Chittenden County, Vermont Tax Delinquent Properties for Sale List

Chittenden County, Vermont currently has 0 tax-delinquent properties on record, along with active foreclosures, liens, and probate filings compiled from public records. If you are searching for the Chittenden County tax delinquent properties for sale list, this page gives you the live count, how to pull the official list from the Town Delinquent Tax Collector, how Vermont's tax sale and redemption process works, and the due diligence to run before you bid.

TL;DR

• 0 tax-delinquent properties are currently on record in Chittenden County, VT, refreshed weekly from public records.

• Plus additional distressed properties (foreclosures, liens, probate) shown in the live breakdown below.

• How to pull the official Chittenden County tax-delinquent list, and how Vermont's tax-sale + redemption process works, so you act on real, current numbers, not a generic explainer.

GoliathData tracks the following distressed-property signals across Chittenden County, VT, data current as of May 11, 2026, refreshed weekly from public records:

Source: GoliathData real-time county records. Refreshed weekly.

What these numbers mean for buyers and investors

Chittenden County's distressed property market shows modest but meaningful activity across multiple channels. The most recent snapshot reveals 2 properties in preprobate status as of mid-May 2026, 1 active foreclosure, 1 property with a lien filing, 1 property judgment case, and 1 trustee sale. While these counts are small compared to larger urban counties, they represent real opportunities for buyers willing to navigate Vermont's specific legal and procedural landscape.

The presence of 2 preprobate properties is significant because estates can take months or longer to settle, and heirs sometimes allow tax debt to accumulate during that window. A single active foreclosure suggests moderate distress in the residential or commercial market. The lien and property judgment each represent creditor actions that can lead to forced sales if not resolved. The trustee sale indicates a trust or deed-based remedial action, common when standard mortgage foreclosure is not the tool of choice.

For investors, this mix is neither a fire-sale environment nor a barren one. The relatively low count means less competition than you would encounter in major metro markets, but it also means fewer deals posted simultaneously. Success here requires local knowledge, patience, and relationships with the Town Delinquent Tax Collector and other town officials. The economy of Chittenden County, which includes Burlington and the larger Lake Champlain region, remains relatively resilient, so distressed sales often attract savvy local and regional buyers.

The variety of triggers (probate, foreclosure, judgment, trustee action) also suggests diverse underlying situations: some may be inheritance complications, others financial hardship or divorce, and some purely investment or business-related disputes. Understanding which category applies to a specific property is crucial before making an offer.

How to get the official Chittenden County tax-delinquent list

Vermont property tax collection is decentralized by design: each town manages its own delinquent accounts. Chittenden County comprises multiple towns, so there is no single county-level delinquent property list. Instead, you must contact the Town Delinquent Tax Collector in each town where you are interested in purchasing.

The Town Delinquent Tax Collector maintains the official registry of unpaid property taxes and oversees the tax sale process for that municipality. To access delinquent property information, take these steps:

• Identify the specific town (for example, Burlington, Winooski, Colchester, Shelburne, or another municipality in Chittenden County) where you want to search for tax-delinquent properties.

• Contact that town's office directly, usually by phone or email through the town clerk's office or the assessor's office website. Request the name and contact information for the Town Delinquent Tax Collector.

• Ask the Town Delinquent Tax Collector for a current list of tax-delinquent properties, the status of each account, and any scheduled tax sales.

• Request to be added to the town's mailing list for tax sale notices if you plan to bid regularly.

• Ask whether the town publishes its delinquent list online or in a public record database. Some towns post lists on their websites; others provide copies on request.

The Town Delinquent Tax Collector will also provide you with the statutory timeline for notices, the redemption period (the window in which a delinquent owner can pay taxes plus costs to halt the sale), and bidding procedures. Lists are typically updated quarterly or as accounts are resolved, so refresh your information regularly if you are monitoring specific properties.

How Vermont's tax sale and redemption process works

Vermont gives property owners a strong right to redeem, meaning they can reclaim their property even after a tax sale by paying all back taxes, penalties, and costs within a statutory period. This redemption right is central to Vermont tax law and shapes the entire process.

The statutory flow is as follows: once a property is deemed tax delinquent by the town, the Town Delinquent Tax Collector must issue a formal notice to the owner. The owner then has a defined period (the exact length must be confirmed with the Town Delinquent Tax Collector for your town, as it can vary by statute and town rule) to pay the delinquent amount or enter into a payment plan. If the account remains unpaid after that period, the town schedules a tax sale.

