Fayette County Public Auctions & Sheriff Sales
Comprehensive guide to county sheriff foreclosure auctions, tax deeds, tax lien certificates, over-the-counter land purchases, and surplus funds in Fayette County, Kentucky.
Where to Bid on Fayette County Auctions
Public delinquent property auctions for Fayette County are managed by the Fayette County Clerk & Sheriff and hosted online via Fayette County In-Person County Clerk Lottery / Sale Portal.
Fayette County Sheriff Sales & Judicial Foreclosures
In addition to delinquent tax sales, the Fayette County Sheriff's Office Civil Division conducts regular public foreclosure auctions ordered by the Circuit or Superior Court to satisfy mortgage default judgments, construction liens, and civil court executions.
Fayette County Delinquent Tax Bill Over-The-Counter Purchase (Over-The-Counter)
Parcels and certificates that receive no bids during the scheduled public auctions enter the county's permanent Delinquent Tax Bill Over-The-Counter Purchase inventory. Any citizen or investor can purchase these parcels directly from the Fayette County Clerk & Sheriff over the counter for the delinquent taxes and fees owed, without competing in an auction.
Unclaimed Tax Sale Surplus Funds in Fayette County
When a delinquent property is auctioned in Fayette County for more than the outstanding taxes, penalties, and administrative fees, the resulting funds are termed excess proceeds (surplus funds). By law, these funds belong to the former property owner or their legal heirs.
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4 Steps to Bid on Properties in Fayette County
Pre-Auction Due Diligence
Review the Fayette County delinquent tax list published 4–6 weeks prior to the sale. Perform title searches on Parcel ID numbers to identify superior federal liens or mortgages.
Bidder Registration & Deposit
Register on In-Person County Clerk Lottery / Sale at least 48 hours prior to auction start. Deposit required bidder funds (often 5% of anticipated bid budget or flat $200 deposit).
Auction Bidding Strategy
Bid down the interest rate from the statutory 12% Annual Statutory Interest + Attorney Fees cap to win the lien certificate.
Payment & Deed Issuance
Settle the remaining purchase balance within 24 hours. The Fayette County Clerk & Sheriff issues a certificate or records the tax deed with the County Recorder.
Frequently Asked Questions: Fayette County Tax Sales
Is Fayette County a tax lien or tax deed county? ▼
Fayette County follows the Kentucky Tax Lien statutes. Bidders either obtain a first-position tax lien certificate earning 12% Annual Statutory Interest + Attorney Fees statutory return or purchase physical real property deeds at public auction.
Can I buy Fayette County tax properties online? ▼
Yes. Tax auctions are conducted through In-Person County Clerk Lottery / Sale (https://kcoada.org). Registered bidders can participate remotely from anywhere in the world.
What happens if a property does not sell at auction in Fayette County? ▼
Unsold parcels are added to the Fayette County Delinquent Tax Bill Over-The-Counter Purchase list. These properties can be acquired directly over-the-counter through the Fayette County Clerk & Sheriff without an auction.