Are New Jersey tax sales a good opportunity?

New Jersey sells tax lien certificates under N.J.S.A. 54:5-1 et seq. (Tax Sale Law), esp. §§ 54:5-19, 54:5-32, 54:5-33, 54:5-86. Whether a specific sale is a good opportunity depends on the parcels listed, the competition at that county's sale, and your max number — which is why investors research the list, not the headline.

New Jersey Tax Sales: What Investors Need to Know This Season

Q: How do I get notified about New Jersey tax sales?

Counties publish sale lists on their own schedules — Each of New Jersey's 564 municipalities must hold a tax sale at least annually if it has delinquencies; dates are set municipality by municipality, year-round, with many sales in the fall LienToDeed watches those publications and alerts members when new New Jersey properties are listed.

Blog / State spotlights

New Jersey tax sales: the season preview

Quick answerNew Jersey sells tax lien certificates for unpaid property taxes. Lien buyers can earn Up to 18% per year, bid down from 18% (N.J.S.A. 54:5-32); when bidding reaches 0%, bidders compete by premium instead (see notes). Additional statutory penalties on larger certificates and interest on subsequent taxes paid are governed by §§ 54:5-32 to 54:5-34 and 54:5-58 to 54:5-60. Redemption: 2 years from the date of sale — a third-party certificate holder may not file a foreclosure complaint until 2 years after the sale (N.J.S.A. 54:5-86); redemption remains available until foreclosure judgment Sales: Each of New Jersey's 564 municipalities must hold a tax sale at least annually if it has delinquencies; dates are set municipality by municipality, year-round, with many sales in the fall Governing law: N.J.S.A. 54:5-1 et seq. (Tax Sale Law), esp. §§ 54:5-19, 54:5-32, 54:5-33, 54:5-86.

What's actually for sale

New Jersey sells tax lien certificates. Premium bidding is central: once interest is bid to 0%, the highest premium wins, the premium earns no interest, is held by the collector, is returned to the purchaser only if redemption is made, and escheats to the municipality if there is no redemption within 5 years (§ 54:5-33). Sales are municipal, not county — there is no single statewide calendar or registration.

The rate that decides your return

Up to 18% per year, bid down from 18% (N.J.S.A. 54:5-32); when bidding reaches 0%, bidders compete by premium instead (see notes). Additional statutory penalties on larger certificates and interest on subsequent taxes paid are governed by §§ 54:5-32 to 54:5-34 and 54:5-58 to 54:5-60

The clock you're investing against

Sale schedule: Each of New Jersey's 564 municipalities must hold a tax sale at least annually if it has delinquencies; dates are set municipality by municipality, year-round, with many sales in the fall

Redemption: 2 years from the date of sale — a third-party certificate holder may not file a foreclosure complaint until 2 years after the sale (N.J.S.A. 54:5-86); redemption remains available until foreclosure judgment

Where the sales happen

RealAuction (state-approved electronic tax sale vendor used by many municipalities), mostly in-person for municipalities that have not adopted electronic sales. Lists post on the county's schedule, change as owners redeem, and registration typically closes before sale day — the investors who see the list first set the market.

Watch New Jersey lists for me

LienToDeed scans the published lists and texts you when new New Jersey properties post — scored, with a max bid or max rate.

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Deep dives: New Jersey laws · New Jersey investing guide · New Jersey sale calendar. Law verified 2026-10-30.