Turn Unpaid Taxes into Property Deals in Troup County, Georgia

Introduction

Looking to invest in Georgia real estate without paying full market price? Troup County is a great place to start. Through tax deed sales, investors can purchase properties at public auctions when owners fall behind on their taxes. If you do your homework and understand the process, these sales can offer high returns with manageable risk.

Brief Overview of Georgia’s Tax Sale Investing

Georgia is a tax deed state. This means when you win a bid at auction, you receive a tax deed. The original owner has 12 months to pay back the taxes, interest, and fees to reclaim their property. If they don’t, you can file a legal process known as barment to gain full ownership.

Troup County Tax Sale Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Tax Sale Type	Tax Deed
Typical Sale Date	First Tuesday of the month (if properties are available)
Redemption Period	12 months
Interest Rate on Redemption	20%
Bid Procedure	Starts at delinquent taxes + fees; highest bid wins
Deposit Required	Full payment via certified funds immediately after auction
Auction Time	10:00 AM ET
Registration	In-person on the day of the sale with valid photo ID
Auction Location	Troup County Government Center – 100 Ridley Avenue, LaGrange, GA 30240
Tax Office Website	Troup County Tax Office
Public Notice Source	LaGrange Daily News

Why Georgia is Great for Tax Sale Investing

Georgia’s system is simple: flat penalty interest and a clear timeline. There’s no interest-rate bidding, and the 20% return is set by law. Combine that with growing local economies and affordable property prices, and you have a promising place for both new and seasoned investors.

Fun Facts About Georgia

• Population: Over 11 million
• Property Tax Law: All counties collect their own taxes and handle sales individually
• Historic Note: Georgia law allows a 12-month redemption period statewide, regardless of the county
• LaGrange: Named after General Lafayette’s French estate; now a growing business hub

Attractions and Economic Highlights

Popular Attractions

Troup County features West Point Lake, historic downtown LaGrange, and entertainment spots like Sweetland Amphitheatre and LaGrange Art Museum.

Transportation Infrastructure

With direct access to I-85 and I-185, residents can easily travel to Atlanta, Columbus, or Montgomery. The LaGrange-Callaway Airport serves general aviation needs.

Economic Development

The area is supported by industries like automotive manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. Employers like Kia Motors and Duracell drive local job growth.

Community Appeal

Enjoy fishing and boating on West Point Lake, cultural events, family-friendly neighborhoods, and green spaces throughout the county.

What Makes Georgia Tax Deed Certificates a Smart Investment?

High Returns with Low Risk

If the original property owner redeems the home, you earn a 20% return on your investment—no bidding down. If not, you may be able to take full ownership and turn a profit by selling or renting it out.

Auction Process

Tax deed sales in Troup County are in-person auctions. Bids start at the total of unpaid taxes, interest, and sale fees. The highest bidder wins and must pay immediately using a cashier’s check or certified funds.

Maximum Potential Returns

Investors can either earn a 20% return if the property is redeemed or obtain full ownership and increase their profit by selling or developing the property.

Open to All Investors

You don’t need to live in Georgia—or even the United States—to participate. The state allows foreign and out-of-state investors, making it a solid option for global buyers.

Understanding the Troup County Tax Sale Process

Step-by-Step Auction Guide

1. Review the legal notices in the LaGrange Daily News.
2. Show up at the Troup County Government Center on the auction day.
3. Register with photo ID and certify that you’re not acting for the delinquent owner.
4. Participate in the auction starting at 10:00 AM.
5. If you win, pay immediately via cashier’s check or certified funds.
6. Receive a tax deed (not a clear title).
7. Wait out the 12-month redemption period.
8. If not redeemed, begin the barment process to gain full ownership.

Expected Returns

• If Redeemed: You get your original bid + 20% interest.
• If Not Redeemed: You can file for clear ownership, potentially selling at market value.

Foreign Investor Participation

Yes, international investors are allowed. Georgia is one of the more accessible U.S. states for global investment.

Due Diligence in Troup County

What You Should Do

• Look up parcel info on the Troup QPublic Property Search
• Drive by the property when possible
• Research liens, zoning, access, and condition
• Estimate repair or cleanup costs if needed

Why It’s Important

Skipping due diligence can lead to problems like:

• Non-buildable lots
• Environmental issues
• Properties needing expensive repairs
• Inaccessible landlocked parcels

Buying Over-the-Counter (OTC) Tax Deeds

How to Buy OTC Properties

When properties don’t sell at auction, you can sometimes purchase them directly from the county. Contact the Troup County Tax Office to ask about available OTC properties.

OTC Benefits

• No auction stress
• Fixed 20% return on redemptions
• Opportunity to research at your own pace

Why Georgia Is a Top Choice for Tax Lien and Deed Investors

Economic and Tax Advantages

Georgia’s low property tax rates and strong job market make it an attractive state for real estate investors. Troup County adds the bonus of affordable prices with access to growing cities.

Real Estate Market Overview

LaGrange is experiencing steady growth, with increased demand for:

• Affordable housing
• Rental properties
• Workforce housing near industrial zones

Properties near West Point Lake also hold long-term appeal for both buyers and renters.

Conclusion

Georgia—and specifically Troup County—offers an excellent opportunity to invest in real estate through tax deed sales. With high fixed returns, a simple auction process, and an accessible legal system, it’s a smart choice for investors who do their research and plan carefully.

Pro Tips

• Focus on properties near growing areas like downtown LaGrange.
• Don’t ignore small parcels—they may have long-term value.
• Always check for access roads, utilities, and zoning before bidding.

FAQs

Do I need to register before auction day?
No, registration happens the morning of the sale.

Can I finance my tax deed purchase?
No, you must pay in full on the spot with certified funds.

Do I need to live in Georgia?
No, Georgia allows out-of-state and international investors.

How long before I can take ownership?
You must wait 12 months. Then, you can begin the barment process.

Useful Links

• Troup County Tax Commissioner
• Troup County Official Website
• Georgia Tax Sales – Troup County
• Unlock Property Deals at a Fraction of the Cost in Georgia
• Discover the intriguing world of Hybrid Auctions
• Discover Tax Deeds and how you can find property for as little as $50! 
• Want to get started with Tax Liens? Watch this video!
• Learn About the 90% Off Georgia Real Estate!!

Need a Hand?

Troup County tax sales are live and available on our Auction Calendar. Explore the listings and use our free resources to guide your decisions. Book a call with an expert for personalized investment tips.

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About Dustin Hahn

Dustin Hahn is a Tax Lien & Deed investor with over 22 years of experience and hundreds of deals under his belt. He created Tax Lien School.com to help you buy Tax Deeds up to 90% off mortgage free and earn up to 36% ROI with Tax Liens. This site was voted the “Most Useful Resource” for new investors. Dustin’s YouTube Channel is the #1 Channel on Tax Liens & Deeds with over 98,000 Subscribers and 3600 videos to help you start. “The Best Time To Start Real Estate Investing Was 20 Years Ago, The Second Best Time Is TODAY!”

20+yrs

5–10deals/mo

2009TLS founded