Luzerne County, Pennsylvania Tax Delinquent Properties for Sale List
Luzerne County, PA has 3 tax-delinquent properties on record. Get the official list from the County Tax Claim Bureau, plus the tax sale and redemption rules.
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Key Takeaways
- Luzerne County, Pennsylvania has 3 tax-delinquent properties on record in GoliathData's county records (data current as of July 13, 2026).
- Probate is the largest distressed signal in Luzerne County at 26 properties, followed by 6 judgment liens and 5 state liens.
- Luzerne County also records 3 preprobate properties, 2 foreclosures, 2 absentee owners and 1 trustee sale.
- With 6 judgment liens and 5 state liens on file, a Luzerne County tax-sale property is likely to carry secondary liens that need a title search.
- Goliath's page tells buyers to confirm the list, sale dates and redemption details with the Luzerne County Tax Claim Bureau before bidding.
Luzerne County, Pennsylvania currently has 3 tax-delinquent properties on record, along with foreclosures, liens, and probate filings compiled from public records. If you are searching for the Luzerne County tax delinquent properties for sale list, this page gives you the live count, how to pull the official list from the Luzerne County Tax Claim Bureau, how Pennsylvania's tax sale and redemption process works, and the due diligence to run before you bid.
GoliathData currently tracks 3 tax-delinquent properties in Luzerne County, PA, alongside the wider distressed-property picture below, data current as of July 13, 2026, from public records:
Signal | Properties | As of |
|---|---|---|
Probate | 26 | Jul 13 |
Judgment Lien | 6 | Jul 6 |
State Lien | 5 | Jul 6 |
Tax Delinquency | 3 | Apr 13 |
Preprobate | 3 | Jul 13 |
Absentee Owner | 2 | May 4 |
Foreclosure | 2 | May 25 |
Marriage | 2 | Jul 13 |
Trustee Sale | 1 | Apr 13 |
Hoa Lien | 1 | Jan 26 |
Source: GoliathData county records.
What do Luzerne County's distressed-property numbers mean for investors?
Luzerne County currently shows 3 properties with active tax delinquency as of mid-April 2026. That modest count sits alongside a notably complex landscape of other distressed and transitional property statuses: 26 probate cases, 6 judgment liens, 5 state liens, 2 foreclosures, 2 absentee owners, and 1 HOA lien. The presence of 26 probate filings suggests significant estate settlement activity in the county, which often precedes tax problems when heirs fail to pay or when property title remains in flux. The 6 judgment liens and 5 state liens indicate creditor and tax authority claims stacked against property owners, a signal that some distressed properties carry multiple encumbrances.
For buyers and investors, this profile means opportunity exists but requires careful vetting. The low count of active tax-delinquent properties (3) suggests either strong property tax compliance in Luzerne County or that most delinquencies are resolved before reaching the publicly advertised stage. However, the volume of judgment liens, state liens, and probate cases signals that distressed situations are present; they simply have not yet crystallized into a tax delinquency. The mix also indicates that when a Luzerne County property does go to tax sale, it is likely to carry secondary liens and title complications, demanding that investors conduct thorough due diligence before bidding.
Competition at Luzerne County tax sales is likely moderate. The low number of actively advertised delinquent properties means fewer bidders are hunting for deals in this county compared to larger or more distressed markets. This can work in favor of patient, knowledgeable investors willing to handle title cleanup and lien negotiation.
How do you get the official Luzerne County tax-delinquent list?
The Luzerne County Tax Claim Bureau is the authoritative source for tax-delinquent property information and is the office to ask about tax sales in the county. To obtain the current list of tax-delinquent properties, contact the Tax Claim Bureau directly or visit the county's official website to see if an online list is published.
Steps to access the list:
- Visit the Luzerne County official website and navigate to the Tax Claim Bureau section.
- Request a current list of delinquent properties by phone, mail, or in person at the Tax Claim Bureau office.
- Ask the Tax Claim Bureau staff whether the list is updated weekly, monthly, or at another interval, and confirm the format (printed list, online database, or PDF).
- Inquire whether properties are listed with parcel numbers, addresses, owner names, and tax amounts owed.
- Request information about upcoming tax sale dates and any public notice schedule the county follows.
The Tax Claim Bureau maintains and updates this list as properties accrue unpaid taxes. The bureau may also publish notices of upcoming sales; ask it how and where they are posted. Be aware that the list you obtain may lag behind current delinquency; always confirm a property's current status directly with the Tax Claim Bureau before making an investment decision.
How does Pennsylvania's tax sale and redemption process work?
Pennsylvania's tax-sale rules, including the type of sale, how it is run and advertised, whether any redemption right follows a sale and for how long, and whether liens survive, are set by Pennsylvania law and the county's own procedures. Confirm each with the Luzerne County Tax Claim Bureau before bidding.
