Shelby County, TN Tax Sales: A Complete Guide for Buyers

If you’ve ever thought about getting into real estate through tax sales, Shelby County, Tennessee, is a solid place to start. Every year, the county auctions off properties from owners who haven’t paid their property taxes. These auctions give buyers the chance to pick up real estate at lower prices—but you need to understand the process first.

Let’s walk through how it all works.

Shelby County Tax Sale: Quick Facts Table

Detail	Info
Tax Sale Type	Tax Deed
Auction Format	Online only
Auction Websites	CivicSource, ZeusAuction
Typical Auction Months	April and July
Redemption Period	1 year from the date of sale
Deposit Requirement	Full payment due by next business day (via ACH)
Bid Type	Open bidding (highest bidder wins, pending court approval)
Court Confirmation Required	Yes – handled by the Chancery Court
County Contact Email	aaron.hall@shelbycountytn.gov
Tax Sale Info Page	Shelby County Tax Sale Info

How Shelby County Tax Sales Work

Shelby County holds tax deed sales online only. These sales are run by either CivicSource or ZeusAuction, depending on the event.

Here’s what the process looks like:

1. Property List Posted – Around 30 days before the auction.
2. Register Online – Sign up on the appropriate auction website.
3. Do Your Research – Review property condition, zoning, and liens.
4. Start Bidding – Bidding is live and online. You’ll be notified if you’re outbid.
5. Winning the Bid – Highest bidder wins if the court approves.
6. Payment – Full payment is due the next business day via ACH.
7. Court Review – The Chancery Court reviews sales (usually within 30–45 days).
8. Redemption Period – The original owner has 1 year to reclaim the property.
9. Getting the Deed – If not redeemed, the buyer receives full ownership.

Redemption Period Basics

Timeframe: One year from the sale date.

Can the owner get it back? Yes. They must pay the full tax amount, interest, and fees.

Can you take possession right away? No. You have to wait until the redemption period ends.

What to Know Before Bidding

• Properties Sell As-Is – No repairs, no inspections, and no guarantees from the county.
• Check the Title – You must do your own title search. Some properties may still have liens.
• Eviction May Be Needed – If someone still lives on the property, you’ll need to handle removal legally.
• No Title Insurance Immediately – A quiet title lawsuit may be needed to get full ownership rights.
• Additional Costs – There may be court fees, legal costs, or clean-up expenses.

Why Invest in Shelby County?

Memphis Anchors the Market

The city of Memphis, the largest in the county, is known for strong job markets in shipping, healthcare, and music. These industries help support consistent demand for housing.

Affordable Real Estate

Shelby County offers some of the lowest property prices among large metro areas, making it easier for new investors to enter the market.

High Rental Demand

Many people in Memphis rent their homes, which helps support steady rental income for buy-and-hold investors.

Long-Term Value in Historic Areas

Neighborhoods like Cooper-Young and Central Gardens are known for their historic homes and strong community presence. These areas often appreciate more over time.

When Are Auctions Held?

Tax deed sales are typically held in April and July. The auctions begin at 11:00 AM Central Time and are held online only through CivicSource or ZeusAuction. There are no in-person events.

Pro Tips Before You Bid

• Research every property – Use the Assessor’s Lookup Tool and drive by the property if possible.
• Understand the court’s role – You don’t legally own the property until the court confirms the sale and the redemption period ends.
• Register early – Registration usually opens a few weeks before and closes shortly before the auction.
• Read the auction terms – Each auction has its own rules. Always review them ahead of time.

Useful Links

• Shelby County Tax Sale Info
• CivicSource Auction Platform
• ZeusAuction.com
• Property Lookup Tool
• Shelby County Trustee
• Why Tennessee Tax Sales Are a Smart Investment Choice
• Let’s talk about redeemable tax deeds and how you can profit from them!
• Discover Tax Deeds and how you can find property for as little as $50! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to live in Tennessee to bid?
No. Shelby County allows both in-state and out-of-state bidders.

How do I check for liens?
You’ll need to perform a title search or hire a professional to do it for you. The county does not clear prior liens.

Is there a refund if the owner redeems the property?
Yes, you will be reimbursed, possibly with interest. However, legal fees and other expenses may not be covered.

Can I insure the property right away?
Most tax sale properties need a quiet title action before you can get title insurance.

Why Shelby County is a Great Place to Start

Shelby County gives you a strong mix of affordability, rental demand, and online convenience. If you do your research and understand the legal side, you can find great real estate opportunities here.

Don’t Miss Your Opportunity

Check the auction calendar and start preparing today. Need expert guidance? Book a call with us for assistance. We also offer free resources to help you make informed investment decisions.

Don’t wait—explore your options now

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