How to Buy a Government Property

The government offers both undeveloped properties for sale.

If you're looking for investment opportunities or a deal on a piece of property, try looking at land for sale from the government. The government acquires property from individuals and companies that owe back taxes, land that was part of a criminal investigation and land that was seized for another reason. Occasionally land also comes up for sale that the government once used but now has closed down. Buildings, land, farms, vehicles, computers and other items are listed for sale on the Gov Sales website.

Instructions

1. Search govsales.gov for available land and houses currently for sale by the federal government. If you're looking for land with a home on it, check the Houses section or look through the Buildings and Land section for unimproved land or rural properties. A separate category exists for farms and farmland.

2. Find an appropriate property and read the description. The government includes all details of the property, such as the buildings on the land, the cost of the property and what buyers need to do if they want to purchase the property. Restrictions issued by the government, including financing issues and types of buyers allowed, are also listed.

3. Look for tax sales taking place in your area. County governments sell property through their own departments in an auction setting. Newspapers often list descriptions of the property, including the date of the sale and any liens on the property.

4. Contact the state tax department for properties currently for sale. The state has the right to foreclose on a property or confiscate a property for nonpayment of taxes and other issues. The state tax department offers those properties for sale at auction.

5. Ask about any liens currently on the property before bidding or making an offer. A tax lien is sometimes used by the government as a way of ensuring that back taxes are paid. When you purchase a piece of property with a lien in place, you're required to pay the total cost of it before taking ownership of the property.

Tips & Warnings

• Read any restrictions carefully. Some government properties are part of a special program that requires you to first show proof that you can pay the total cost of the property and make any improvements before your bid is accepted.

References

• GovSales: Homes for Sale