Davidson County, TN Tax Sales: How to Buy Properties at Auction

If you’re looking to invest in property in Tennessee, Davidson County offers a great chance through its tax deed auctions. These sales happen when property owners fall behind on their taxes, and the county takes legal steps to recover the debt by selling the property at auction.

This process allows real estate investors—local or out-of-state—to buy properties at potentially lower prices. But before you jump in, it’s important to understand how it all works.

How Davidson County Tax Sales Work

Davidson County sells tax deeds, not tax liens. That means when you win the bid, you’re essentially buying the legal right to own the property after a one-year redemption period. The auction is held in person only at the Metro Courthouse in downtown Nashville, and you must register on the day of the sale before noon.

Here’s what you can expect during the process:

• Auction Location: Metro Courthouse, 1 Public Square, Nashville, TN
• Auction Dates: Monthly, from June through December
• Registration: Opens at 11:00 AM CT, closes at 12:00 PM CT
• Auction Start Time: 12:00 PM CT
• Type of Sale: Tax deed, not a tax lien
• Payment Method: Certified funds (cashier’s check or money order only)
• Redemption Period: 1 year
• Sale Approval: Finalized by Chancery Court after a short legal review
• Quiet Title Action: Often needed after redemption expires
• Open to All Investors: Local, out-of-state, and international bidders welcome

Important Auction Info at a Glance

Detail	Information
Type of Sale	Tax Deed
Format	In-person only
Location	Metro Courthouse, 1 Public Square, Nashville, TN
Frequency	Monthly from June to December
Registration	Day of auction, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT
Start Time	12:00 PM CT
Redemption Period	1 year from the date of sale
Winning Bid	Highest bid (sale subject to court approval)
Payment	The full amount is due shortly after the auction
Funds Accepted	Cashier’s check or certified money order only
Contact Email: Clerk and Master	[email protected]
Contact Phone	(615) 862-5712

What to Know Before You Bid

Investing in tax deed sales can be rewarding, but it comes with responsibilities and risks. Here are key things to keep in mind:

• All Sales Are Final – There are no refunds once your bid is accepted.
• Properties Are Sold As-Is – You won’t have access to inspect the property beforehand.
• Liens May Still Exist – Research each parcel for hidden costs like unpaid utility bills or mortgages.
• Court Approval Required – Even after winning, the court must finalize the sale.
• Quiet Title Needed – This legal process clears up ownership and is usually required before you can sell or finance the property.

How to Participate in a Davidson County Tax Sale

To take part in the auction, you’ll need to plan ahead. The county doesn’t offer online bidding or advance registration. Everything happens in person.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Check the Property Listings
   Available properties are posted on the Clerk & Master’s website and in the Nashville Ledger about 30 days before each auction.
2. Do Your Research
   Look up tax records, property value, and ownership history using the Metro Property Search Tool. Check for other liens, mortgage issues, or court judgments.
3. Attend the Auction
   Show up early at the Metro Courthouse on the scheduled day. Register between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Bring your ID and certified funds.
4. Bid Live
   The highest bidder wins, but the sale must be approved by the court before it’s official.
5. Pay Immediately
   If you win, you’ll need to pay the full amount (with certified funds) soon after the auction. Details are announced that day.
6. Wait for Redemption
   Tennessee allows a 1-year redemption period, giving the original owner a chance to pay back the taxes, interest, and court costs to reclaim the property.
7. Obtain the Deed
   If the owner doesn’t redeem within a year, you’ll receive the tax deed and may begin a quiet title action to secure full ownership.

Davidson County Real Estate:

Davidson County continues to be a strong market for real estate investors.

• Nashville Fuels the Market
  Nashville’s fast growth draws in musicians, tech workers, and healthcare pros—keeping housing demand high and property values strong.
• Short-Term Rentals Still Hot
  Tourism drives demand for short-term rentals. Zoned properties near downtown, The Gulch, or East Nashville remain top picks for investors.
• New Residents Keep Coming
  People from high-cost states like California and New York are relocating for lower taxes, job growth, and quality of life—boosting demand for both rentals and homes.
• Historic Neighborhoods Add Value
  Areas like Germantown, 12 South, and East Nashville are popular for their charm and walkability, which helps drive appreciation.
• Zoning is Shifting
  Ongoing rezoning efforts are opening doors for infill builds mixed-use properties, and ADUs—creating more investment opportunities.

Useful Links

Looking for more details or ready to research available properties? Start with these official sources:

• Davidson County Tax Sale Information
• Clerk & Master’s Tax Sale Listings
• Metro Government of Nashville
• Why Tennessee Tax Sales Are a Smart Investment Choice
• 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! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can anyone participate in the auction?
Yes. The auction is open to local, out-of-state, and even international investors.

Can I register ahead of time online?
No. You must register in person on the day of the auction.

How do I find out which properties are available?
Visit the Clerk & Master’s site or check the Nashville Ledger about 30 days before each sale.

Do I get possession of the property right away?
No. You must wait through the one-year redemption period.

Will I get interest if the property is redeemed?
No. You’ll get your bid amount back, but not any interest or legal fees.

Why Davidson County is Great for Tax Deed Investing

• Regular monthly auctions offer more chances to buy
• Open to anyone—no residency requirement
• Strong real estate appreciation and growing housing demand
• Affordable properties in high-growth areas
• Opportunity to secure real estate below market value

Get Ready for the Next Auction

Stay ahead of the competition—check our auction calendar for upcoming sales and start preparing now. Need expert guidance? Book a call with us today. Don’t forget to explore our free resources for insider tips on making profitable investments.

Opportunities won’t wait—take the first step today!

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