Suffolk County, Massachusetts Tax Delinquent Properties for Sale List

Key Takeaways

• Suffolk County, Massachusetts currently has 1 tax-delinquent property on record in GoliathData, from public records (data current as of June 29, 2026).
• GoliathData's Suffolk County table also shows 9 county liens, 7 quiet title actions, 5 utility liens and 3 sheriff sales.
• The official Suffolk County tax-delinquent list comes from the municipality's collector or treasurer office; GoliathData does not replace that office's list.
• Every tax-delinquent purchase in Suffolk County needs a title search and confirmed redemption terms before bidding.

Suffolk County, Massachusetts currently has 1 tax-delinquent property on record, along with liens, probate filings, and other signals compiled from public records. If you are searching for the Suffolk County tax delinquent properties for sale list, this page gives you the current count, how to pull the official list from the Town or City Collector-Treasurer, how Massachusetts's tax sale and redemption process works, and the due diligence to run before you bid.

GoliathData currently tracks 1 tax-delinquent property in Suffolk County, MA, alongside the wider distressed-property picture below, data current as of June 29, 2026, compiled from public records:

Source: GoliathData county records.

What do the Suffolk County tax-delinquent numbers mean for buyers and investors?

Suffolk County, Massachusetts is showing 1 tax delinquency on record as of the week of May 25, 2026. That single entry represents a property whose owner has fallen behind on municipal property tax payments. While one tax delinquency may seem modest, the broader picture of property distress in the county is more complex. The table shows a range of other recorded signals across the county during the spring and early summer of 2026, including 9 county liens, 7 quiet title actions, 5 utility liens, 3 code violations, 3 sheriff sales, 3 HOA liens, 3 divorce filings, 2 continuing liens and 2 probate cases.

For investors seeking tax-delinquent properties, this environment presents a fragmented opportunity set. The low count of outright tax delinquencies is only what the data shows. However, the diversity of lien types signals underlying property distress: county liens often arise from unpaid assessments; utility liens from unpaid water, sewer, or electric bills; and code violations from unresolved building or zoning infractions. Quiet title actions indicate title disputes and pending litigation. The 3 sheriff sales represent a more advanced stage of distress. Investors should recognize that competition for the single listed tax delinquency will likely be minimal, but due diligence will be critical because properties with such clouded titles or unresolved liens often carry hidden costs.

The presence of probate filings (2) and divorce actions (3) adds another layer: these are distressed situations where property may change hands or be liquidated under pressure, sometimes below market value. For the sophisticated buyer willing to research municipal records and navigate lien hierarchies, Suffolk County offers opportunities, but each property needs its own research.

How do I get the official Suffolk County tax-delinquent list?

In Massachusetts, confirm with each municipality which office handles delinquent property taxes; it is not the county. Suffolk County includes Boston, Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop. To obtain a tax-delinquent property list, contact the Collector-Treasurer's office in the specific municipality where the property is located.

The Town or City Collector-Treasurer is the office to ask about unpaid property taxes, delinquency notices, and how any tax sale or taking is handled in each community. You can locate the Collector-Treasurer's office by visiting your municipality's official website or calling town or city hall. When you contact them, request a list of properties that are currently tax-delinquent or have been referred for tax sale. Some municipalities publish these lists online; others provide them upon written request.

Ask the Collector-Treasurer how the municipality handles delinquent parcels, whether it conducts sales and by what method, and what the redemption terms are. Sale type, redemption rights and interest are set by Massachusetts law and the municipality's own procedures; confirm them before bidding. Keep in mind that the assessor's office values property for tax purposes but does not handle delinquent collections; direct all inquiries about delinquency and tax sales to the Collector-Treasurer.

How does Massachusetts' tax sale and redemption process work?

Sale type, redemption rights and interest are set by Massachusetts law and the municipality's own procedures; confirm them with the Collector-Treasurer of the relevant city or town before bidding. Ask in particular how unpaid taxes are escalated, what notice the owner receives, and what a buyer receives.

If taxes remain unpaid, what happens next, including any sale method, minimum or opening bid based on the delinquent tax amount plus interest and costs, is set by Massachusetts law and the municipality; confirm each with the Collector-Treasurer.

