Property tax foreclosures

The tax foreclosure process on real property begins when any one tax, assessment, fee, or lien becomes a full three years delinquent. Properties in tax foreclosure are subject to sale at auction. This process is guided by state law. To remove your parcel from the foreclosure action, you must pay all taxes, fees, interest, penalties, and foreclosure costs.

King County holds its tax foreclosure auction in September of each year. These parcels are offered on a "where is" and "as is" basis. King County makes no guarantees or representation of warranty, express or implied, as to the condition of title to any property nor the physical condition of any property or its fitness for any use or purpose. Bidders are urged to do their own research on all potential purchases prior to the sale.

Note that a tax foreclosure is not the same as a mortgage or loan foreclosure. Those foreclosures are conducted by lenders when a property owner falls behind on their mortgage payments. Contact your bank, lender, or mortgage servicer for information on those foreclosures.

Key Dates

• Last day to register to participate in the in the online auction is September 4, 2026at https://king.wa.realforeclose.com
• The 2025 “Terms of Sale” are available at https://king.wa.realforeclose.com
• Auction Date (1st offer) begins September 9, 2026 at 9:00 am pacific time
• Auction Date (2nd offer – if needed) begins September 16, 2026 at 9:00 am pacific time
• Auction Date (3rd offer – if needed) begins September 23, 2026 at 9:00 am pacific time
• Tax deeds will be recorded within sixty days after the sale date
• Surplus funds information will be available in late January 2026