The historic former Darlinghurst jail, long-term home of the National Art School, has been transferred to the control of the NSW government's property arm, raising the possibility it could be put up for sale.

A notice published on Friday reveals the historic sandstone buildings and grounds, formally known as East Sydney Technical College, have been handed from the Department of Education to Property NSW.

The future of the historic Darlinghurst jail is under a cloud. Credit:Ben Rushton

Identifying state-owned property for sale is one of the key functions of Property NSW.

It has previously overseen the sale of other historic Sydney sandstone buildings, including the Department of Education and Department of Lands buildings in Bridge Street in the CBD.