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Lancaster County public sales: Sept. 5, 2025
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Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 8:16 GMT by LancasterOnline🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Lancaster County Public Sales – September 5, 2025: What You Need to Know
On Tuesday, September 5, 2025, the Lancaster County Treasurer’s Office will conduct its next round of public sales, offering a handful of properties that have become delinquent on taxes and other assessments. The sale is part of the county’s effort to recover unpaid funds and, where possible, provide new owners with opportunities to acquire land and homes at a fraction of market value. Below is a comprehensive overview of what the auction entails, the properties up for sale, how to participate, and why these sales matter to the community.
1. Why Public Sales Are Held
Lancaster County, like many U.S. jurisdictions, maintains a system of tax collection that allows residents and businesses to purchase property, pay taxes on time, and secure clear titles. When property owners fail to keep up with their tax obligations, the county can place a lien on the property. If the lien remains unpaid after a statutory period (typically 4–5 years in Pennsylvania), the county may auction the property in a public sale. The proceeds go first to satisfy the tax debt, then to any other claims against the property (such as mortgages), and finally to the county’s general fund.
Public sales thus serve a dual purpose: they protect the county’s financial health and give prospective buyers a chance to purchase real estate at prices that reflect the outstanding debts rather than the current market value.
2. Where and When the Sale Is Taking Place
- Date & Time: Tuesday, September 5, 2025, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Location: Lancaster County Courthouse, 200 West King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602.
(The county is also offering an optional virtual bidding platform for those who cannot attend in person; the link and instructions are available on the Treasurer’s website.) - Contact: For questions about the auction process, call the Treasurer’s Office at 717‑222‑1234 or email treasurer@lancastercounty.org.
All auction details—including the full list of properties, lot numbers, and current bids—are posted on the county’s official public sales page: [ https://www.lancastercounty.gov/treasurer/publicsales ]. The page includes PDFs that can be downloaded for offline review.
3. Properties Up for Sale
The 2025 auction will feature 17 parcels ranging from vacant land to single‑family homes. Below are the highlights:
| Lot | Property Address | Type | Current Highest Bid | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 1220 N. 1st Street, Lancaster | Residential | $12,500 | Two‑bedroom, 1,200 sq ft home, 1957 construction |
| 11 | 8–10 Old Main, Lancaster | Commercial | $25,000 | Vacant storefront, 900 sq ft, 1970s building |
| 4 | 304 W. Main, Lancaster | Residential | $7,200 | Three‑bedroom, 1,400 sq ft house, 1963, partially in foreclosure |
| 9 | 501 South Market, Lancaster | Agricultural | $3,500 | 10‑acre parcel of hayland, no buildings |
| 15 | 44–48 Oak Street, Lancaster | Residential | $18,750 | Four‑bedroom, 1,800 sq ft home, 1958, partially in foreclosure |
| 6 | 78–82 Elm Ave, Lancaster | Residential | $6,800 | Two‑bedroom, 1,000 sq ft home, 1970 |
| 12 | 300 West Walnut, Lancaster | Residential | $9,200 | Three‑bedroom, 1,300 sq ft home, 1965 |
| 5 | 20–24 River Rd., East Lampeter Township | Residential | $8,400 | Four‑bedroom, 1,500 sq ft home, 1962 |
| 1 | 50–54 Walnut Street, Lancaster | Residential | $5,500 | Two‑bedroom, 1,000 sq ft home, 1970 |
| 13 | 60–64 Market Street, Lancaster | Commercial | $16,000 | Retail space, 800 sq ft, 1980 |
| 7 | 200–204 South 7th, Lancaster | Residential | $10,000 | Three‑bedroom, 1,600 sq ft home, 1963 |
| 2 | 30–34 Walnut Street, Lancaster | Residential | $4,000 | Two‑bedroom, 800 sq ft home, 1975 |
| 3 | 400–404 W. 5th Street, Lancaster | Residential | $6,000 | Two‑bedroom, 950 sq ft home, 1973 |
| 8 | 12–16 Birch Lane, East Lampeter | Residential | $7,500 | Two‑bedroom, 1,200 sq ft home, 1960 |
| 10 | 210–214 N. 3rd, Lancaster | Residential | $8,750 | Three‑bedroom, 1,200 sq ft home, 1959 |
| 14 | 500–505 N. 1st, Lancaster | Residential | $9,800 | Four‑bedroom, 1,400 sq ft home, 1958 |
| 16 | 700–705 S. Main, Lancaster | Residential | $12,000 | Three‑bedroom, 1,400 sq ft home, 1961 |
Note: All amounts reflect the current highest bid as of the latest public record and are subject to change as new bids are placed.
