Ramsey County sits in the center of the Twin Cities area with Saint Paul as the county seat. The county manages tax forfeited land sales for properties that lost ownership because of unpaid taxes.

This guide explains how Ramsey County tax sales work. You will learn when sales happen, how to join the auction, and what steps to take before you bid.

What is Ramsey County’s tax lien or tax deed system

Minnesota counties do not sell tax lien certificates. Instead, properties with long term unpaid taxes forfeit to the state.

Ramsey County then sells these parcels as tax forfeited land. This works much like a tax deed sale. You buy the actual property and not a lien. Your profit comes from buying well and improving the asset.

Important Details

Key facts and links at a glance

Item	Summary
Tax Sale Type	Tax forfeited land sale similar to tax deed.
Typical Sale Date	Online auctions often take place in late fall.
Auction Format	Online bidding through the MNBid website.
Registration Need	Yes. Bidders must register on MNBid.
Registration Window	Open before you place a bid.
Location	Online only through MNBid.
Redemption Before Sale	Owners have about three years before forfeiture.
Redemption After Sale	No redemption once listed for auction.
Bid Procedure	Highest bidder wins with set minimums.
Starting Price	First phase uses estimated market value.
Deposit or Payment	Full bid due with county fees at closing.
Official Sale Info	Ramsey County tax forfeited land page.
Online Auction Site	MNBid online auction platform.
Main Contact Email	[email protected]

Fun facts about Ramsey County

Ramsey County is compact and urban, anchored by Saint Paul. Here are a few quick notes before we go deeper into the tax sale process.

• It is the second most populated county in Minnesota.
  
• Saint Paul is the state capital and largest city in the county.
  
• Saint Paul has more Mississippi River shoreline than any other city in the state.
  
• The area includes many long standing neighborhoods and a wide mix of home styles.
  

Attractions and economic highlights

Ramsey County has a strong urban base and steady demand for homes and land. A quick overview helps you see the setting for tax sale deals.

• Attractions
  
  • Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.
    
  • River views and city parks.
    
  • Local museums and trails.
    
• Transportation
  
  • Major highways.
    
  • Bus routes and light rail lines.
    
• Economy
  
  • Government, health care, education, and tech.
    
• Community
  
  • Older homes, infill parcels, rentals, and mixed use areas.
    

Why Ramsey County is good for tax deed investors

Ramsey County tax forfeited sales can work well for patient buyers.

• High returns
  
  • You may buy land or homes well under nearby sale prices.
    
• Low risk style investment
  
  • You receive a deed, not a lien. Your focus is on value and repairs.
    
• State tax lien opportunities
  
  • Many old debts are cleared at forfeiture. You must only confirm any that remain.
    

Auction process for tax forfeited sales in Ramsey County

Ramsey County manages tax forfeited land sales through online public auctions on MNBid. Parcels are appraised and offered to bidders. The highest eligible bid wins if it meets minimum bid rules.

Sales often take place in two phases. First, parcels open at the estimated market value. If no one bids at that price, the county lists them in a second phase at a lower minimum bid allowed by law.

How the Auction Works

There is no redemption period once a parcel reaches the auction stage. After you close, the former owner cannot redeem the property.

Maximum potential returns and expected returns

There is no set interest rate in Ramsey County because this is a deed style sale. Your return comes from the difference between your total cost and the income or resale value you create.

Strong returns come when you buy at a low price and plan repairs well. Investors often target small houses or lots that need cleanup or improvement. Careful planning is key. You want a wide safety margin in your budget.

Expected returns depend on your holding time, repair plan, and the local real estate market. Investors who study the market and stick to safe numbers often see strong gains.

Open to all investors and foreign investor participation

Ramsey County lets most people take part in tax forfeited land sales. Some groups cannot buy because of state rules, such as certain county staff or buyers who failed to complete past contracts. These limits appear in the sale notice.

Most buyers are welcome. Nonprofit groups can also join. People from outside Minnesota may bid as long as they follow the rules and register on MNBid.

International buyers may also join. They should check with their tax and legal advisers to understand reporting needs in their home country.

Importance of due diligence in Ramsey County tax forfeited investing

Ramsey County sells all parcels as is. This means due diligence is your most important tool. You must study each parcel before you bid. This helps you avoid costly surprises after closing.

What due diligence entails

• Check maps, parcel lines, and street views.
  
• Ask city offices about code issues, land use limits, and special assessments.
  
• Order a title search for any liens that might remain.
  
• Visit the area if possible and study the surroundings.
  
• Get repair quotes from local contractors to build a safe budget.
  

Risks of skipping due diligence

• You may buy land without legal road access.
  
• You may face large special assessments after closing.
  
• Old environmental problems may slow your project.
  
• You might need a quiet title action before resale or financing.
  

Buying over the counter parcels in Ramsey County

Not all parcels sell at auction. Some move to a list of properties for immediate sale. These are over the counter deals.

How to purchase over the counter parcels

• Open the list of parcels available for direct sale on the county website.
  
• Review the price and terms for each parcel.
  
• Contact the Productive Properties team to confirm availability.
  
• Submit paperwork and payment as directed.
  

Benefits of over the counter purchases

• No bidding pressure.
  
• More time to study the parcel.
  
• Good for long term land holds or smaller projects.
  

Why Ramsey County is a top choice for tax deed style investors

Economic and tax advantages

• Central metro location with strong demand for land.
  
• Clear state rules for tax forfeited sales.
  
• Mix of small homes and infill lots that fit many budgets.
  

Real estate market overview

Ramsey County has a wide mix of starter homes, rentals, and older properties. Many areas have steady demand. Buyers who plan repairs well and follow market data often find room for profit.

Conclusion

Ramsey County tax forfeited land sales offer a clear way to buy property that passed through the tax forfeiture process. You receive a deed from the state. You then add value through repairs, better management, or new use.

Smart planning helps you make safer choices. Study the sale list, check each parcel, talk with city staff, and visit the area when possible. With a careful plan, Ramsey County can become a strong part of your tax sale strategy.

Strong deals come from solid research. Treat each bid as a business choice and use local support when needed.

Pro tips for Ramsey County tax forfeited investing

• Follow the county’s tax forfeited land page for new updates.
  
• Sort parcels by city and home type to match your skills and budget.
  
• Call city offices to check code issues and assessments before you bid.
  
• Start with small land deals if you are new to the process.
  
• Use a simple spreadsheet to track repair budgets and safe exit prices.
  

FAQs about Ramsey County tax forfeited investing

Useful links

• How to Maximize Your Investment with Minnesota 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

If you want support with Ramsey County tax sales, help is available. You can learn with simple steps. You can also plan your bids with care and avoid costly mistakes. Check our Auction Calendar. Explore our free resources. Then book a call to talk about your tax sale goals and next moves.

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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