Travis 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 Travis County, Texas.
Where to Bid on Travis County Auctions
Public delinquent property auctions for Travis County are managed by the Travis County Sheriff & County Tax Assessor-Collector and hosted online via Travis County / Austin Tax Sheriff Sales.
Travis County Sheriff Sales & Judicial Foreclosures
In addition to delinquent tax sales, the Travis 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.
Travis County Strike-Off Property List (OTC Resale) (Over-The-Counter)
Parcels and certificates that receive no bids during the scheduled public auctions enter the county's permanent Strike-Off Property List (OTC Resale) inventory. Any citizen or investor can purchase these parcels directly from the Travis County Sheriff & County Tax Assessor-Collector over the counter for the delinquent taxes and fees owed, without competing in an auction.
Unclaimed Tax Sale Surplus Funds in Travis County
When a delinquent property is auctioned in Travis 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 Travis County
Pre-Auction Due Diligence
Review the Travis 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 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 price upward against competing buyers. Ensure you do not exceed your predetermined maximum acquisition budget.
Payment & Deed Issuance
Settle the remaining purchase balance within 24 hours. The Travis County Sheriff & County Tax Assessor-Collector issues a certificate or records the tax deed with the County Recorder.
Frequently Asked Questions: Travis County Tax Sales
Is Travis County a tax lien or tax deed county? ▼
Travis County follows the Texas Tax Deed (Redeemable) statutes. Bidders either obtain a first-position tax lien certificate earning 25% Statutory Penalty in Year 1 (50% in Year 2) statutory return or purchase physical real property deeds at public auction.
Can I buy Travis County tax properties online? ▼
Yes. Tax auctions are conducted through In-Person (https://www.traviscountytx.gov). Registered bidders can participate remotely from anywhere in the world.
What happens if a property does not sell at auction in Travis County? ▼
Unsold parcels are added to the Travis County Strike-Off Property List (OTC Resale) list. These properties can be acquired directly over-the-counter through the Travis County Sheriff & County Tax Assessor-Collector without an auction.