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Frequently Asked Questions

How soon can I take possession of a property after purchase at the tax sale?
The successful bidder may generally take possession of a property immediately after making payment in full and confirming that the tax deed to the purchaser has been recorded by the county. Any parties of interest have 1 year from the date of the recording of the tax deed to the purchaser to contest the validity of the sale due to irregularities, therefore, it is strongly advised that the purchaser not make any improvements to their property for 1 year.

In the event that a party of interest is successful at overturning the sale, the sale price would be returned to the purchaser, but any improvements made to the property would not be reimbursed to the person that made them.

Show All Answers

1. What is tax-defaulted property with Notice of Power to Sell?
2. Why does the county sell tax-defaulted property?
3. What laws govern the sale of tax-defaulted property in California?
4. Is a tax sale publicly advertised?
5. Does the county guarantee the property?
6. Are contaminated / possible contaminated properties identified?
7. When does the right to redeem a tax-defaulted property cease?
8. How is the minimum bid on a tax sale property determined?
9. Can I obtain title to the property by paying the delinquent taxes?
10. Do liens or encumbrances on a tax-defaulted property transfer to the new owner after purchase of the property at a tax sale?
11. How do I find or see a parcel of property I’d like to bid on at the tax sale?
12. How can I obtain Assessor’s plat maps?
13. How can I determine what use I can make of a tax sale property before I purchase it?
14. How can I find out if a particular property has been withdrawn from the sale?
15. How can I register as a bidder?
16. How does the bidding process work?
17. What happens if I am the successful bidder but decide that I don’t want the property after all?
18. How can a successful bidder pay for a property at tax sale?
19. What kind of title do I get?
20. How will title in the deed to the purchaser be vested?
21. How soon can I take possession of a property after purchase at the tax sale?
22. What happens to property that does not sell at the tax sale?
23. How can I get more information?