Public Auction of Tax-Defaulted Property

What is the process?

Read the Terms and Conditions and Bidder Instructions

Read Terms and Conditions and Bidder Instructions for the auction.

Review List of Properties Scheduled for Auction

Research the Property

Investigate prior to bidding. All properties are sold "as is". There are no guarantees pertaining to the condition of the properties for sale, including but not limited to access, water, soil, zoning, or permit availability. It is the bidder's responsibility to research the properties in which they are interested. Lack of adequate research may result in the purchase of unusable property, with no entitlement to a refund.

Register to Bid

Create an account on the internet auction website at bid4assets.com.

Auction Dates

The Internet Public Auction of Tax-Defaulted Properties begins at 8:00 a.m. PDT on Friday, May 12, 2023. The auctions close in staggered groups beginning at approximately 9:00 a.m. PDT on Monday, May 15, 2023. 

Who can use this service?

Anyone who is at least 18 years of age is eligible to bid, with exception of employees of the San Luis Obispo County Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector.

Is there a charge for this service?

A $5,000.00 deposit is required to participate in the Real Property auction. The winning bidder must submit payment in full to the San Luis Obispo County Tax Collector within 72 hours after the end of the sale to avoid forfeiting the desposit. Payment must be by cashier's check, wire transfer, or cash. Payment instructions will be provided to the winning bidder upon completion of the auction.

There is no charge to participate in the Timeshare auction, but the winning bidder must submit payment in full to the San Luis Obispo County Tax Collector within 72 hours after the end of the sale. Payment must be by cashier's check, wire transfer, or cash. Payment instructions will be provided to the winning bidder upon completion of the auction.

When and where is this service offered?

The list of available properties for the current auction is available in February of each year. The auction is held in May of each year and the results are posted after the auction is closed.

San Luis Obispo County does not hold "in-person" public auctions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unsecured Property Taxes Are Delinquent as of 5 P.M. on August 31, 2023.

If paid after 5 P.M. on August 31, 2023, additional penalties and interest may apply. Unsecured property taxes are a lien against the assessee, not against real estate. The assessed owner as of January 1, 2023 is responsible for paying these bills, even if they sell or otherwise dispose of the property after January 1, 2023.  Please contact the Tax Collector by email at [email protected] or by phone at (805) 781-5831 if you have specific questions about your tax bill. 

If paying online: e-Check is free; fee for using credit or debit card. 

View or Pay Property Taxes by eCheck, Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, or American Express