Your Guide to Tax Sales in Charlton County, Georgia

If you’re looking to start small and grow your real estate investment strategy, Charlton County, Georgia could be a smart place to begin. This quiet county in the southeastern corner of the state holds regular tax sales that offer affordable land and less competition than you’d find in busier metro areas.

Let’s walk through how it works, what makes Charlton County stand out, and how you can take advantage of these tax sale opportunities.

Understanding Georgia’s Tax Sale System

Georgia uses a redeemable tax deed system. When a property owner doesn’t pay their property taxes, the county sells the tax deed at auction. You, the investor, pay the taxes and receive a deed—but not full ownership yet.

The original owner has one year and one day to pay you back, with a mandatory 20% penalty. If they don’t, you can begin the legal process to take full ownership through quiet title.

Important Tax Sale Details in Charlton County

Detail	Information
Tax Sale Type	Redeemable Tax Deeds
Typical Sale Date	First Tuesday of the month (if scheduled)
Auction Time	10:00 AM Eastern Time
Auction Location	Charlton County Courthouse, 100 S 3rd St, Folkston, GA 31537
Registration Required?	Yes – On-site registration begins 30 minutes before the sale
Redemption Period	1 year and 1 day from auction date
Bidding Procedure	Starts at back taxes; highest bidder wins
Payment	Certified funds or cash due immediately after winning
Property List	Posted in the Charlton County Herald and at the courthouse
Tax Sale Info	Charlton County Tax Sales Page
Contact	Email: [email protected] • Phone: (912) 496-2057
Assessor Tool	Charlton County Property Search (QPublic)

What You Need to Know About Tax Deed Auctions in Charlton County

Charlton County has low property prices, minimal competition, and a straightforward auction process. You’ll often see wooded lots, rural land, and parcels near the Okefenokee Swamp. With limited buyer activity, your chances of picking up undervalued property increase.

It also borders Florida and is close to I-95, which makes it a smart choice for long-term upside and access to bigger markets like Jacksonville.

Fun Facts About Charlton County and Georgia

• Charlton County includes part of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, one of the largest freshwater ecosystems in the country.
• It has a population of around 13,000, offering peace and privacy.
• Georgia’s mandatory 20% interest on redemptions makes it one of the highest-paying states for investors.
• The state’s short 1-year redemption period is investor-friendly, compared to other states where you might wait 2–3 years.

Attractions and Economic Highlights

Popular Attractions

• National parks, wildlife preserves, and scenic trails
• Folkston Funnel train-viewing platform
• Historical downtown areas

Transportation

• I-95 access nearby
• Close to Jacksonville International Airport
• Local rail access via CSX

Economic Activity

• Strong presence in agriculture, timber, and corrections
• Local demand for rental properties tied to workforce needs
• Growing interest in eco-tourism due to nearby nature areas

Community Living

• Quiet, small-town environment
• Outdoor activities like hiking, boating, and fishing
• A good option for retirees or remote workers looking for land

What Makes Georgia Tax Deeds a Smart Investment?

Georgia combines high returns with low barriers to entry. You don’t need to be a Georgia resident to invest, and the process is fairly consistent across counties. You can earn 20% interest even if the property is redeemed quickly. If it’s not, you may end up owning land for the cost of back taxes.

Auction Process for Tax Deed Sales in Georgia

1. Look for ads in the Charlton County Herald
2. Show up on the first Tuesday of the month
3. Register on-site (30 minutes before start)
4. Bid on properties
5. Pay immediately with certified funds
6. Wait 1 year and 1 day
7. If the property isn’t redeemed, start the quiet title process

Expected Returns on Georgia Tax Deeds

You’re guaranteed a 20% return if the property is redeemed. If not, and you complete the legal process, you could end up owning the property outright at a steep discount. It’s a low-risk investment strategy for those who do proper research.

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

If a property doesn’t sell at the auction, it may go into OTC status.

Benefits of OTC Purchases

• No bidding competition
• Set pricing
• Still eligible for 20% redemption
• Often includes lesser-known properties overlooked at auction

Contact the Charlton County Tax Office to ask about available OTC properties.

Importance of Doing Your Homework (Due Diligence)

Steps to Follow

• Use the Charlton QPublic site to check land details
• Visit properties (or use Google Street View) to confirm access and surroundings
• Review zoning, access to roads, and whether the lot has utilities
• Call the tax office or county planning department for clarification

Why It Matters
Skipping due diligence can lead to buying unusable land, legal issues, or property with unpaid liens or code violations.

Why Georgia Is a Top Choice for Tax Sale Investors

Georgia’s Advantages

• High interest rate (20%)
• 1-year redemption period
• Simple legal process
• Open to out-of-state and foreign investors

Real Estate Market

• Affordable rural land
• Steady demand for workforce housing
• Low competition in smaller counties like Charlton

Conclusion: Should You Invest in Charlton County?

If you want a low-cost, high-reward investment opportunity, Charlton County is a great place to start. You’ll avoid the crowds and high prices of big cities while still building your portfolio.

But remember — success depends on due diligence. Research each property, understand the rules, and have a plan in place.

Pro Tips

• Always show up early to register at the auction.
• Bring extra certified funds in case bidding goes higher.
• Check for access to utilities before bidding.
• Track the 1-year redemption deadline carefully.
• Keep copies of all receipts and sale documents.

FAQs About Georgia Tax Sales

Q: Can anyone buy at the auction?
Yes, you don’t have to be a Georgia resident.

Q: How do I know what properties are for sale?
Property lists are published in the Charlton County Herald and posted at the courthouse.

Q: Do I own the property right after the auction?
No. The owner has one year and one day to redeem. You get full rights only after that time passes and you complete the quiet title process.

Q: What if nobody redeems the property?
You can begin the quiet title process to gain full ownership.

Q: What is the quiet title process?
It’s a legal action that clears any claims or issues on the property, so you can sell or build without legal headaches.

Useful Links

• Charlton County Tax Sales
• Charlton County Herald – Legal Notices
• Charlton QPublic Property Search
• Charlton Tax Commissioner’s Office
• Georgia Tax Code Overview
• 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?

Charlton County’s tax-sale opportunities are online now. Visit the Auction Calendar and prepare using our free resources. If you want to avoid common mistakes, book a call with our team

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