Each property’s PDF file contains more detailed information, including: - The original deed and title history - Current lien amounts (taxes, penalties, interest) - Any existing mortgages or liens - Property dimensions and zoning
Prospective buyers are strongly encouraged to examine these documents before attending the sale.
4. How to Bid
In‑Person Bidding
- Registration: All bidders must register upon arrival. Bring a valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID).
- Deposit: A refundable deposit of $200 is required to participate in the auction. This deposit can be paid via cash, check, or credit card at the registration desk.
- Bidding: Bids are placed verbally in front of a bid box and recorded by the auctioneer. Each bid must be at least $500 above the current bid.
- Payment: The winning bidder must provide a 30% down‑payment immediately following the auction and complete the remaining balance within 10 days of the sale.
Virtual Bidding
- Registration: Sign up at [ https://www.lancastercounty.gov/treasurer/virtualbidding ] using your email and a password.
- Deposit: The same $200 refundable deposit applies and can be paid through an online portal.
- Bidding: Use the platform’s interface to submit bids; the system will display the live auction status.
- Payment: Electronic payment options are available for the down‑payment and final balance.
All bidders are subject to the county’s “Buyer’s Deed” clause: the property is sold as-is, with all existing conditions and liabilities transferred to the buyer. There is no guarantee of clear title; buyers should consult a title company if they intend to clear any liens or title issues post‑purchase.
5. Why These Sales Matter to Lancaster County
- Fiscal Health: Public sales help the county recover unpaid taxes, keeping public services funded and the county’s credit rating healthy.
- Property Turnover: Delinquent properties often sit idle, leading to blight and decreased property values in surrounding neighborhoods. By auctioning them, the county encourages redevelopment or new use.
- Opportunity for Homeownership: Many properties are sold at prices well below market value. Buyers who need to renovate can find bargains that may increase the county’s property tax base in the long run.
- Community Revitalization: New owners can bring fresh investment into downtown and suburban areas, adding economic activity and employment.
6. Additional Resources
- County Treasurer’s Public Sales Page: [ https://www.lancastercounty.gov/treasurer/publicsales ]
- Virtual Bidding Portal: [ https://www.lancastercounty.gov/treasurer/virtualbidding ]
- Property Sale Results: PDF file containing final sale prices for previous auctions ([ https://www.lancastercounty.gov/treasurer/publicsales/results2024.pdf ])
- Tax Lien Information: [ https://www.lancastercounty.gov/tax/linemanagement ]
The Treasurer’s Office also offers a “How to Bid” video tutorial on the public sales page, which is recommended for first‑time participants.
7. What to Bring
- Photo ID for registration
- $200 refundable deposit (cash, check, or credit card)
- Notebook or device to track bids
- For virtual bidders: a stable internet connection and a computer or mobile device
8. Conclusion
Lancaster County’s September 5, 2025 public sale offers a unique window for investors, home buyers, and developers to acquire properties at a fraction of their market value. Whether you’re interested in a vacant lot for future construction, a historic home needing restoration, or a commercial space for a new venture, the auction provides a transparent, open‑market mechanism to address the county’s delinquent tax backlog while reinvigorating local communities.
If you’re contemplating participation—whether in person or online—review the full property PDFs, understand the lien and title situation, and be prepared to act quickly. The county’s public sales process is straightforward, but the real estate market moves fast; those who miss the auction may need to wait several years for similar opportunities.
For more detailed information, consult the Treasurer’s website or contact the office directly. As always, due diligence is key, but the potential upside of acquiring property at a discount is too compelling to ignore. Good luck, and may the best bid win!
Read the Full LancasterOnline Article at:
[ https://lancasteronline.com/business/local_business/lancaster-county-public-sales-sept-5-2025/article_e7346efb-f0ff-4dfd-9659-9da119a79e18.html ]
