Looking for Undervalued Real Estate? Start with Buchanan County, Virginia

Are you looking for affordable investment opportunities in rural Virginia? Buchanan County might be the right place for you—especially if you’re interested in tax deed sales. With rising property values and a structured auction process, this county offers a chance for investors to find value in a market that’s still accessible.

Here’s everything you need to know about Buchanan County tax deed sales, in simple terms.

Overview of Tax Deed Investing in Virginia

In Virginia, most counties—including Buchanan—sell properties through tax deed sales. This means when a property owner doesn’t pay their property taxes, the county can sell the property to recover the unpaid taxes. Once the sale goes through, you get the deed to the property.

Virginia doesn’t follow a redemption period like some other states. That means when you win the bid and close the sale, the property is yours—though it’s still smart to do your homework before bidding.

Buchanan County Tax Sale Quick Facts

Detail	Description
Tax Sale Type	Tax Deed
Typical Sale Date	Varies throughout the year
Auction Location	Buchanan County Board of Supervisors Meeting Room (Grundy, VA) and Mitchell Auction Firm
Redemption Period	None
Interest Rate	Not applicable
Bid Procedure	Premium bid (highest amount wins)
Deposit (Judicial Sales)	25% or $1,000 minimum (whichever is higher), up to $20,000 max per parcel
Deposit (Non-Judicial Sales)	Full payment required at auction
Buyer’s Premium	10% (minimum $150)
In-Person Payment	Personal check, cashier’s check, or money order
Online Payment	Certified funds, wire, or money order

Helpful Links:

• Buchanan County Website
• Commissioner of the Revenue
• Auction Listings (TACS)
• Auctioneer – Mitchell Auction Firm

Why Virginia (and Buchanan County) Attracts Investors

Virginia’s tax deed process is straightforward. Since there’s no redemption period, you won’t have to wait long to take control of the property after winning the bid.

What makes Buchanan County attractive:

• Median home price is about $120,000, with a 38.1% year-over-year increase
• Wide range of properties, including renovation-ready homes
• Quiet, rural lifestyle with scenic views

Note: About 53% of properties are in flood zones, and nearly all properties carry some wildfire risk. Always check the location and risk level before investing.

Fun Facts About Virginia

• Virginia was the first U.S. state to create a statewide property tax.
• Population is around 8.7 million people.
• Home to Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement.
• Delinquent taxes in Virginia can lead to a tax sale in just 2 years, quicker than many other states.

Attractions and Economic Highlights

Things to Do Nearby:

• Appalachian hiking trails
• Fishing, camping, and off-road activities
• Historic landmarks and small-town charm

Getting Around:

• Accessible by Route 460
• Nearby airports include Tri-Cities (TN) and Roanoke (VA)

Local Economy:

• Key industries: coal, farming, timber, and manufacturing
• New business incentives and infrastructure programs are helping to drive growth

Community Life:

• Friendly small-town atmosphere
• Outdoor lifestyle with plenty of space
• Local fairs and family-run businesses

Why Buchanan County Is a Smart Choice for Tax Deed Investors

High Returns, Less Competition

Because it’s a smaller, rural county, competition is lower compared to major cities. That means better chances of buying at lower prices and making a good profit later.

Auction Process Breakdown

1. Sign up at Mitchell Auction Firm
2. View listings at TACS
3. Perform research on properties
4. Bid online or in-person
5. Pay winning bid and buyer’s premium

No redemption period = faster path to ownership.

What You Could Earn

There’s no fixed return percentage like in lien states. But since you receive full ownership of the property, your return depends on your resale price or rental income. Many investors make strong profits by flipping or holding properties for appreciation.

Can International Investors Join?

Yes. Both out-of-state and international investors can participate in Virginia tax deed sales. Just make sure you’re ready to pay in full and follow all terms.

Importance of Due Diligence

Before bidding, check:

• Access (some land is landlocked)
• Title status (check for other liens)
• Property condition (if accessible)
• Zoning and local use restrictions
• Natural hazard risks

Skipping this can cost you big. Always research before bidding.

Buying Over-the-Counter (OTC) Properties

If a property doesn’t sell at auction, it may become available over the counter. Benefits include:

• No bidding
• Fixed pricing
• Faster transaction

Visit TACS to see available OTC properties.

Final Thoughts: Is Buchanan County Worth It?

Definitely, if you’re careful. With low property prices, no redemption wait, and real estate that’s trending up, Buchanan County is an excellent spot for tax deed investors ready to do their research.

Pro Tips

• Check GIS maps but don’t rely on them fully—always verify.
• Get a title search done before the sale.
• Make sure you understand local rules and payment methods.
• Ask questions before bidding—both the auctioneer and TACS are helpful.

FAQs

Do I get the property right after the auction?
Yes. Once you complete payment and record the deed, it’s yours.

Can I buy if I don’t live in Virginia?
Yes. Residents of any state and international buyers can participate.

What if I can’t attend the auction?
Bid online at Mitchell Auction Firm or contact them for assistance.

What’s the biggest risk?
Buying without research. You could end up with land that’s inaccessible or has legal issues.

Can I finance the property?
No. Payment is due shortly after the auction closes, and the sale is not subject to financing.

Useful Links

• Buchanan County Government
• Buchanan County Commissioner of Revenue
• Auction Info at TACS
• Mitchell Auction Firm
• 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! 

Need a Hand?

Tax-sale investing in Buchanan County starts with our Auction calendar. Our free resources help you make sense of the process. Need help deciding your next move? book a call today.

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