Public Auction Process:

Motley’s Auction and Realty Group conducts the sale of tax delinquent properties on behalf of the City of Richmond. Below are the basic steps a person interested in purchasing a tax delinquent propery should take:

Step 1: Review tax sale properties for sale by auction online.

Step 2: Visit Motley’s Group website here to view additional details and information. 

Step 3:  Obtain, review and complete in its entirety the Public Auction Form and bring it with you to the public auction. Filling this form out ahead of time will speed up your wait time in the registration line at the auction.

If you have additional questions regarding the Tax Sale Process, please click here to read through the Frequently Asked Questions.

Frequently Asked Questions:

THE SALE OF REAL ESTATE FOR DELINQUENT TAXES

1. Q: When can the City initiate the sale of tax delinquent property?
   A: VA Code § 58.1-3965 currently authorizes the City to initiate the sale of tax delinquent property on December 31 following the second anniversary of the date on which such taxes have become due.
   
   
2. Q: What if the property in which I am interested in is not currently in the tax sale process?
   A: You can complete a tax sale Special Request Form and mail or fax it to the City's Tax Sale Review Committee. The Committee will review the request to see if the property meets the criteria to be included in the tax sale process. For a Special Request Form, Click Here.
   
   
3. Q: Does the City place all tax delinquent properties into the tax sale process?
   A: No, we prioritize properties for tax sale according to factors such as the number of years delinquent, amount of delinquency, blight/condition or location.
   
   
4. Q: Does the City require that persons who purchase though the tax sale rehabilitate the property?
   A: The City will not accept bids from a person who owes taxes to the City or has outstanding code violations. The owner is subject to building code requirements, future real estate taxes and other applicable laws. Certain properties are sold with Development Agreements that require purchasers to make improvements within a specific time frame.
   
   
5. Q: If I purchase property through the tax sale, am I required to pay the delinquent taxes?
   A: No, the property sells for the amount of the highest bid. The court orders the property sold free of liens and encumbrances. The purchaser gets a special warranty deed.
   
   
6. Q: How much of a down payment is required when you purchase a tax delinquent property at auction?
   A: 20% of the winning bid price or $2,500, whichever is greater.