Tax sale homes in Lakeshore.
Also called tax take-back properties. Low opening prices, real risks, and almost nothing like a normal MLS purchase — here's how they actually work.
What a tax sale property is
When property taxes in Lakeshore go unpaid for long enough, the municipality can sell the property to recover the debt. The Town isn't flipping real estate — it's collecting arrears. That's why the minimum acceptable bid is based on taxes and costs owing rather than what the home is worth.
It also means you're buying as-is, where-is: no inspection, no seller disclosure, no conditions, and no guarantee the home is empty. The upside can be real. So can the downside.
How the tender process works
Taxes go unpaid
The municipality registers a tax arrears certificate on title after property taxes are left unpaid for the statutory period.
The sale is advertised
If the arrears still aren't paid, the Town advertises a public tender — including in the Ontario Gazette and a local paper.
You submit a sealed tender
Bids are sealed and due by a deadline, each with a certified deposit of at least 20% of the bid amount.
Winner closes in 14 days
The highest valid tender above the minimum wins and pays the balance, land transfer tax and any HST within 14 days.
Lakeshore tax sale properties
Two properties in the Municipality's 2026 tax sale have not been redeemed. Tenders were due 3:00 PM, Thursday, September 10, 2026 — confirm current status with the Town before acting.
0 County Road 46
A vacant parcel in the Maidstone area of Lakeshore offered by municipal tax sale with a minimum tender of $14,435.14 — the lowest opening amount in this round.
565 Notre Dame Street
A Notre Dame Street property in the old Rochester plan near Belle River, offered by municipal tax sale with a minimum tender of $43,019.41.
Be first on the next one.
Tax sales are published by the Town of Lakeshore only when one happens, and there are often long stretches with none. By the time word gets around, the tender deadline has usually passed. I watch for the notices and post them here as soon as they're advertised.
Four things to do first
- Order a title search — a tax sale clears most claims, but Crown interests, some easements and existing tenancies can survive.
- Drive the property and walk the perimeter. Check access, servicing and visible condition.
- Confirm zoning and permitted use with the Town before assuming you can build or renovate.
- Have the full amount ready. There are no financing conditions and only 14 days to close.
Lakeshore tax sale FAQ
What is a tax sale property in Lakeshore, Ontario?
When property taxes go unpaid long enough, the municipality can register a tax arrears certificate and then sell the property to recover what it is owed. These are often called tax take-back or municipal tax sale properties.
How do I buy a tax sale home in Lakeshore?
Most Ontario municipal tax sales are by public tender. You submit a sealed bid by the advertised deadline with a certified deposit of at least 20% of your bid. The highest valid tender above the minimum amount wins and must pay the balance, plus land transfer tax and HST where applicable, within 14 days.
Can I see inside the property before I bid?
Usually no. Tax sale properties are sold as-is, where-is with no inspection, no seller disclosure and no conditions. Your tender is not conditional on financing.
Does the municipality guarantee the home is empty?
No. The municipality does not guarantee vacant possession. If someone is living in the property, dealing with that becomes the buyer's responsibility.
Are tax sale homes really cheap?
The minimum bid is based on taxes and costs owing rather than market value, so opening amounts can look very low. Competitive residential properties often attract multiple tenders and sell much closer to market value.
Where are Lakeshore tax sale listings published?
The Town of Lakeshore advertises tax sales publicly, including in the Ontario Gazette and a local newspaper, when a sale occurs. There is no permanent list and there are often long periods with no active sales.
Want the longer version? Read the full tax sale guide in Insights →
General information only, not legal advice. Always confirm details against the Town of Lakeshore's official tax sale notice and speak with a real estate lawyer before submitting a tender.