Chittenden 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 Chittenden County, Vermont.
Where to Bid on Chittenden County Auctions
Public delinquent property auctions for Chittenden County are managed by the Chittenden County Town Tax Collector and hosted online via Chittenden County Town Public Auction Portal.
Chittenden County Sheriff Sales & Judicial Foreclosures
In addition to delinquent tax sales, the Chittenden 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.
Unclaimed Tax Sale Surplus Funds in Chittenden County
When a delinquent property is auctioned in Chittenden 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 Chittenden County
Pre-Auction Due Diligence
Review the Chittenden 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 Town Public Auction 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 Chittenden County Town Tax Collector issues a certificate or records the tax deed with the County Recorder.
Frequently Asked Questions: Chittenden County Tax Sales
Is Chittenden County a tax lien or tax deed county? ▼
Chittenden County follows the Vermont Tax Deed (Redeemable) statutes. Bidders either obtain a first-position tax lien certificate earning 12% Annual Statutory Penalty (1% monthly) statutory return or purchase physical real property deeds at public auction.
Can I buy Chittenden County tax properties online? ▼
Yes. Tax auctions are conducted through Town Public Auction (https://tax.vermont.gov). Registered bidders can participate remotely from anywhere in the world.
What happens if a property does not sell at auction in Chittenden County? ▼
In Vermont, unsold properties are usually retained for a second sheriff sale or transferred to a municipal land bank.