San Diego Tax Auction: 686 Properties Up for Bid in March 2026

More than 680 properties in San Diego County are slated for auction next month, as the county prepares to sell off tax-defaulted parcels. Registration for prospective bidders opened this week, with the online auction scheduled to run from March 13 through March 18, according to the County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office.

The properties have been delinquent on property taxes for at least five years. This year’s offerings include 70 improved parcels – those with structures on them – 66 vacant lots, and 550 timeshare interests. Interested parties must register online by March 3, submitting a $1,000 refundable deposit and a $35 nonrefundable processing fee. Some properties may require a larger deposit, officials noted.

County officials are emphasizing that all sales made during the auction are final, urging potential buyers to thoroughly review all rules and property details before bidding. A complete list of parcels available for auction can be found on the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s website.

Property owners still have a limited opportunity to reclaim their parcels. Outstanding taxes and associated fees must be paid in full by 5 p.m. On March 12 to prevent the sale from proceeding. The Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office stated it makes efforts to notify all property owners before their properties are put up for auction.

San Diego County is not the only California locality holding a large-scale tax auction. Riverside County, experiencing rapid growth, is auctioning nearly 1,000 properties this year, including homes in Lake Elsinore, and Wildomar. Starting bids in Riverside County begin as low as $100.