Virginia Tax Deed & Tax Lien Sales 2026

How tax sales work in Virginia

Virginia localities collect delinquent real estate taxes by filing a bill in equity in circuit court. Once taxes have been delinquent past the statutory threshold, generally the second anniversary of the due date, and as little as one year for certain vacant or blighted parcels, the treasurer refers the account to counsel. The court appoints a special commissioner, usually the locality’s attorney, who sells the property at public auction. The sale is then reported to the court, and after confirmation the commissioner delivers a deed.

Because the process is judicial, properly joined liens and mortgages are extinguished, and the buyer receives cleaner title than in many other states. That advantage is priced in; auctions in Richmond, Norfolk, Roanoke and the larger counties draw active competition.

Redemption and interest

The owner can stop the sale by paying all taxes, penalties, interest and costs at any time before the court confirms the sale. After confirmation there is no redemption, and the buyer takes the property outright. Virginia pays no interest to buyers, so the return depends on acquiring the parcel below market value and reselling or holding it.

Surplus proceeds above the taxes and costs are paid to the former owner through the court, and the former owner has a limited opportunity to object to confirmation, typically on the grounds that the price was grossly inadequate or notice was defective.

When and where sales happen

There is no fixed statewide calendar. Cities with large delinquency volumes hold sales several times a year, and counties may sell once a year or less. Most localities retain a private auction firm that conducts the sale on site, at a public building or online, and posts a catalog a few weeks in advance. A deposit of around 10 percent is customary, with the balance due at closing within a few weeks after confirmation. Buyers usually pay deed preparation and recording costs.

What to check before you bid

Read the bill in equity to see which lienholders were named. Check the city for nuisance abatement, demolition and vacant building fees. Confirm that the parcel is buildable and not a remnant or an unbuildable lot in an older plat. Review the auction firm’s terms, which vary by locality and may include a buyer’s premium.

How AuctionScouts helps here

AuctionScouts aggregates judicial sale catalogs from Virginia localities and their auction firms, scores each parcel from 0 to 100 and flags surviving municipal liens. The calendar tracks each sale date and the confirmation and closing deadlines on parcels you win.