King County, Washington Tax Deed Sales: What You Need to Know

If you’re thinking about investing in property through tax sales in Washington State, King County is one of the largest and most competitive areas to watch. But here’s something important:

King County does not sell tax lien certificates.
They only sell tax deeds—and that happens after three years of unpaid property taxes.

Let’s break down how it works.

How Tax Deed Sales Work in King County

• If someone doesn’t pay their property taxes for three years, the county files a Certificate of Delinquency with the Superior Court.
• The court then gives the county permission to auction off the property.
• The original owner still has until the day before the auction to pay off everything and stop the sale.
• If they don’t, the property goes to an online public auction.

All auctions are held online, and if you’re interested, you’ll need to register, submit a deposit, and agree to the terms. Once the auction starts, it’s a competitive bidding process. The highest bidder wins, and they must pay quickly—either right after the auction or within the time allowed by the auction platform.

King County then issues a tax deed, but here’s the catch:
There are no guarantees, no warranties, and no promises about what you’re buying. You’re responsible for checking out the property, any unpaid liens, and whether someone still lives there.

King County Tax Deed Auction Info (2024)

Item	Details
Tax Sale Type	Tax Deed Sale
Typical Sale Date	Annually in September
Redemption Period	Ends before the auction date (no post-sale redemption)
Interest Rate	Not applicable
Bid Procedure	Premium bid – highest bidder wins
Deposit Required	Yes – deposit required to bid
Auction Platform	King County RealForeclose
Foreclosure Info	Foreclosure Process Details
Finance Dept. Info	Finance & Business Operations
County Website	KingCounty.gov

Quick Facts About Real Estate in King County

High Property Values
The average home price in King County is around $750,000, but in areas like Seattle and Bellevue, homes can go well over $2 million.

Fast-Rising Income
The average taxable income in the county has more than doubled in the last 10 years—from about $91,000 in 2013 to over $183,000 by 2021.

Tech-Driven Housing Demand
With major companies like Amazon and Microsoft based here, there’s a strong demand for housing among tech workers.

Diverse Property Types
King County has everything from luxury homes to rural land. Whether you’re looking for a flip, rental, or landhold, there’s variety.

Crime Trends and Property Value
Some crimes like car theft are decreasing, but others like larceny-theft are on the rise in some areas. Always research neighbourhood trends before bidding.

Why Investors Watch King County Tax Deed Sales

No Tax Liens, Just Deeds
You get the property itself—not just a lien on it. That means you get ownership faster, but you’re responsible for anything that comes with it.

Online Auctions
No need to attend in person. Everything happens online at King County’s auction site.

Open to All Investors
You don’t need to be a Washington resident. Out-of-state and international buyers are welcome to participate.

High Property Values
Even properties bought at a discount can hold strong resale value in this high-demand market.

Warning: Do Your Research

King County sells all properties as-is, where-is.
You could be buying something with legal issues, code violations, or even someone still living in it. Make sure to:

• Review the title history and liens
• Inspect the property if you can
• Check zoning and land use restrictions
• Understand eviction laws in Washington if someone lives there

Pro Tips

• Start tracking properties early by following the foreclosure calendar.
• Use tools like NeighborWho to research property and ownership history.
• Have funds ready before bidding. These auctions move quickly.
• Don’t skip the fine print on RealForeclose. Their terms and deadlines are strict.
• Bookmark the Foreclosure Information Page for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I attend the auction in person?
No, King County auctions are 100% online.

Do I get my deposit back if I don’t win?
Yes, deposits are returned if you don’t place a winning bid.

Can I finance my auction purchase?
No, full payment is required shortly after the auction ends.

What happens if someone still lives in the house I win?
You are responsible for removing any occupants after the deed is recorded.

Can international buyers bid?
Yes, King County allows out-of-state and international investors to register and bid.

Useful Links

• Foreclosure Process Information
• King County RealForeclose Auction Site
• King County Finance & Business Operations
• Main King County Website
• Investing in Washington Tax Sales
• 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! 

Take Action

Stay informed about upcoming auctions and Visit our Auction Calendar. If you’re new to tax sales or need guidance, consider booking a call with us to help you navigate the process effectively. Explore our free resources to gain valuable insights and strategies for making informed investments.

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