Redemption rights, who may redeem, the length of any redemption period and what a buyer holds afterward depend on Massachusetts law and the type of sale or taking. Do not assume the buyer holds clear title or that other liens are cleared; confirm with the Collector-Treasurer and a Massachusetts real estate attorney.

For the single tax delinquency recorded in Suffolk County as of late May 2026, confirm the specific municipal procedure, redemption terms and any opening bid amount with the relevant Town or City Collector-Treasurer. Massachusetts law sets the framework, but municipalities implement it with local variation in timing, procedures, and notice.

What due diligence and risks apply before bidding on a tax-delinquent property?

Before bidding on any tax-delinquent property, conduct thorough research. Start by obtaining a title report from a title company or attorney. This report will reveal all liens, mortgages, and encumbrances on the property. In Suffolk County, the data shows 9 county liens, 5 utility liens, 3 HOA liens, and 2 continuing liens active in the county during May and June 2026. Any of these may attach to a tax-delinquent property, and whether a lien survives a sale depends on Massachusetts law and the lien, so you could end up owing money after a purchase.

Walk the property if possible and note its physical condition. Does it appear occupied? Are there visible code violations such as broken windows, overgrown landscaping, or structural damage? The county data shows 3 code violations; if a property has an unresolved code enforcement issue, you may inherit the obligation to remedy it.

Check local property records for recent permits, violations, or complaints filed with the municipality. Contact the municipal assessor's office (a different office from the Collector-Treasurer) to verify the assessed value and property description. Confirm the property's legal description and boundary against a recent survey if available.

Verify whether the property is occupied and by whom. If a tenant holds a lease, you may be obligated to honor it after purchase, or you may have a right to evict, depending on Massachusetts landlord-tenant law and the terms of any recorded lease.

Finally, understand that the redemption period creates legal and financial risk. If a redemption period applies, the original owner or a creditor may be able to redeem. Confirm the terms with the Collector-Treasurer, and avoid capital improvements until you know your ownership is final.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the current tax-delinquent properties in my Suffolk County municipality?

Contact the Town or City Collector-Treasurer in the specific municipality where the property is located. This office can tell you how delinquent taxes are listed and handled; see a general delinquent tax list guide. Ask where any lists and sale notices are posted. You can also request a list in writing or by phone. Remember that the assessor's office values property; ask the Collector-Treasurer about tax delinquencies.

When is the next tax sale in Suffolk County?

Whether and when a sale is held varies by municipality within Suffolk County. There is no single county-wide tax sale date. Contact the Collector-Treasurer in your municipality of interest to find out when the next sale is scheduled, whether it will be a public auction or sealed bid process, and what the bidding requirements are (deposits, payment terms, etc.).

How long is the redemption period after I buy a tax-delinquent property in Massachusetts?

Redemption rights are set by Massachusetts law and the municipality's procedures. You must confirm the exact redemption terms for your property with the Town or City Collector-Treasurer before bidding, including who may redeem and what they must pay, and when any deed would be issued.

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

It depends on the specific property, its location, condition, and title. With only 1 tax delinquency recorded in the county as of May 2026, competition for that property will be light. However, the other liens and legal actions in the table suggest that title and lien issues can be complex. If you find a property in a desirable location with a clean title and reasonable opening bid, a tax sale can offer value. If the property carries multiple liens or unresolved code violations, the risk may outweigh the benefit. Have a title attorney and inspector review any property before you bid.

More Massachusetts Tax Delinquent Property Lists

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

• Worcester County, MA tax delinquent properties for sale list
• Barnstable County, MA tax delinquent properties for sale list
• Bristol County, MA tax delinquent properties for sale list
• Essex County, MA tax delinquent properties for sale list
• Hampden County, MA tax delinquent properties for sale list
• Hampshire County, MA tax delinquent properties for sale list

Sources

• Town or City Collector-Treasurer, the official delinquent-property list, tax-sale schedule, and redemption details for Suffolk County. Contact the office directly for current specifics.
• U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts, population, housing, and ownership context for Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
• 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.