Generally, the owner is notified of a delinquency and can pay the back taxes and costs to stop a sale. Ask the bureau how notice works in Luzerne County, where and how sales are held, and what the buyer acquires.
Ask the bureau whether the original owner or other parties with an interest can reclaim the property after a sale, within what period and at what cost, and when a buyer receives a deed and clear title.
Bidders are expected to conduct their own title search and property inspection before the sale. Ask the bureau how sales are advertised and whether any rescission or cooling-off right applies after a winning bid.
For exact redemption periods, sale dates, notice timelines, and procedural details specific to Luzerne County, contact the Luzerne County Tax Claim Bureau. Tax law can change, and local practice may have nuances that only the bureau staff can clarify.
What risks should you check before bidding on a Luzerne County tax sale?
Buying a property at a Luzerne County tax sale carries specific risks that must be mitigated through careful research before you bid.
Title and liens: A property offered at tax sale may have multiple liens against it. The data for Luzerne County shows judgment liens (6), state liens (5), and an HOA lien (1). Not all liens may be satisfied by a tax sale, and a buyer could inherit liens that survived the sale. Always obtain a title search and lien report before bidding, and understand which liens will be eliminated and which will remain your responsibility.
Redemption period: If any redemption right applies after a sale, you may not own the property free and clear immediately after purchase. Confirm with the bureau whether you must wait before you receive a deed; during that time you may not be able to sell the property, and the owner may occupy it.
Occupancy and condition: Tax-delinquent properties are often in poor condition or occupied by the defaulting owner, a tenant, or a squatter. You have the right to inspect the property before the sale, but you have no right to enter the building or evict anyone before you own it. Budget for potential repairs, code violations, and eviction costs.
Code violations and unpaid utilities: Properties offered at tax sale may have municipal liens for unpaid utilities or code enforcement fines. These may not be eliminated by a tax sale and could become your obligation. Request a code compliance report and utility account history from the municipality.
Market value vs. bid amount: A property's tax debt is often far below its actual market value. However, at a tax sale, competitive bidding can drive the price up. Ask the bureau how the opening bid is set and what happens if you are the sole bidder. Always set a maximum bid based on your estimate of the property's value after rehabilitation, and do not exceed it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luzerne County Tax-Delinquent Properties
How do I get the current list of tax-delinquent properties in Luzerne County?
Contact the Luzerne County Tax Claim Bureau directly. The bureau maintains the official list and can provide it in writing or direct you to where it is published online. You can also request updates on which properties are scheduled for upcoming sales. The bureau staff will tell you the frequency at which the list is updated and how to stay informed of new delinquencies.
When is the next tax sale in Luzerne County?
The date of the next tax sale is determined by the Luzerne County Tax Claim Bureau and published in advance. Contact the bureau directly for the exact date, time, and location of the upcoming sale. The bureau also advertises sales, so you may also see announcements in your local news or on county courthouse bulletin boards.
What is the redemption period in Pennsylvania, and how does it affect my ownership?
Pennsylvania law and the county's procedures set whether the original owner or other parties can reclaim a property after a tax sale, and within what period. You must confirm any redemption terms and when a deed is delivered with the Luzerne County Tax Claim Bureau before you bid.
Is buying a tax-delinquent property in Luzerne County worth the risk?
It depends on your goals and risk tolerance. Tax sales can offer substantial profits if you buy a property well below market value, win with minimal competition, and hold it through any redemption period. However, Luzerne County's current data shows only 3 active tax delinquencies, meaning inventory is limited. You must also be prepared to handle liens, code violations, title issues, evictions, and repairs. Research the property thoroughly, get a title search and lien report, set a realistic budget, and only bid on properties that make financial sense after accounting for all risks and costs. If you are not comfortable with these complexities, tax sales may not be the right investment for you.
More Pennsylvania Tax Delinquent Property Lists
Browse the full Pennsylvania tax delinquent properties for sale list for every county, or jump straight to a nearby list:
- Monroe County, PA tax delinquent properties for sale list
- Northampton County, PA tax delinquent properties for sale list
- Northumberland County, PA tax delinquent properties for sale list
- Philadelphia County, PA tax delinquent properties for sale list
- Pike County, PA tax delinquent properties for sale list
- Schuylkill County, PA tax delinquent properties for sale list
Sources
- County Tax Claim Bureau, Luzerne County, the official delinquent-property list, tax-sale schedule, and redemption details for Luzerne County. Contact the office directly for current specifics.
- U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts, population, housing, and ownership context for Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, guidance on buying foreclosed and distressed homes.
- GoliathData county records, the distressed-property signal counts above, compiled from public records.
Find owner, tax and parcel records on the Luzerne County, Pennsylvania property records page.