Spartanburg County, South Carolina Redeemable Tax Deed Sales

Introduction

Spartanburg County is in South Carolina’s Upstate region. The area is known as the “Hub City” because many railroad lines once converged there. This article explains how the county conducts redeemable tax deed sales. You will learn when and where auctions occur, how to register, what to expect at the sale, and why this growing county offers a low-risk way to earn interest or acquire property.

What Is a Redeemable Tax Deed Sale?

South Carolina counties do not sell tax lien certificates. Instead, delinquent real estate and mobile homes are sold at public auction as tax deeds. The buyer receives an interest-bearing right to the property, subject to a twelve-month redemption period. If the owner redeems, the bidder gets back the purchase amount plus interest. If redemption does not occur, the bidder receives a tax deed conveying whatever interest the county holds. Because of this redemption feature, many investors call the South Carolina system a redeemable or hybrid deed.

Important Details

Item	Description
Tax Sale Type	Public auction of redeemable tax deeds (real estate and mobile homes)
Typical Sale Date	Held in mid-November; the sale usually starts on a Tuesday and continues the next business day if needed
Redemption Period	Twelve months from the date of sale
Interest Rate	3% for months 1–3; 6% for months 4–6; 9% for months 7–9; 12% for months 10–12
Bid Procedure	Competitive bidding starts at the Forfeited Land Commission’s opening bid equal to taxes and costs
Deposit/Payment	Pay by cash, cashier’s check, certified check, or money order by end of sale; $500 penalty for failure to pay

Fun Facts About Spartanburg County

• Hub City nickname: Spartanburg earned its name because so many railroad lines met in the city.
  
• Aviation history: The Spartanburg Downtown Airport, opened in 1927, was South Carolina’s first airport and hosted Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh.
  
• BMW production: All BMW X-series Sports Activity Vehicles are built at the BMW plant near Spartanburg.
  
• NFL training camp: The Carolina Panthers hold their summer training camp at Wofford College.
  
• Beacon drive-in: The Beacon restaurant in Spartanburg is one of the largest drive-ins in the United States.
  

Attractions & Economic Highlights

Spartanburg County combines outdoor recreation with a growing economy. Croft State Park covers more than 7,000 acres and offers hiking, biking, fishing, and equestrian facilities. The Hub City Railroad Museum lets visitors explore the area’s rich railroad past. Major transportation routes include Interstates 85 and 26, providing easy access to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and the Inland Port in Greer. The local economy includes BMW, Milliken, Michelin, Adidas, and Dräxlmaier. Since 2021, the county has attracted billions in capital investment and created thousands of jobs.

Why This County Is Ideal for Tax Deed Investors

• Strong economy supported by automotive and manufacturing industries.
  
• Strategic location at the crossroads of major interstates.
  
• Population growth and affordable housing driving market demand.
  
• Up to 12% annual interest for redeemed properties.
  
• Low entry cost with opening bids starting at taxes owed.
  

Auction Process for Tax Deed Sales

Spartanburg County conducts a public auction each November. Real estate and mobile homes with unpaid taxes are offered in alphabetical or item-number order. The opening bid equals all delinquent taxes, penalties, and costs. Bidding continues in increments set by the auctioneer until a high bid is reached. Winning bidders must display their bidder number and pay by cash or certified funds by the end of the sale. Failure to pay results in a $500 penalty per property.

How the Auction Works

• Registration: Complete the bidder registration form and IRS W-9 online. The name must match the W-9.
  
• Check-in: On auction day, arrive at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium to pick up your bidder number.
  
• Bidding: The auctioneer announces each parcel and opening bid. Raise your card to place a bid.
  
• Payment: Pay immediately after the sale with approved payment types.
  
• Redemption period: Property owners have twelve months to redeem by paying back the bid plus interest. If not redeemed, the bidder receives a tax deed.
  

Maximum Potential Returns and Expected Returns

Investors earn interest on the full amount of their winning bid. Redemption interest increases over time: 3% for the first three months, 6% for months four to six, 9% for months seven to nine, and 12% for the final three months. Interest cannot exceed the opening bid amount. Returns vary depending on bidding premiums and redemption timing. Early redemptions yield smaller returns, while unredeemed properties may offer ownership opportunities.

Open to All Investors / Foreign Investor Participation

South Carolina allows anyone over 18 to participate, including out-of-state and international investors. All bidders must provide a Social Security number or tax ID and attend the auction in person. Businesses may authorize representatives through the registration form. The county reports interest to the IRS, so international participants should plan for U.S. tax compliance.

Importance of Due Diligence in Spartanburg Tax Deed Investing

What Due Diligence Entails

Check parcel data on the county GIS site, verify location and improvements, and review public records for liens or mortgages. Visit the property from the street and assess its condition. Research zoning, utilities, and possible environmental issues. Budget for recording and legal costs when obtaining the deed.

Risks of Skipping Due Diligence

Skipping research can lead to landlocked or encumbered properties. The county sells only its interest without warranty, meaning title issues may remain. A quiet-title action is needed to obtain clear ownership. Failure to research could tie up funds or lead to owning undesirable property.

Buying Over-the-Counter (OTC) Deeds in Spartanburg County

How to Purchase OTC Liens/Deeds

Unsold auction properties are assigned to the Forfeited Land Commission and may be purchased later over the counter. To apply, review available properties, register as a bidder, and contact the auditor’s office for an assignment form. Payment must be made by certified check or cash.

Benefits of OTC Purchases

There is no bidding competition, and interest rates match those from the auction. OTC purchases give investors more time to research and often involve lower costs.

Why Spartanburg County Is a Top Choice for Investors

Economic and Tax Advantages

Spartanburg County’s strong industrial base and access to transportation hubs create a stable tax environment. Billions in recent investment support property values and reduce default risks.

Real Estate Market Overview

Housing remains affordable, with median values around $216,000 and high homeownership rates. Steady population growth and job creation fuel housing demand. Investors who obtain deeds to unredeemed properties may benefit from rental income or resale opportunities.

Conclusion

Spartanburg County’s annual redeemable tax deed auction offers a reliable way to earn up to 12% interest or acquire property. Held each November at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, the auction is open to all qualified bidders. Registration is free and online. Bidders must research carefully, pay promptly, and understand that all properties are sold as is. With a strong economy and strategic location, Spartanburg County remains an appealing area for investors seeking dependable returns.

Pro Tips

• Register early to avoid delays.
  
• Study the delinquent list before bidding.
  
• Set a maximum bid and stick to it.
  
• Bring certified funds to pay on time.
  
• File a quiet-title action to secure marketable ownership after redemption expires.
  

FAQs

Useful Links

• How to Profit from South Carolina’s Redeemable Deeds
• Redeemable Tax Deeds: Unlocking the Potential for Profit
• Monster Profits: How to Cash In on Redeemable Tax Deeds!
• The Ultimate Guide to Tax Deeds: What You Need to Know
• Tax Deed Investing 101: How to Buy Property for Just $50!

Need a Hand?

Tax deed investing can be rewarding when approached carefully. If you’d like help understanding Spartanburg County’s process or exploring other South Carolina opportunities, we offer free resources and expert guidance. book a call, explore our Auction Calendar, or access our free resources today.

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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