Lancaster County, PAsheriff sales & tax auctions

A sheriff's deed. After the sale the sheriff files a schedule of distribution within 30 days, and executes the deed at the expiration of 20 but no later than 40 days after it is filed (Pa.R.C.P. 3135); no court confirmation is required. Sold 'as is', caveat emptor, no inspection, and 'The Sheriff does not research properties for debts/liens prior to the sale' (Bucks).

Redemption

None for mortgage foreclosure: 'The Right of Redemption does not apply to any property sold at the Mortgage Foreclosure Sheriff Sale' (Philadelphia Sheriff). The only attack on the sale is a petition to set it aside filed before the sheriff's deed is delivered (Pa.R.C.P. 3132).

Deposit

County by county, generally 10%: Philadelphia -- $5,000 Bid4Assets deposit to bid, then 10% of the price by 5 p.m. the first business day after the auction; Allegheny -- 10% in cash or money order the day after the sale; Perry -- 10% plus 2% poundage immediately after the sale; Lycoming -- 10% of your expected high bid on deposit before bidding. Default forfeits the deposit.

Balance due

County by county: Allegheny -- balance by 10:00 a.m. the Monday after the sale, cashier's check or money order only; Perry -- 10 days; Lycoming -- 10 business days by wire only; Philadelphia -- 90% within 15 calendar days.

Bid increment

Not statewide. Philadelphia: $1,000 increments above the minimum.

To bid

County by county: Bucks -- register in person the hour before the sale with photo ID, proof of funds and the registration form; Allegheny -- bidder registration form plus a copy of state ID two business days ahead for virtual sales; Philadelphia -- Bid4Assets account with a $5,000 deposit and $35 fee.

Where

Each county sheriff: in person (Bucks: County Administration Building, Doylestown), virtual (Allegheny), or online platforms (Lycoming on RealForeclose; Philadelphia on Bid4Assets). Notice is by handbill, written notice and 3 weeks of newspaper publication (Pa.R.C.P. 3129.2).

When

Monthly in most counties: Allegheny first Monday; Bucks second Friday at 11 a.m.; Philadelphia judicial foreclosure sales first Tuesday at 10 a.m. A listed sale can be continued up to two times within 130 days without new notice (Bucks).

Rules checked 2026-09-17 against pacodeandbulletin.gov, phillysheriff.com, buckscounty.gov, lycomingcountypa.gov. Terms vary by county — confirm Lancaster County's own notice and the linked source before you bid. Not legal advice.