View Active Philadelphia County Listings
Opening bids, property photos, ARV estimates, and auction dates
Overview
Philadelphia is unique in PA: both mortgage foreclosure and tax delinquent sales are conducted by the Sheriff's Office via Bid4Assets. Mortgage foreclosure sales happen on the first Tuesday of each month, with four different tax sales throughout the month. Free monthly workshops are offered in English and Spanish.
Quick Reference
How to Bid at a Philadelphia County Sheriff Sale
Follow these steps to participate in an upcoming Philadelphia County auction:
Find upcoming listings
Browse Philadelphia County sheriff sale listings on SheriffIQ or the county sheriff’s website. Check sale dates and property details.
Research the property
Run a title search through the Philadelphia County Recorder of Deeds. Check property tax status, municipal liens, and IRS liens. Drive by the property to assess exterior condition.
Register to bid
Register with the Philadelphia County Sheriff’s Office before the sale. Bring valid photo ID and any required deposits.
Bid online
Join the online auction on sale day. Bidding is typically live with ascending bids.
Pay the deposit
If you win, the deposit ($5,000 + $35 fee) is due per county rules. Have your payment ready in the accepted format — typically cashier’s check or money order.
Pay the balance
The remaining balance is due By 5:00 PM EST on 15th calendar day after auction. Failure to pay typically results in forfeiture of your deposit and potential ban from future sales.
Receive your deed
After full payment, the Sheriff’s Deed is recorded and transferred to you. There is no redemption period.
Key Notes for Philadelphia County Investors
Philadelphia is the only PA county where both mortgage and tax sales are run by the Sheriff.
The 9-month Right of Redemption applies ONLY to Tax Delinquent Sales, not mortgage foreclosures.
Free workshops are offered monthly by the Sheriff's Office to help understand the bidding process.
The Philadelphia Land Bank places priority bids on certain tax sale properties at the City's opening bid.
Check for outstanding code violations with L&I before bidding on tax sale properties.
Failing to meet payment terms forfeits your deposit and may suspend or ban your Bid4Assets account.
Browse Philadelphia County Listings Now
See opening bids, estimated ARV, property photos, and equity spread for every active listing.
View Philadelphia County ListingsFrequently Asked Questions
What deposit is required to bid in Philadelphia County?
The deposit requirement is: $5,000 + $35 fee. The remaining balance is due: By 5:00 PM EST on 15th calendar day after auction. Payment is typically by cashier’s check or money order — confirm accepted payment methods with the county.
Are Philadelphia County sheriff sales in person or online?
Philadelphia County sheriff sales are conducted online: Online via Bid4Assets. You can bid from your computer or phone without attending in person.
Can I inspect a property before bidding?
No. Sheriff sale properties are sold AS-IS. The Sheriff’s Office cannot provide property access or keys. Drive by to assess exterior condition and neighborhood, but interior inspections are not available before the auction.
Is there a redemption period in Pennsylvania?
No. Pennsylvania has no post-sale redemption period for standard mortgage foreclosures. Once you pay in full and the deed is recorded, the property is yours. Philadelphia tax sales are the exception (9-month redemption).
What liens survive a Philadelphia County sheriff sale?
Property tax arrears, municipal liens (water, sewer, code violations), and IRS federal tax liens typically survive a sheriff sale. Junior mortgages and judgment liens are usually extinguished if properly named in the foreclosure suit. Always run a comprehensive title search before bidding.
Where can I find Philadelphia County sheriff sale listings?
SheriffIQ aggregates Philadelphia County sheriff sale listings with opening bids, property photos, ARV estimates, and auction dates. You can also check the Philadelphia County Sheriff’s Office website directly.