What is a redemption period in a Canadian tax sale?

A redemption period is the time during which the original property owner can pay all outstanding tax arrears, interest, penalties, and costs to prevent or cancel a tax sale. In most Canadian provinces, this period occurs before the sale. In Alberta, a 1-year post-sale redemption period applies.

Can the previous owner get the property back after a tax sale in Ontario?

In Ontario, there is no post-sale redemption period. The one-year redemption period runs from the registration of the tax arrears certificate. If the owner does not pay within that year, the property proceeds to sale and the buyer receives clear title once the tax deed is registered.

Does Alberta have a redemption period after a tax sale?

Yes. Alberta is unique among Canadian provinces in allowing a 1-year post-sale redemption period under the Municipal Government Act. During this year, the previous owner can repurchase the property by paying the sale price plus interest. This risk must be factored into Alberta tax sale investment decisions.

When can the owner redeem in Nova Scotia?

In Nova Scotia, the property owner can redeem (pay all arrears and cancel the tax sale) at any point up to the day of the public tender or auction. There is no post-sale redemption right once the property is sold.

Redemption Periods in Canadian Tax Sales: Province-by-Province Guide

table_chart Redemption Period by Province

Canadian Tax Sale Redemption Periods by Province — 2026. Source: Provincial legislation.
Province	Redemption Period	When?	Legislation
Ontario	1 year (pre-sale)	Before sale	Municipal Act, 2001 — s.373
Nova Scotia	Until day of sale	Before sale	Municipal Government Act — s.150
New Brunswick	Until closing date of tender	Before sale	Local Governance Act — s.138
Alberta ⚠️	1 year (post-sale)	⚠ After sale	Municipal Government Act RSA 2000 — s.419
British Columbia	None (post-sale)	Pre-sale only	Local Government Act — s.262
Saskatchewan	Until judicial confirmation	Before sale	Cities Act / Municipalities Act
Manitoba	1 year (pre-sale notice period)	Before sale	Municipal Act — s.364
Quebec	Varies (judicial process)	Court-supervised	Act Respecting Municipal Taxation

* This table summarizes general rules. Consult the official provincial legislation and a licensed real estate lawyer for current rules applicable to your specific situation.

warning

Alberta: The Post-Sale Redemption Risk

Alberta's Municipal Government Act grants the previous owner a 1-year post-sale right to redeem the property. If they redeem, they pay you back the sale price plus interest — but you will have held an unrealized property for a year. All Alberta tax sale bids must account for this risk. Ensure your purchase price and financing structure can withstand a redemption scenario.

Browse Active Tax Sale Properties

239 properties currently listed across Canada

View All Properties arrow_forward

Related Guides

payments

Minimum Bid / Cancellation Price

How the minimum bid is calculated

gavel

Tax Lien vs Tax Deed — Canada

How Canada differs from the US

school

Complete Guide to Tax Sales in Canada

End-to-end beginner's guide

checklist

Due Diligence Checklist

25-step pre-bid checklist

Redemption Periods

Quick Answer