Q: What is the redemption period in Michigan?

No post-sale redemption. The owner's right to redeem ends March 31 following entry of the foreclosure judgment (or 21 days after judgment in a contested case), before the auction is held (MCL 211.78k).

Question 1

Does Michigan sell tax liens or tax deeds?

Accepted Answer

Michigan sells tax deeds. First-auction minimum bid is generally the total of delinquent taxes, interest, penalties and fees; unsold parcels are re-offered at lower minimums and can pass to land banks or local units. Deeds are quitclaim - buyers typically need a quiet-title action, and former owners may claim surplus proceeds after Rafaeli v. Oakland County.

Question 2

What is the redemption period in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

No post-sale redemption. The owner&#x27;s right to redeem ends March 31 following entry of the foreclosure judgment (or 21 days after judgment in a contested case), before the auction is held (MCL 211.78k).

Question 3

When are tax sales held in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Taxes are returned delinquent March 1, forfeited to the county treasurer the following March 1, and foreclosed in the third year; county treasurer auctions of foreclosed property are held roughly July through November, with a first sale at a minimum bid and later sales at reduced or no minimum bid.

What is sold	Tax deeds
Interest / penalty	n/a - Michigan is a pure tax deed state: no lien certificate is sold to a private buyer, so there is no buyer interest rate. Interest on delinquent taxes (1% per month, rising to 1.5% per month after forfeiture) accrues to the county, not to an investor.
Redemption period	No post-sale redemption. The owner's right to redeem ends March 31 following entry of the foreclosure judgment (or 21 days after judgment in a contested case), before the auction is held (MCL 211.78k).
When sales happen	Taxes are returned delinquent March 1, forfeited to the county treasurer the following March 1, and foreclosed in the third year; county treasurer auctions of foreclosed property are held roughly July through November, with a first sale at a minimum bid and later sales at reduced or no minimum bid.
Governing law	General Property Tax Act, Act 206 of 1893, MCL 211.78-211.78t (esp. MCL 211.78m, Sale of foreclosed property)
Investor notes	First-auction minimum bid is generally the total of delinquent taxes, interest, penalties and fees; unsold parcels are re-offered at lower minimums and can pass to land banks or local units. Deeds are quitclaim - buyers typically need a quiet-title action, and former owners may claim surplus proceeds after Rafaeli v. Oakland County.

Michigan tax sales: liens, deeds, rates & redemption

Sources