Looking for hidden real estate deals in Virginia? Tax delinquent properties can offer great opportunities for investors and first-time buyers. This guide shares the top 5 ways to find tax delinquent properties for sale in Virginia, with clear steps you can follow today.
If you want to invest smarter and spend less, these methods can help you get started.
What Are Tax Delinquent Properties?
Tax delinquent properties are homes or land where the owner has not paid property taxes. When taxes go unpaid, the local government may place a tax lien on the property. If the debt is not paid off, the property can be sold through a tax auction.
This creates a chance to:
- Buy property below market value
- Earn interest through Virginia tax lien sales
- Possibly take ownership of the property
Method 1: Check County Websites
Many counties in Virginia post tax delinquent property lists on their official websites.
How to Do It:
- Find your county’s government website
- Visit the Treasurer’s Office or the Tax Department section
- Search for a page about tax delinquent properties or tax sales
- Download the list of properties and check details like location, tax amount owed, and auction dates
Tip: Focus on properties with high tax amounts and upcoming auction dates. These may be more likely to go to sale.
Method 2: Attend Tax Lien Auctions
Tax lien auctions are public events where investors bid on tax liens. If the owner does not pay the taxes, the winning bidder may earn interest or even gain ownership of the property.
How to Do It:
- Use online auction directories or public county notices to find Virginia tax lien sales
- Learn how the auction process works in your chosen county
- Set a budget and understand the rules before you bid
Example: Some investors have purchased tax liens for a few thousand dollars and later gained full ownership of homes worth much more.
Method 3: Contact Local Tax Offices
Not every county puts tax sale lists online. In many cases, the best source is a direct call or visit.
How to Do It:
- Call or visit your local Treasurer’s Office or Commissioner of the Revenue
- Ask if they provide a tax delinquent properties for sale list in Virginia
- Build a connection with staff, who may alert you to upcoming opportunities
This method may take more effort, but often gives access to updated or exclusive information not posted online.
Method 4: Use Property Data Tools like DealMachine
Online tools and public records databases can help you research tax-delinquent properties.
How to Do It:
Find a trusted platform that has access to property data and homeowner data.
For example, DealMachine is a reliable platform. It helps you access accurate homeowner and property data. You can find distressed and off-market properties. It also allows you to reach out to property owners.
Look up properties that are tax delinquent or have upcoming auctions.
Method 5: Join Local Real Estate Investor Groups
Networking with other investors is one of the fastest ways to find leads on off-market or tax delinquent properties.
How to Do It:
- Attend real estate investor meetups in your area
- Join online forums or social media groups focused on real estate in Virginia
- Ask others if they know of current opportunities or have access to updated lists
Some of the best deals are never posted online but are shared within local investor communities.
Final Thoughts
Finding tax delinquent properties for sale list Virginia is possible if you know where to look and take action. With the five methods above, you can build a strategy to discover real estate deals others may overlook.
