Are Ohio tax sales a good opportunity?

Ohio sells liens + tax deeds (hybrid) under Ohio Revised Code Title LVII, Chapters 5721 (delinquent lands; 5721.31-5721.38 tax certificates, 5721.19 deed sales), 5722 and 5723 (forfeited lands). 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.

Ohio Tax Sales: What Investors Need to Know This Season

Q: How do I get notified about Ohio tax sales?

Counties publish sale lists on their own schedules — Lien certificate sales are annual in eligible large counties, typically in the fall (October-November in the major metros); tax foreclosure sheriff sales and county auditor forfeited-land sales occur year-round on county schedules (some sheriff sales are weekly). LienToDeed watches those publications and alerts members when new Ohio properties are listed.

Blog / State spotlights

Ohio tax sales: the season preview

Quick answerOhio sells liens + tax deeds (hybrid) for unpaid property taxes. Lien buyers can earn For tax lien certificates: up to 18% per annum, bid down at auction (lowest rate wins), simple interest (ORC 5721.32(C)); subsequent taxes paid by the certificate holder accrue at 18% regardless of the bid rate. Tax deed / foreclosure sales pay no interest - the buyer acquires the property.. Redemption: For lien certificates: the holder may not initiate foreclosure until at least 1 year after the certificate sale (ORC 5721.37(A)); the owner may redeem until foreclosure is confirmed / a decree conveying title is entered (ORC 5721.38). For tax foreclosure (deed) sales, the owner's equity of redemption is cut off on confirmation of the sheriff's sale. Sales: Lien certificate sales are annual in eligible large counties, typically in the fall (October-November in the major metros); tax foreclosure sheriff sales and county auditor forfeited-land sales occur year-round on county schedules (some sheriff sales are weekly). Governing law: Ohio Revised Code Title LVII, Chapters 5721 (delinquent lands; 5721.31-5721.38 tax certificates, 5721.19 deed sales), 5722 and 5723 (forfeited lands).

What's actually for sale

Ohio sells liens + tax deeds (hybrid). Only counties with a population of at least 200,000 may sell tax lien certificates (ORC 5721.31); all other counties enforce through tax foreclosure / deed sales only. Certificates are frequently sold in large blocks, which favors institutional buyers over individuals.

The rate that decides your return

For tax lien certificates: up to 18% per annum, bid down at auction (lowest rate wins), simple interest (ORC 5721.32(C)); subsequent taxes paid by the certificate holder accrue at 18% regardless of the bid rate. Tax deed / foreclosure sales pay no interest - the buyer acquires the property.

The clock you're investing against

Sale schedule: Lien certificate sales are annual in eligible large counties, typically in the fall (October-November in the major metros); tax foreclosure sheriff sales and county auditor forfeited-land sales occur year-round on county schedules (some sheriff sales are weekly).

Redemption: For lien certificates: the holder may not initiate foreclosure until at least 1 year after the certificate sale (ORC 5721.37(A)); the owner may redeem until foreclosure is confirmed / a decree conveying title is entered (ORC 5721.38). For tax foreclosure (deed) sales, the owner's equity of redemption is cut off on confirmation of the sheriff's sale.

Where the sales happen

County-specific: sheriff foreclosure sales in large counties (e.g., Cuyahoga and Franklin) run online via RealAuction; lien certificate sales are county-contracted or sold in bulk blocks, and auditor forfeited-land sales are commonly in-person at the courthouse. No single statewide platform.. 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 Ohio lists for me

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

Get Ohio alerts

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