Hundreds Of Properties Up For Sale In San Diego County Tax Auction

SAN DIEGO, CA — Bidders can now register for the 2026 San Diego County online property tax auction.

The auction, held March 13-18, features 686 properties for sale, according to the San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office.

"Every year our office hosts a property tax auction to sell properties that have been in tax default for five or more years. We make every effort to reach defaulted property owners so they can keep their properties, but we are mandated by the California Revenue & Taxation Code to sell properties that have been in default over five years," San Diego County Treasurer Larry Cohen said.

"This year we have hundreds of properties that might be the perfect opportunity for a hopeful buyer," Cohen added. "Our online system makes it simple to research and bid on a variety of properties across San Diego County."

Up for auction this year are 70 improved properties, 66 unimproved properties and 550 timeshares. The county stands to bring in $18.2 million in tax revenue if the properties are sold for the minimum bid.

To participate, bidders must register before March 3 at the Treasurer-Tax Collector's tax auction website. They must also submit a refundable $1,000 deposit and a non-refundable $35 processing fee. Some parcels may require a larger deposit.

All sales are final, so this is a buyer-beware sale, according to the County Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office.

Owners of the auctioned properties can avoid going to sale by paying taxes and fees owed by 5 p.m. on March 12.