- Does Oregon sell tax lien certificates?
- No. Oregon sells no tax lien certificates to investors. The county forecloses the tax lien in circuit court and the court orders the parcel sold directly to the county. Investors can only buy after the redemption period ends and the county takes a deed, when the county sells the property at auction or through a broker.
- How long before an Oregon property can be foreclosed for taxes?
- Three years from the earliest date of delinquency. Real property taxes are delinquent if not paid by May 15. Once three years have passed, the parcel goes on the annual foreclosure list and the tax collector starts the circuit court proceeding three months after the day of delinquency.
- What is the redemption period for Oregon tax foreclosures?
- Two years from the date of the foreclosure judgment. The owner, heirs, and lienholders of record may redeem by paying the judgment amount with interest, a five percent penalty, and a fee. Counties that adopt an ordinance can cut this to 30 days for property found to be wasted or abandoned. Redemption ends when the county takes its deed, so no redemption right survives against a later buyer.
- What is the minimum bid at an Oregon tax-foreclosed property auction?
- At the first auction the minimum starting bid is two-thirds of the property's fair market value, which is the real market value on the latest tax statement or a higher independent appraisal where one was required. If the parcel does not sell, a second auction starts at the outstanding taxes and the county's allowable costs.
- Can I buy a foreclosed home in Oregon at the county auction?
- Often not. A property in a residential zone that was the former owner's primary residence must first be listed with a private real estate broker at the highest price it is expected to sell for. It goes to auction only if the county cannot sign a broker after three tries or the broker cannot sell it within 12 months.
- What happens to surplus money from an Oregon tax foreclosure sale?
- The county subtracts its allowable costs from the sale price, determines the surplus within 60 days, and delivers it to the State Treasurer as unclaimed property. The former owner, or heirs and certain successors, claim it from the State Treasurer. The buyer's price is not reduced by any of this.
- Can I pay in installments for Oregon county tax-foreclosed land?
- Sometimes. ORS 275.190 lets a county sell for cash or for at least 10 percent down with the balance in equal installments over up to 20 years at a rate the county sets. The county's notice must say which terms it offers.
- What title does a buyer get from an Oregon county tax sale?
- When the county takes its deed it holds title free of all liens and encumbrances except local improvement assessments, and a private buyer at the county's resale takes free of those assessments too. A title report before bidding is still prudent.
Ready to act on these rules? Follow how to buy Oregon tax deeds for the registration, bidding, and post-sale sequence in order.
Verified Sep 25, 2026 against Oregon statutes.
Tax Sale Atlas publishes educational information about public tax sale processes. This is not legal, financial, or investment advice. Rules, dates, and fees change; confirm with the county office before you bid.