At the tax sale itself, properties are typically sold to the highest bidder. In Vermont, the sale is generally held by the town, and bidding is open to the public. However, the key distinction is what happens next: the owner (or heirs, or other parties with an interest in the property) retains the right to redeem the property within a specified statutory period by paying the new owner all taxes, costs, interest, and other charges assessed. Only after that redemption period expires does title fully vest in the purchaser.

This redemption right protects owners but creates uncertainty for buyers. A purchaser at a tax sale does not own the property outright until the redemption period has fully elapsed. During that period, the former owner may occupy the property, and the tax deed purchaser has limited remedies. You must understand the exact redemption timeline for the specific town before bidding, as it directly affects your holding period and cash flow.

Vermont also allows tax collectors to pursue alternative remedies, such as liens and judgments, which is why you see lien and property judgment cases in the data. These are steps toward eventual sale but may not result in a public auction immediately. Confirm the current status and timeline with the Town Delinquent Tax Collector.

Due diligence and risks

A tax-delinquent property is a distressed asset, and due diligence is not optional. Before you bid, verify the following:

Title and liens: Order a current title report or abstract from a Vermont title company. Tax sales do not always clear all liens; some senior liens (such as mortgage liens or federal tax liens) may survive the sale and bind the new owner. Know exactly what you are buying into.

Redemption rights: Confirm the redemption period with the Town Delinquent Tax Collector. During this window, the former owner can reclaim the property, meaning you are not the true owner yet. Calculate the cost of carrying the property (insurance, maintenance, any taxes accruing) during that period into your bid amount.

Occupancy and condition: Physical inspection is essential. Visit the property, assess its condition, and determine whether it is occupied. If occupied, understand that the occupant may have rights (especially if they are the owner or a tenant with a lease) that you must respect or litigate. A property in disrepair will require capital investment; one with a long-term tenant may generate income but also limit your ability to quickly renovate or sell.

Environmental and municipal issues: Check for code violations, pending demolition orders, or environmental flags (especially in waterfront or industrial areas of Chittenden County). Contact the town's code enforcement and planning departments.

Market value and exit strategy: Obtain a recent appraisal or comparable sale analysis. Know the after-repair value (if rehab is needed) and the local market demand. Tax sales can be bargains, but only if you have a clear path to profit, through sale, rental, or development.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get on a mailing list to receive tax sale notices for Chittenden County towns?

Contact the Town Delinquent Tax Collector in each town where you want to receive notices. You can reach the collector through the town clerk's office or town website. Request to be added to the tax sale notification list. Some towns may also require you to submit a written request or register with the collector's office. Because Vermont's tax sales are town-based, you must register separately with each municipality if you are monitoring multiple towns in the county.

When is the next tax sale in Chittenden County?

Tax sale dates vary by town and are determined by the Town Delinquent Tax Collector based on the tax year and local statute. Contact the Town Delinquent Tax Collector for the specific town to learn the scheduled date for the next sale. Public notice is posted, and the collector will provide the date, time, location, and list of properties to be sold once the sale is officially scheduled.

What is the redemption period in Vermont, and why does it matter?

Vermont allows former owners and other interested parties a statutory period in which to redeem tax-sold property by paying all back taxes, costs, interest, and other charges. The exact length of the redemption period must be confirmed with the Town Delinquent Tax Collector, as it is set by Vermont statute and may be affected by local ordinances. This period is critical because until it expires, you do not hold clear title; the original owner can reclaim the property if they pay. During that time, you typically cannot evict an owner-occupant, and you bear the cost of carrying the property. It is one of the largest risks in a Vermont tax sale.

Is buying a tax-delinquent property in Chittenden County worth it?

It depends on your strategy, capital, and local knowledge. The 2 preprobate properties, 1 foreclosure, 1 lien, 1 judgment, and 1 trustee sale indicate steady but not dramatic distress. You will face less competition than in hot markets, but also fewer deals. If you are a local investor with cash, relationships with the Town Delinquent Tax Collector, and the ability to hold property through a redemption period, tax sales can offer below-market entry prices and good returns. If you are new to the market or undercapitalized, the legal complexity, redemption risk, and holding costs can eat into profits. Do your homework on the specific property and the town's processes before committing.

More Vermont Tax Delinquent Property Lists

Browse the full Vermont tax delinquent properties for sale list for every county, or jump straight to a nearby list:

Sources

• Town Delinquent Tax Collector, the official delinquent-property list, tax-sale schedule, and redemption details for Chittenden County. Contact the office directly for current specifics.

• U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts, population, housing, and ownership context for Chittenden County, Vermont.

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, guidance on buying foreclosed and distressed homes.

• GoliathData real-time county records, the distressed-property signal counts above, compiled from public records and refreshed weekly.