Kenedy County, Texas Redeemable Tax Deed: Investor’s Guide to Tax Sales

Introduction

Kenedy County sits on the South Texas coast and is largely made up of ranchland and wildlife preserves. With a population of only a few hundred, the county seat Sarita serves as the hub. This guide explains how Kenedy County’s tax deed auctions work and what investors should know about dates, bidding rules and returns.

Overview of Kenedy County’s Tax Sale System

Texas auctions redeemable tax deeds, not tax lien certificates. The sheriff sells the property but the former owner may redeem it within six months for non‑homestead land or two years for homestead or agricultural land. To redeem, the owner must repay the sale price plus a 25 % penalty in the first year or 50 % in the second year.

Important Details

County Facts, Attractions and Investor Appeal

Kenedy County is the third‑least populous county in Texas. It was created in 1921 and is dominated by ranchland. The economy revolves around ranching and oil and gas and there are about 28 ranches covering nearly 474 000 acres. A section of the Padre Island National Seashore lies within its borders. With few residents, tax deed auctions usually have little competition, and investors either earn a 25 % or 50 % penalty if the property is redeemed or obtain land in a coastal region rich in ranching and energy.

Auction Process for Tax Deed Sales

Kenedy County follows the same basic steps as other Texas counties:

1. Notice and timing: The sheriff posts a list of properties at least 20 days in advance, and auctions occur on the first Tuesday of each month between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Time.
   
2. Registration and bidding: Bidders register just before the sale and must swear they owe no delinquent taxes. The auction is oral; the starting bid covers taxes and costs and the highest bid wins.
   

Payment and deed: Winners pay the full purchase price immediately with cash or cashier’s check. They receive a deed without warranty, and the property can be redeemed within six months (non‑homestead) or two years (homestead or agricultural) by paying the purchase amount plus a 25 % or 50 % penalty.

Maximum Potential Returns

Texas tax deeds do not pay interest. Instead, if a property is redeemed within the statutory period, the buyer receives the sale price plus a 25 % penalty for non‑homestead property or 50 % for homestead or agricultural property. These penalties create high effective returns compared with bank deposits. If the property is not redeemed, the buyer becomes the owner of the land.

Open to All Investors

Tax deed auctions in Texas are open to any adult, whether resident or foreign. Bidders must sign in, show identification and swear they owe no delinquent taxes. Payment is due in cash or cashier’s check on sale day, so overseas buyers should arrange funds ahead of time. There are no citizenship limits on ownership, but foreign investors may need legal advice on taxes and compliance.

Due Diligence and Over‑the‑Counter Purchases

Before bidding, perform basic due diligence. View the property from the road and check county records for liens that may survive the sale. Verify whether it is homestead or non‑homestead to know the redemption period. Unsold parcels are struck off to the county and may be bought later over the counter by submitting an offer to the tax office and recording the deed.

Why Kenedy County Is a Top Choice for Tax Lien/Deed Investors

Kenedy County’s appeal lies in its combination of limited competition, high statutory penalties and the potential to acquire large tracts of rural land. The county’s economy is anchored by ranching and energy, providing steady land values. Its coastal location and proximity to Padre Island National Seashore add recreational and tourism value. Because there are so few bidders, investors can often win properties at low prices, and the high penalty rates generate strong returns.

Conclusion

Kenedy County, Texas offers a promising setting for tax deed investing. Sales occur on the first Tuesday of each month between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Time, and bidders must sign in, bring certified funds and prove they owe no taxes. With few participants the highest bid often remains low. The redemption period is six months or two years depending on the property type, and the penalty can reach 50 %. Investors who do their homework and act quickly may reap high returns or secure valuable land along the Texas coast.

Pro Tips

• Check updates weekly. Properties can be added or withdrawn right before the sale.
  
• Bring certified funds. Have enough cash or cashier’s checks for your maximum bid and recording fees.
  
• Research liens. Look up court records and drive by the property to spot issues.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after I win? You pay the purchase price, receive and record a sheriff’s deed and may take possession but must wait through the redemption period before improving or selling.

Do I need a lawyer? Because tax deeds come with no warranty, a quiet‑title action may be needed to get title insurance, so legal advice is wise.

Can I finance my purchase? No; Texas requires full payment in cash or cashier’s check on sale day.

Do liens survive? Liens are wiped out only if the lienholder was named in the lawsuit; unlisted liens or fees may remain.

What about occupants? After the redemption period you may need a court order to evict anyone who refuses to leave.

Useful Links

• Auction Calendar
• How to Profit from Texas’s Redeemable Deeds
• Let’s talk about redeemable tax deeds and how you can profit from them!
• Discover Tax Deeds and how you can find property for as little as $50! 
• Learn How to maximize profits at the Texas Tax Sales

Need a hand?

Looking to invest in Kenedy County? Begin by reviewing our Auction Calendar to see which properties are coming up for sale. Our free resources are designed to make things easier to understand, and if you want advice tailored to your situation, simply book a call.

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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