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1. How do I qualify as a bidder at the auction?

To qualify as a bidder at the auction, you may not owe delinquent taxes to the City of Roanoke or have outstanding code violations on any properties owned in the City of Roanoke. Additionally, you may not be a defendant in any delinquent tax suit filed by the local taxing jurisdiction. For more details, read about the Bidder Qualification Program.

2. What are the starting bid prices of properties?

There are no requirements for starting bids nor are there any set amounts for opening bids. The beginning bidding is determined by the auctioneer and is "not" based on any outstanding amount owed against the property such as taxes or liens. The starting bid generally reflects the assessed value of the property.

3. What is the bidding process?

The bidding begins with the minimum bid amount, which usually begins at the assessed or appraised value, and bidding increases according to the bids received, in incremental amounts. All sales are made to the highest bidder. The auctioneer also records the name of the 2nd highest bidder and in the event the highest bidder defaults, the property may be offered to the second highest bidder.

4. What happens to the properties that are not sold at the auction?

If the properties do not sell at the auction or if confirmation of the sale has been denied by the Court, the property may be advertised again and the sale process will be attempted for a 2nd time.

5. How do I find out the results of an auction, including which properties were sold to whom and for what amount?

The information is public record and can be found in the records of the local Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. The information is contained in the Decree of Confirmation.
Circuit Court Webpage

6. How long does the tax sale process take and when can I expect my property to be sold?

In general, the tax sale process takes approximately 1 year from referral of the account to removal from the Court’s docket. The length of time between referral of the account and sale of the property depends on many factors and cannot be determined in advance of the auction. All properties will be advertised at least 2 weeks prior to an auction. Owners have up until 5 p.m. on the date prior to the auction to redeem the property.

7. What are the general steps in the tax sale process?

Depending on many factors, the Tax Sale process may take several months up to a year or even 18 months. The owner of the property may redeem the property at any time during the process by paying all taxes, penalties, interest, and fees up until 5 p.m. on the date prior to the sale. The following steps are usually completed: Tax Sale Process Steps

8. When is a property eligible for the tax sale?

According to State and City Code, proceedings may be instituted to sell a property when any taxes on the real estate are delinquent on December 31 following the first anniversary date on which such taxes have become due. See 58.1-3965 et. seq. of the Code of Virginia.

9. Can someone obtain ownership of real estate by paying off the delinquent taxes and avoid the tax sale process?

The Code of Virginia does not provide for any process whereby someone could obtain a tax lien certificate or tax deed.

10. Does an advertisement in the newspaper entitled "Notice of Judicial Sale of Real Property" announce the sale of properties?

Not necessarily. The law requires an advertisement as the 1st step in the tax sale process and is not intended to advertise the date of an auction. The notice is intended to give legal notice to the owners of the listed properties of the city's intention to begin the tax sale proceedings and to encourage owners to redeem their properties. As required by law, advertisements will be placed in the newspaper 2 weeks prior to an actual tax sale auction.

11. Can I purchase a property as a fraction of its value?

This is also a common misconception. Although properties may be sold at bargain prices, the Circuit Court is required to ensure that the property is sold for a fair and reasonable price. The fair market value of the property is determined through the tax sale process based upon expert evidence as well as appraisals. The Court is required to reject any bid that falls substantially below this value. The city also reserves the right to reject any bid that does not cover all of the taxes and expenses of the sale.

12. What else should I know if I am interesting in purchasing property at a tax sale?

If you are interesting in purchasing property at a tax sale, please read and make sure you understand the Terms of Sale. There may be risks involved. Properties are offered for sale "as-is" with all faults and without any warranty, either express or implied. Prospective bidders are strongly encouraged to investigate and inspect a property prior to the sale. Any costs incurred by a bidder or purchaser to investigate or obtain a title search are at the expense of the purchaser and are non-refundable. Please note that neither employees of the City of Roanoke nor the attorneys representing the City of Roanoke have authority to grant access to the property for inspection. Please also be sure that you understand the minimum deposit guidelines.

For more information, please read our Terms of Sale.