How To Buy Tax Sale Properties May 2026

Contact your county treasurer or tax collector's office for the "delinquent tax list".

Most auctions require you to register in advance and may ask for a deposit (e.g., 10%–15% of the property value). how to buy tax sale properties

Buying a tax sale property is a "high-risk, high-reward" investment where a government body auctions off real estate because the owner has failed to pay property taxes. 1. Know the Two Main Types Contact your county treasurer or tax collector's office

Even after you "win," the original owner often has a legal right of redemption . This is a window (months to years) where they can pay back the taxes plus interest to get their house back. If they pay, you get your money back plus interest. If they pay, you get your money back plus interest

If they don't pay by the deadline, you finally get the deed. 💡 Key Risks to Watch

You are either buying the property itself or the right to collect debt:

You buy a "tax lien certificate." You don't own the house yet; you own the debt. You earn interest on that debt, and if the owner never pays you back, you can eventually foreclose to take the property. 2. The Step-by-Step Process