Prince William County Tax Deed Auctions: What Every Smart Investor Should Know

Introduction

If you’re thinking about investing in real estate through tax deed sales, Prince William County, Virginia might be a great place to start. It’s a fairly simple process—properties with unpaid taxes are auctioned off to the highest bidder. If you win, and the court approves the sale, the property becomes yours. There’s no redemption period, so no waiting around.

Let’s go over the basics of how this works in Prince William County and why Virginia is a good choice for tax deed investing.

Brief Overview of Virginia’s Tax Deed Investing

Virginia is a tax deed state, which means when someone doesn’t pay their property taxes, the government can sell the actual property, not just a lien on it. In many Virginia counties, including Prince William, there’s no redemption period. That means you get full ownership once the sale is confirmed by the court.

Prince William County Tax Deed Sale – Important Details

Here’s a quick and easy table with the key details you need to know:

Detail	Description
Tax Sale Type	Tax Deed Sale
Typical Sale Date	Varies – check current auctions
Redemption Period	None – no redemption once the sale is finalized
Interest Rate	Not applicable (this is not a lien sale)
Bid Procedure	Premium bid (highest bid wins)
Deposit Requirement	25% of winning bid or $1,000 minimum (whichever is higher), plus a 10% buyer’s premium (minimum of $150)
Balance Due	Within 15 days after court approval
Auction Method	Online via Dudley Resources and in-person at courthouse
Auction Locations	9311 Lee Ave, Manassas, VA and 15941 Donald Curtis Dr, Woodbridge, VA
Tax Sale Contact	Taxing Authority Consulting Services
County Tax Department	Prince William County Tax Administration
County Website	Prince William County Government

Fun Facts About Virginia

• Virginia is home to over 8.6 million people as of 2024.
• Prince William County is one of the fastest-growing areas in Northern Virginia.
• It’s just 35 miles from Washington, DC.
• The county includes Quantico Marine Corps Base and two independent cities: Manassas and Manassas Park.
• About 18% of the land in Prince William County is federal property, including parks and military land.

Attractions and Economic Highlights

Popular Attractions:
You’ll find battlefields, forest parks, hiking trails, museums, and historic neighborhoods throughout the area.

Transportation:
Major roads like I-95 and I-66 connect the county to Washington, DC and other key areas. There are also local bus and rail options.

Economic Growth Areas:
Government services, education, healthcare, real estate, and tech are strong here. New housing and commercial developments are always happening.

Community Life:
There are neighborhoods with golf courses, marinas, and gated communities. Outdoor activities and shopping are easy to find in both Manassas and Woodbridge.

Why Virginia Is a Good State for Tax Deed Investing

Virginia’s tax deed system gives investors full ownership once the sale is approved. That’s a big win if you’re looking to buy real estate with less competition and fewer steps. Northern Virginia, especially Prince William County, is growing fast and offers a lot of opportunity.

What Makes Virginia Tax Deeds a Smart Investment?

High Returns with Low Risk
Instead of just earning interest on a lien, you’re buying the whole property. You can rent it, sell it, or hold it for future value.

Open to All Investors
Anyone can bid, including foreign investors. You don’t have to live in Virginia to participate.

Simple Auction Process
You bid online or in person. If you win, and the court signs off, the property is yours.

Understanding the Auction Process in Prince William County

Here’s a step-by-step of how the auction works:

1. Register online at Dudley Resources.
2. Pay a deposit: either 25% of your bid or $1,000 (whichever is higher), plus a 10% buyer’s premium.
3. Bid on the property online or in person.
4. If you win, you’ll get the contract and instructions.
5. Pay the balance within 15 days of court approval.
6. After that, you’ll receive a deed from the court.

Expected Returns

If you buy below market value and do your homework, the returns can be great. You can flip, rent, or hold onto the property to build long-term value.

Why You Must Do Due Diligence

What to Check Before Bidding:

• Use the county GIS system to check location and size.
• Visit the area if possible.
• Do a title search.
• Make sure the property isn’t landlocked or under legal issues.

Why It Matters:
You’re buying the property “as-is.” That means if there are problems, you’re stuck with them. A little research can save a lot of money.

Buying Over-the-Counter (OTC) Tax Deeds

Not all properties get sold at the auction. Those that don’t may be available directly through the county later on.

How to Buy:
Check TACS for available OTC properties. You can often buy them without competing bids.

Why Buy OTC:

• Fixed price
• No auction stress
• More time for research

Why Virginia Is a Top State for Tax Deed Investors

Economy and Taxes:
The area has steady job growth, a growing population, and a strong housing market.

Real Estate Trends:
Home values are going up in Prince William County, and there’s a good mix of urban and suburban properties to choose from.

Conclusion: A Great Opportunity

Prince William County offers solid opportunities if you want to buy real estate without paying full market price. The tax deed process is simple, and the county is growing. With a little homework and the right bid, you could land your next investment property here.

Pro Tips

• Always inspect the property if possible.
• Don’t forget the 10% buyer’s premium.
• Have your financing ready—sales are cash only.
• Read all court documents carefully before bidding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy if I’m not from Virginia?
Yes, anyone can bid.

Is financing allowed?
No. You must pay with cash, money order, or wire transfer.

Do I get the deed right away?
Not immediately. The court needs to approve the sale first.

Are there extra costs after the auction?
Yes. You’ll pay for deed recording and future taxes.

What if I don’t pay after I win?
You lose your deposit and may be held liable for damages.

Useful Links

• Prince William Tax Sale Info
• Prince William Tax Department
• Prince William County Government
• Auction Website – Dudley Resources
• Learn How to Profit from Virginia Real Estate Auctions 
• Let’s talk about Tax Deeds and how you can profit from them!
• Discover Tax Deeds and how you can find property for as little as $50! 

Call to Action

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to invest in a tax-sale property. Check the auction calendar today and explore available listings. Need guidance? Book a call with an expert or browse our free resources for valuable investment tips

Sign up or log in to view the full content.