City of Savannah Real Property Marshal Sale Information
The Marshal Sale for Real Property is held the 1st Tuesday of the month, following the Chatham County Sheriff Sale, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., outside the courthouse entrance located at 133 Montgomery Street (except when the first Tuesday falls on a legal holiday in which case the sale will commence the next business day).
Properties for sale are advertised in the Savannah Morning News’ legal section for four (4) consecutive Thursdays prior to the sale. A courtesy listing of properties up for sale is available at the City’s Revenue department located at 132 E. Broughton Street – 1st floor, Savannah, GA 31401 (corner of Abercorn & Broughton) between 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Participants do not need to pre-register to bid at the tax sale; you must be present at the Sale to bid. Bids by mail, phone, or fax are not accepted. The opening bid for a particular property is the amount of tax due, plus penalties, interest, Fi.Fa. costs, levy costs, administrative levy fees, certified mail costs, advertising costs, and tax deed preparation and recording fees. The property is sold to the highest bidder.
Payment is required in full upon conclusion of the tax sale and before 2:00 p.m. that same day. Payment must be in the form of cash, cahier’s check, or money order and remitted to the City of Savannah Revenue Department at 132 E. Broughton Street – 1st floor.
The tax sale purchaser receives a tax deed to the property. However, the purchaser may not take immediate possession of the property, make any improvements to the property, evict any tenants, or move onto the property. Georgia law allows the property owner or anyone with any right, title or interest in the property to repurchase (redeem) the property. Until the right of redemption has been foreclosed or the title has ripened by prescription, a tax deed has the same force and effect as a lien.
This information is not intended to substitute for professional advice or assistance. Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the purchaser to have researched the property before bidding. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to consult an attorney. Keep foremost in mind that it is up to the purchasers to assure themselves of the soundness of the sale and the deed acquired at the sale. NO WARRANTIES are given or implied and clear title is not contemplated. The City of Savannah’s primary concern is the payment of delinquent taxes. The conveying of property, or rights to property, is coincidental.
The City of Savannah Revenue Department receives many inquiries concerning real estate tax sales. Non-Judicial Ex-Officio Tax Sales are conducted approximately six months out of the year. This brief publication is designed to answer questions and provide an insight into the legal framework that gives the authority for conducting a real estate tax sale in the state of Georgia.
Applicable references to the Official Code of Georgia are given both as a source of authority and to add to a clear understanding of real estate tax sales in the state of Georgia.
The City of Savannah appreciates your interest and participation! If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office at (912) 651-6450 ( press #1 for property tax). |
