Sullivan County, TN Tax Sales: A Complete Guide for Buyers

If you’re thinking about buying properties through tax sales, Sullivan County, Tennessee, offers a solid opportunity. The county runs in-person tax deed auctions a couple of times each year to recover unpaid property taxes.

Here’s a complete and easy-to-follow guide to help you understand how it works—from registering to owning a property.

How the Sullivan County Tax Sale Works

Here’s what happens when a property is put up for tax sale:

1. The county publishes a list of properties in default.
2. Auctions are held in person—there’s no online bidding right now.
3. Bidding starts at the amount owed (taxes + fees).
4. Highest bidder wins, but the sale must be approved by the Chancery Court.
5. The previous owner has 1 year to reclaim the property.
6. If not redeemed, a deed is issued to the buyer, who may need to file a quiet title.

Quick Facts: Sullivan County Tax Sale Overview

Detail	Info
Tax Sale Type	Tax Deed Sale
Auction Method	In-Person (Public Outcry)
Auction Location	Civic Auditorium, 1550 Fort Henry Dr., Kingsport, TN
Auction Frequency	Usually twice per year (Spring and Fall)
Next Known Sale	September 30, 2025
Redemption Period	1 year from the court’s confirmation date
Payment Terms	Full payment due day of sale (cashier’s check, money order, TN bank check)
Deposit Requirement	Sometimes a 10% deposit is required at the time of winning bid
Registration Required	Yes, in-person before the auction starts
Quiet Title Needed?	Often recommended to clear legal ownership
Where to Find Listings	Clerk & Master website, local newspapers
Contact for Questions	katharine.jennelle@sullivancountytn.gov – (423) 279-2752
Official Website	Clerk & Master’s page

How to Participate in a Sullivan County Tax Auction

1. Find property listings on the Clerk & Master’s page or in local papers.
2. Register in person before the auction. Bring valid ID.
3. Bring the correct payment method—cashier’s checks or money orders.
4. Bid during the auction. Highest bidder wins.
5. Pay immediately (or deposit + balance depending on sale).
6. Wait for court confirmation before taking any action on the property.
7. After 1 year, if the property isn’t redeemed, you’ll get a deed.
8. File a quiet title action to make ownership clear if you plan to resell.

Real Estate Facts About Sullivan County

• Median listing price: $309,900
• Average time on market: 59 days
• Top locations: Kingsport, Bristol, Bluff City
• Rental demand is strong around event venues like Bristol Motor Speedway
• Popular for tourists due to Boone Lake, South Holston Lake, and mountain views
• Downtown Kingsport and Bristol are experiencing new investment and renovations

Key Attractions & Economic Highlights

Popular Attractions

Sullivan County is known for its lakes, state parks, trails, and NASCAR events like those held at the Bristol Motor Speedway.

Transportation

The area is easily accessible via I-81 and is near the Tri-Cities Airport. It has good road infrastructure for commuters and logistics.

Economy

Top industries include healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and education. Tourism also plays a big role due to seasonal events and natural attractions.

Why Investors Like Sullivan County

• Properties often sell below market value
• The Tri-Cities region shows steady housing demand
• Buyers can choose between city properties or rural land
• Long-term gains possible with rental income or resale

Pro Tips for Bidding

• Arrive early to register (at least 30–60 minutes before auction start)
• Research each property using tax maps and county assessor data
• Plan ahead for legal steps post-sale like quiet title filings
• Factor in extra costs like unpaid utilities, repairs, or legal fees

FAQs – Sullivan County Tax Deed Sales

Can I register online?
No, all registration must be done in person on auction day.

Can out-of-state buyers participate?
Yes, you don’t need to live in Tennessee to buy.

Can I access the inside of the property before I bid?
No. Properties are sold as-is and interior inspections aren’t allowed.

What if I don’t pay on time?
Your winning bid will be canceled, and the property will go back for resale.

Do I get the deed right away?
No. The court must first confirm the sale, then you wait out the one-year redemption period.

Useful Links

• Clerk & Master’s Tax Sale Page
• Upcoming Sale Announcements
• Sullivan County Government
• Auction Venue Directions (Civic Auditorium, Kingsport)
• Assessor’s Office Information
• 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! 

Final Thoughts: Is Sullivan County Right for You?

If you’re looking for tax deed properties with strong resale potential in a market that’s affordable and growing, Sullivan County is worth exploring. Just make sure you do your homework, understand the process, and have a plan for handling the legal and financial steps after the sale.

Get Ready for the Next Auction!

Your next big opportunity is here! Browse our auction calendar, get ready for upcoming sales, and start planning your bids. Need expert guidance? Book a call today and you can also access our free resources for smarter investing!

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