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Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania Tax Delinquent Properties for Sale List

Philadelphia County, PA has 1 tax-delinquent property on record. Get the official list, tax-sale schedule, and redemption rules.

Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania Tax Delinquent Properties for Sale List
Austin Beveridge

Austin Beveridge

Tennessee, Goliath Teammate

Key Takeaways

  • GoliathData tracked 1 tax-delinquent property in Philadelphia County, PA as of July 6, 2026, drawn from public records.
  • The same record shows 9,079 trustee sales, 1,618 code violations and 428 sheriff sales, so Philadelphia County distress is dominated by those signals rather than tax delinquency.
  • Confirm which office holds the official tax-delinquent list and runs tax sales in Philadelphia County; this page refers to it as the County Tax Claim Bureau, so verify that with the county.
  • The record shows 7 judgment liens and 7 general liens, so run a full title and lien search before any bid.
  • Confirm redemption periods, sale dates and balances directly with the County Tax Claim Bureau before bidding.

Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania currently has 1 tax-delinquent property on record, along with active foreclosures, liens, and probate filings compiled from public records. If you are searching for the Philadelphia County tax delinquent properties for sale list, this page gives you the live count, how to pull the official list from the 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 1 tax-delinquent property in Philadelphia County, PA, alongside the wider distressed-property picture below, data current as of July 6, 2026, compiled from public records:

Signal

Properties

As of

Trustee Sale

9,079

Jul 6

Code Violation

1,618

Jul 6

Permit Filing

559

Jul 6

Sheriff Sale

428

Jul 6

Preprobate

114

Jul 6

Judgment Lien

7

Jul 6

Lien

7

Jun 22

Marriage

4

Jul 6

Assignment

3

Jun 29

Probate

3

Jul 6

Source: GoliathData county records.

What these numbers mean for buyers and investors

Philadelphia County's property market is showing significant distress activity. The most striking signal is the 9,079 trustee sales recorded as of July 6, 2026, coupled with 1,618 code violations and 559 permit filings as of the same date. These numbers together suggest a county experiencing substantial property turnover driven by both mortgage defaults and deteriorating physical conditions on real estate.

Beyond trustee activity, the data reveals a layered problem. There are 428 sheriff sales, 114 preprobate filings, and a cumulative 7 judgment liens and 7 general liens active in the system. Code violations numbering 1,618 are particularly telling: they point to properties where owners have lost control of maintenance or have abandoned their holdings entirely. The 559 permit filings could indicate rehab activity by investors or, conversely, a wave of emergency repairs being forced by the city.

For buyers and investors, this environment presents both opportunity and caution. The volume of trustee sales is substantial. However, the prevalence of liens (7 judgment liens and 7 general liens in the table), code violations, and probate activity means that due diligence is not optional. Many of these properties carry encumbrances or title defects that must be resolved before a buyer can safely take possession or finance the purchase.

The title-heavy mix of liens, code violations, and probate activity underscores a title clarity problem in the county. Investors accustomed to straightforward acquisitions in other jurisdictions will need to budget extra time and legal costs in Philadelphia County to verify ownership chains and discharge liens.

How do you get the official Philadelphia County tax-delinquent list?

The authoritative source for Philadelphia County tax-delinquent properties is the County Tax Claim Bureau. This office is described here as separate from the property assessor's office and as handling delinquent tax collections and tax sales in the county; confirm its role with the county.

To obtain the official tax-delinquent property list, follow these steps:

  • Contact the County Tax Claim Bureau directly by phone, mail, or in person to request the current list of tax-delinquent properties.
  • Request clarification on the publication format: the list may be available as a printed document, a searchable online database, or downloadable records, depending on the Bureau's current procedures.
  • Ask about the update frequency. Tax-delinquent lists are typically refreshed before each sale event, so confirm when the next update occurs and how you will be notified of changes.
  • Inquire whether the list includes property addresses, parcel identification numbers, outstanding tax amounts, and the scheduled sale date. Not all county offices publish every detail online; you may need to visit in person or submit a formal records request.
  • Request information on how to register for email alerts or notifications of upcoming tax sales in Philadelphia County.

The County Tax Claim Bureau is the sole official source for this information. Do not rely on third-party websites or aggregators for your initial research; always verify critical details such as exact redemption periods, sale dates, and outstanding balances directly with the Bureau.

How does Pennsylvania's tax sale and redemption process work?

