Investing guides / North Dakota

North Dakota tax sale investing: buy the property itself at the county sale

Quick answerNorth Dakota sells tax deeds for unpaid property taxes. Redemption: No private lien sale (eliminated in 1999). The county forecloses the tax lien: the auditor gives foreclosure notice on or before June 1 for property where the statutory period has run (NDACo guidance: four or more years since the tax became due, NDCC 57-28-01), the redemption period expires October 1, and if unredeemed a tax deed issues to the county (NDCC 57-28-09). No redemption after the county's sale; the former owner may repurchase only until that sale. Sales: Annual sale of tax-deeded land on the third Tuesday in November at the county auditor's office (NDCC 57-28-13) Governing law: North Dakota Century Code Chapter 57-28 (NDCC 57-28-01, 57-28-09, 57-28-13, 57-28-14).

How it works in North Dakota

In North Dakota the county sells the property itself at a tax deed auction. Win the bid and the deed is yours — along with the due diligence burden, because sales are as-is and buyer beware.

Interest / penalty: n/a

Redemption: No private lien sale (eliminated in 1999). The county forecloses the tax lien: the auditor gives foreclosure notice on or before June 1 for property where the statutory period has run (NDACo guidance: four or more years since the tax became due, NDCC 57-28-01), the redemption period expires October 1, and if unredeemed a tax deed issues to the county (NDCC 57-28-09). No redemption after the county's sale; the former owner may repurchase only until that sale.

When sales happen: Annual sale of tax-deeded land on the third Tuesday in November at the county auditor's office (NDCC 57-28-13)

Where sales run: Mostly in-person at the county auditor's office / county sale, County auditor notices and official county newspaper; no dominant online platform

Governing law: North Dakota Century Code Chapter 57-28 (NDCC 57-28-01, 57-28-09, 57-28-13, 57-28-14)

The investor's edge

Your edge is the max bid: value the property from county records and recent sales, subtract title-clearing and repair reality, and write the number down before the auction opens.

Investors buy only from the county after foreclosure, at or above a county-set minimum price — there is no lien certificate, interest return, or private foreclosure path. Unsold parcels may be sold later by the board of county commissioners under Chapter 57-28 procedures.

Never check North Dakota county lists by hand again

LienToDeed watches the published lists and texts you the moment new North Dakota properties are listed — scored, with your max number. Free calendar and laws for every state.

Get North Dakota alerts

Full legal reference: North Dakota tax sale laws. Verified 2026-10-30 against the sources on that page. Educational only, not investment advice.