Through the Endangered Properties Program, HPSD attaches to a property's deed historic covenants which specify that all future owners respect the architectural details of the property when performing any renovations.  These covenants do not tie the hands of an owner trying to make sensible modifications, but simply prevent the removal of the features of the property which define its historic significance.  A sample set of historic covenants is available.  If a property is in dire need of renovations at the time of sale, a rehabilitation agreement, may also be made.

The Program's most effective means of accomplishing its goal is by owning the property for a short time. While HPSD is building a fund to make it possible to purchase properties outright, it is preferable to first get an option contract to purchase a property, and then find a buyer agreeable to the covenants.
 

The Geer Farmhouse, which may be the oldest house in Durham, was saved through HPSD's Endangered Properties Program. It was in a very dilapidated state when it first entered the program and received preservation covenants to protect it. After renovation, it was sold again through the EPP and has become an asset to the Old North Durham neighborhood.

The Endangered Properties Program offers, in part as incentive to prospective buyers, a free service to those re-selling houses with HPSD historic covenants attached. Because HPSD has an interest in helping keep good owners in houses which have been through the program, it will help market these houses by including them on the web site, in newsletters, and in other promotions of Endangered Properties.

Contacts, showings, and negotiations will be handled by the owners rather than HPSD, so please use separate contact information provided when inquiring about such properties.