Tax sale rules differ by state and county. Sale type, redemption rights and interest are set by Pennsylvania law and the county's own procedures; confirm them with the Philadelphia County Tax Claim Bureau before bidding.

The owner typically receives notice of the delinquency, and after a period of non-payment the property may be advertised for public sale. Confirm with the County Tax Claim Bureau how the sale is conducted (for example an open auction or a list sale) and how it is advertised.

What a buyer receives at sale, whether the original owner can redeem afterward, how long they have and what they must pay are set by Pennsylvania law and the county's procedures. You must confirm the precise terms with the County Tax Claim Bureau before bidding.

Confirm with the County Tax Claim Bureau when and how a buyer receives a deed, and who holds title in the meantime.

A deed does not automatically clear other liens or code violations. Occupancy and physical possession may still be contested if tenants or third parties hold leases or adverse possession claims.

Where a redemption period or other waiting period applies, holding periods are built into the process and redemption risk is real. Properties are not necessarily yours the moment you win an auction.

Due diligence and risks

Before bidding on any Philadelphia County tax-delinquent property, conduct thorough title and lien research.

Title review is essential. The data shows 7 judgment liens and 7 general liens recorded in the county. Whether any of them survives a tax sale and becomes your obligation as the new owner depends on the lien and the type of sale. Search the recorder's office records, the court dockets, and the county lien filings to identify all encumbrances before you bid. A title company experienced in tax sale properties can assist, though you will likely pay premium rates.

Code violations are another major risk. With 1,618 code violations recorded in Philadelphia County as of July 6, 2026, assume that properties you are considering may be subject to outstanding municipal citations, fines, or orders to repair. Contact the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections to confirm whether the property you are interested in has open violations, unpaid fines, or dangerous building notices. These obligations may transfer to you upon purchase or may require immediate capital expenditure.

Physical condition and occupancy must be verified on-site. Visit every property before auction and, if possible, speak to neighbors or building staff. Determine whether the property is occupied by tenants, squatters, or is vacant. Eviction takes time and money; if you must remove occupants after purchase, budget accordingly. Probate and preprobate filings (3 and 114 respectively) suggest that some properties are entangled in estate settlements, which can complicate clearing title and gaining possession.

Survey the building exterior and, if safe to do so, the interior. Properties with 1,618 active code violations in the county are frequently in poor condition. Estimate rehab costs conservatively and add a contingency. Do not assume the property is habitable or marketable without on-site inspection.

Finally, confirm all sale terms with the County Tax Claim Bureau. Redemption periods, bid amounts, buyer registration requirements, and settlement timelines vary. Never assume Pennsylvania statewide rules apply uniformly; Philadelphia County may have local orders or procedures that alter the standard process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get the official list of tax-delinquent properties in Philadelphia County?

Contact the County Tax Claim Bureau directly. This is the only authoritative source for the current, accurate tax-delinquent property list. The Bureau can provide the list in whatever format it publishes (online, printed, or by request) and will tell you how often it is updated and when the next tax sale is scheduled. Do not rely on third-party aggregator websites; always verify details with the Bureau before committing funds.

When is the next Philadelphia County tax sale?

The County Tax Claim Bureau publishes the schedule and timeline for tax sales. Contact the Bureau directly to confirm the exact date of the next auction. Confirm how far in advance sales are advertised so you have time to conduct due diligence. The data provided reflects activity as of early to mid-2026, but future sale dates must be obtained directly from the County Tax Claim Bureau.

How long do I have to redeem a property after a Pennsylvania tax sale?

Whether the original owner can reclaim a property after a Pennsylvania tax sale, how long they have and what they must pay are set by state law and the county's procedures and may vary by property and notice. Confirm the precise terms with the County Tax Claim Bureau before bidding, as they directly affect when you will receive a deed and gain full control of the property.

Is it worth bidding on Philadelphia County tax-delinquent properties given the number of liens and code violations?

It depends on your experience and resources. Philadelphia County shows 9,079 trustee sales, 1,618 code violations, and numerous liens scattered across the property market, indicating both substantial opportunity and significant risk. For seasoned investors with capital for rehab and legal expertise, the volume of properties and competitive bidding can yield returns. For novices, the prevalence of title defects, liens, and code violations means you will face unexpected costs and delays. Start by contacting the County Tax Claim Bureau, conducting thorough due diligence on a few specific properties, and consulting with a local real estate attorney experienced in tax sales. Success requires discipline and expert guidance.

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:

Sources

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