Program staff will keep you informed and let you know if additional information is needed.
What is a Duplication of Benefits (DOB) review?
A Duplication of Benefits review looks at money or other assistance you received for the 2022 flooding.
Because the Home Buyout Program uses federal CDBG-DR funds, the City must review other disaster assistance you received to make sure the same loss is not paid for twice.
What types of assistance may be reviewed?
The City may review information about assistance you received for the 2022 flooding, including insurance payments and other disaster assistance. You may need to provide documents about insurance claims or other assistance you received.
Why does the City need to inspect my property?
The City needs information about your property to confirm that it meets program requirements and to complete required reviews. You may be asked to provide access to your property for surveys, inspections, or other reviews.
What is an environmental review?
An environmental review looks at the property and surrounding area for environmental conditions that could affect the project.
Because the program uses federal CDBG-DR funds, the City must complete the required environmental review before the project can move forward. The City conducts environmental reviews for federally funded activities in accordance with HUD requirements.
How will the City determine the value of my home?
A Missouri-licensed appraiser will complete an appraisal of your home to determine its fair market value, which will be used to establish the City’s purchase offer.
What is the $5,000 participation incentive?
Homeowners who participate in the program will receive an additional $5,000 participation incentive. Program staff will explain how the incentive applies to your purchase and what you need to do to receive it.
How do I qualify for relocation assistance?
Relocation assistance is determined based on the household’s income and whether it meets the low- to moderate-income requirements established by HUD. Low- to moderate-income is defined as at or below 80% of area median income (AMI).
Can I participate if I have a mortgage or lien on my property?
Having a mortgage or lien does not necessarily prevent you from participating in the program. The City will review any mortgages, liens, or other claims against the property as part of the title review.
You may need to provide additional information, and these items may need to be addressed before the sale can be completed.
Can I withdraw from the program?
Yes. Participation is voluntary. If you apply and later decide you do not want to participate, you can withdraw before the sale is finalized.
Talk with program staff as soon as possible if you are considering withdrawing so they can explain your options.
What happens to my property after the City purchases it?
After the sale is complete, the City will own the property. The home will be demolished, and the property will be maintained as open space. The property will not be redeveloped with another home or building.
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