Blog / State spotlights

Oregon tax sales: the season preview

What's actually for sale

Oregon sells tax deeds. Oregon does not auction the property to investors at foreclosure — the county forecloses judicially, takes the deed itself after the 2-year post-judgment redemption, and only later sells surplus land under ORS 275, often by quitclaim deed and frequently unimproved/unbuildable parcels. Delinquent taxes accrue 16%/yr interest (1-1/3%/month) to the county, not to a lien buyer.

The rate that decides your return

n/a

The clock you're investing against

Sale schedule: No statewide sale date: foreclosure is an annual county process, and counties sell tax-foreclosed surplus property periodically / year-round as inventory allows

Redemption: Property is subject to foreclosure after 3 years delinquent (ORS 312.010); after the foreclosure judgment the owner has a 2-year redemption period (ORS 312.120, 312.200). If not redeemed the property is deeded to the county; no redemption after the county deed or the county's later sale.

Where the sales happen

Mostly county-run: in-person sheriff/commissioner auctions, sealed-bid sales and county property-disposition pages, No dominant statewide online 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.

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