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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.

Austin Beveridge

Tennessee

, Goliath Teammate

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.

TL;DR

  • 1 tax-delinquent property are currently on record in Philadelphia County, PA, refreshed weekly from public records.

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

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

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, refreshed weekly 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 real-time county records. Refreshed weekly.

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 in the week of July 6, 2026, coupled with 1,618 code violations and 559 permit filings during the same period. 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. While foreclosure activity itself is modest at 3 properties, the 2 preforeclosure notices and 2 lis pendens filings indicate additional distress ahead. 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, suggesting liquidity and frequent auction windows. However, the prevalence of liens (judgment, utility, state, county, federal, and mechanic liens all recorded), 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 2 absentee owners on file and 2 properties in quiet title actions underscore 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 to 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 separate from the property assessor's office and handles all delinquent tax collections and tax sales in 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 Pennsylvania's tax sale and redemption process works

Pennsylvania's tax sale mechanism is distinct from foreclosure and operates through a statutory redemption framework that protects property owners even after a sale has occurred.

The process begins when a property owner fails to pay property taxes. The County Tax Claim Bureau issues notice of the delinquency. After a defined period of non-payment, the property is advertised for public sale. In Pennsylvania, the sale is typically conducted by the Tax Claim Bureau and may take the form of an open auction or a list sale, depending on county procedures.

The sale itself transfers the tax lien to the highest bidder or to the county if no bids are received. Critically, however, the original property owner retains a statutory right of redemption. This means the owner can reclaim the property by paying the winning bid amount, plus costs and interest, within a specified timeframe. The exact length of the redemption period depends on state law and whether certain conditions are met; you must confirm the precise redemption timeline with the County Tax Claim Bureau before bidding.

During the redemption period, the property owner retains legal title, though the purchaser at tax sale has a lien on the property. The purchaser does not receive a deed until either the redemption period expires without the owner reclaiming the property, or the owner voluntarily relinquishes redemption rights.

After redemption rights expire (or are waived), the County Tax Claim Bureau issues a tax deed to the purchaser. This deed transfers full legal ownership, free of the original owner's claims, though it 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.

Pennsylvania's system is designed to collect unpaid taxes while giving property owners a final opportunity to reclaim their real estate. For investors, this means holding periods are built into the process, and redemption risk is real. Properties are not immediately yours upon winning 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, 7 general liens, 1 state lien, 1 utility lien, 1 county lien, 1 federal lien, 1 mechanic lien, and 1 medical lien recorded in the county during the reporting periods. Any of these can survive a tax deed and become your obligation as the new owner. 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 filed in Philadelphia County in the week 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. Pennsylvania's eviction process is time-consuming and expensive; 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. Sales are typically advertised several weeks in advance to allow buyers 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?

Pennsylvania grants property owners a statutory right of redemption after a tax sale, meaning the original owner can reclaim the property by paying the bid amount plus costs and interest within a set period. The exact length of the redemption period is set by state law and may vary based on property classification or prior notice. Confirm the precise redemption timeline with the County Tax Claim Bureau before bidding, as it directly affects 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:

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