Screven County’s Hidden Real Estate Opportunity: Tax Sales Explained

If you’re looking for a quieter, less competitive entry point into Georgia’s real estate market, Screven County could be just what you need. This rural county in southeast Georgia holds public tax deed auctions that give buyers a chance to purchase real estate at a fraction of market value.

Whether you’re an experienced investor or just getting started, Screven’s steady market, lower prices, and open process make it a solid place to explore tax sale investing.

A Quick Look at How Georgia Handles Tax Sales

In Georgia, tax sales involve redeemable tax deeds. Here’s how it works:

• When someone doesn’t pay their property taxes, the county auctions off a redeemable deed—not full ownership just yet.
• As the winning bidder, you’ll pay the taxes owed and get a tax deed.
• The property owner then has 1 year and 1 day to redeem it (pay you back plus a penalty).
• If they don’t redeem, you can begin the foreclosure process to gain full ownership.

Important Screven County Tax Sale Details

Detail	Information
Tax Sale Type	Redeemable Tax Deeds
Typical Sale Date	First Tuesday of the month (if scheduled)
Auction Time	10:00 AM ET
Location	Screven County Courthouse, 216 Mims Road, Sylvania, GA
Registration Required	Yes, in person
When to Register	On-site, 30 minutes before auction
Redemption Period	1 year and 1 day
Bidding Terms	Starts at back taxes and fees; highest bidder wins
Payment	Full amount due immediately (cash or certified funds)
Notices Published In	Sylvania Telephone and courthouse bulletin board
Contact	Screven County Tax Commissioner, (912) 564-2206

More details are available on the Screven County Tax Sales page.

Why Screven County Appeals to Tax Deed Investors

Screven County offers low competition, affordable property, and a rural pace that helps keep market trends stable. That means you can find real estate with good value and decent future upside—without being outbid by deep-pocketed investors.

Here’s what makes it worth a closer look:

• Affordable land and homes — perfect for first-timers or long-term hold strategies
• Stable ownership records — less chance of title surprises
• Lower entry prices — means lower risk

Pro Tips Before Bidding in Screven County

• Arrive early — registration starts 30 minutes before, and the auction begins at 10:00 AM.
• Flood zones — if the property is near the Savannah River, check the flood maps.
• Old homes — some buildings in rural areas may lack inspections. Factor in potential repair costs.
• Do your research — make sure the property doesn’t have city liens, environmental issues, or cleanup needs.
• Talk to locals — realtors and neighbors often know more than you’d think.

Fun Facts About Georgia

• Population: Over 11 million people live in Georgia.
• Georgia uses redeemable tax deeds, giving owners a final chance to keep their property.
• Investors earn a 20% penalty on day one if the property is redeemed.
• Georgia’s tax sale law allows non-judicial foreclosure, making the process faster than in many other states.

Local Highlights: Attractions and Economy

Things to See and Do

• Nearby areas offer parks, quiet lakes, small-town events, and nature preserves.

Transportation

• State highways and rural roads serve most areas. For air travel, the closest major airport is in Savannah.

Economy

• Agriculture leads the way—cotton, peanuts, soybeans, and timber are common.
• Light manufacturing and transportation-related jobs are growing.

Community

• The county offers outdoor activities like hunting and fishing.
• Seasonal fairs and small events bring the community together.

Why Georgia Is a Smart Pick for Tax Deed Investors

Good Potential, Lower Risk

Compared to other investments, Georgia tax deeds offer high returns for a relatively low-risk entry—especially if you do your research.

Tax Deed Sales in Georgia

• Auctions start with the owed taxes and fees.
• The highest bidder pays upfront.
• The former owner has 1 year + 1 day to redeem by paying the investment back plus a 20% penalty.

Returns

• If the owner redeems, you earn a guaranteed 20% penalty.
• If they don’t, you may take steps to gain the deed through foreclosure.

Open to Everyone

Georgia allows in-state, out-of-state, and foreign investors to participate. No residency required.

How the Auction Works

1. Attend the sale on the first Tuesday of the month.
2. Register in person by 9:30 AM.
3. Bidding starts at 10:00 AM on the courthouse steps.
4. The bidding starts at the back taxes due.
5. The highest bidder pays the full amount in certified funds.
6. You’ll receive a tax deed certificate.
7. After 1 year and 1 day, you may begin foreclosure if the property is not redeemed.

Buying Over-the-Counter (OTC) Tax Deeds in Georgia

Sometimes properties don’t sell at auction. In that case, you can buy them directly from the county as over-the-counter (OTC) tax deeds.

Benefits of OTC:

• Fixed pricing
• No bidding competition
• Chance to buy property well below market value

To find available OTC deeds, visit the Screven Treasurer’s Office.

Why Screven County is a Great Option for Investors

• Low investor traffic
• Properties at or below market value
• Solid mix of vacant land and single-family homes
• Strong local ownership culture helps keep titles cleaner

Real Estate Trends in Screven County

• Sylvania is the most active real estate area.
• Land tracts are common, especially for farming or land banking.
• Property values are among the lowest in the region, making it easier to start small and build.
• Community loyalty leads to fewer foreclosures compared to metro areas.

FAQs: Screven County Tax Sales

Can anyone attend the auction?
Yes, if you register on-site and bring certified funds.

What happens if the owner redeems the property?
You’ll get back your full investment plus a 20% penalty.

How do I take ownership if it isn’t redeemed?
You must go through a legal foreclosure process after 1 year and 1 day.

Can I buy these properties online?
Not yet. All tax deed auctions in Screven County are in person.

What should I watch out for?
Do a title search and check for liens, zoning, and environmental concerns.

Useful Links

• Screven County Government Site
• Screven County Tax Sales
• Screven County Treasurer’s Office
• Property Records (QPublic)
• Georgia Tax Lien and Deed Laws
• 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!!

Final Thoughts

Screven County may not be a large market, but it’s one where serious investors can do well with the right prep. The combination of affordable land, local stability, and a straightforward auction system makes it a great place to get started.

Just remember—always research the property first. A little due diligence goes a long way toward avoiding unpleasant surprises.

Need Help Getting Started?

Screven County tax-sale properties are posted now. Browse the Auction Calendar, use our free resources to guide you, and book a call if you’d like to walk through your options with an expert

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