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

Note: San Luis Obispo County will not be conducting an Internet Public Auction in 2024. The information below pertains to the most recent auction.

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 in which a sale is scheduled. The auction (if scheduled) 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

Second Installments of 2023/24 Annual Secured Property Tax Bills are due as of February 1st.

The second installment of the 2023/24 Annual Secured Property Tax Bill is due February 1st and will become delinquent if not paid on or before April 10th.  If you have specific questions about your tax bill, please contact the Tax Collector by email at [email protected] or by phone at (805) 781-5831.

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