Tax Sales Properties Listing Canada

A tax sale property is real estate sold by a municipality to recover unpaid property taxes. In Canada, when property taxes remain unpaid for a statutory period (e.g., 2-3 years), the local government can seize and sell the land. These properties are often sold via public tender or public auction at significant discounts, often starting at the cancellation price (taxes owed + costs), offering a unique opportunity to invest in real estate below market value.

taxsalesproperty.ca is Canada's premier platform for finding municipal tax sales. We aggregate listings from hundreds of municipalities across Ontario, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and other provinces. You can use our advanced map search and property filters to find vacant land, residential homes, and commercial properties. Sign up for free to get instant email alerts when new properties match your criteria.

The process depends on the province and municipality:

• Public Tender (common in Ontario/Nova Scotia): You submit a sealed bid in a specific envelope with a deposit (usually 20%) before the deadline. The highest eligible bid wins.
• Public Auction (common in Alberta/BC): Properties are sold to the highest bidder at a live or online event.

Our platform provides the specific tender documents and instructions for each listing.

It varies by province. In Ontario, the original owner can redeem the property by paying all taxes and costs right up until the time the property is sold (tender envelopes opened). In Alberta, there may be a redemption period even after the auction. Always check the specific municipal acts and regulations for the province you are investing in.

Generally, a tax deed clears most private encumbrances (mortgages, liens, judgements). However, Crown claims (federal/provincial government debts) and easements often remain on title. It is strictly recommended to perform a full title search before bidding to understand exactly what you are buying. We provide resources to help you conduct due diligence.

If your tender or bid is successful, you will be notified by the municipality. You generally have a short period (e.g., 14 days in Ontario) to pay the remaining balance of your bid, plus any applicable Land Transfer Tax and HST. Failure to close the transaction on time will usually result in the forfeiture of your deposit.