Abandoned Houses for Sale: Where to Find Them in the US

Abandoned houses for sale in the US are usually found through five channels: county tax sales, land bank programs, bank-owned (REO) listings, foreclosure auctions, and direct deals with owners you identify through public records. They are rarely advertised as "abandoned," so the trick is knowing where vacant properties end up and how to search those sources. This guide explains each channel, how to search it, and what to check before you commit.

Why abandoned houses don't look abandoned online

Real estate listings describe properties in terms that help them sell, so the word "abandoned" rarely appears. A vacant house might be marketed as a "fixer-upper," "handyman special," "investor opportunity," "cash only," or "sold as-is." Tax-sale and auction lists, on the other hand, are often just spreadsheets of parcel numbers and addresses with minimal description. Understanding that vocabulary – and the public processes behind vacant homes, covered in what happens to abandoned houses – is the first step toward finding real opportunities.

1. Land bank programs

A number of states allow local governments to create land banks: public or nonprofit entities that acquire vacant, abandoned, and tax-foreclosed properties and return them to productive use. Many land banks publish an online inventory of available houses and lots, along with application instructions.

How buying from a land bank usually works

• You browse the inventory and choose a property.
• You submit an application, often with proof of funds or financing and a renovation plan.
• The land bank reviews applicants, sometimes favoring buyers who will live in the home.
• If approved, you sign a purchase agreement that may require repairs to be completed within a set time.

Because land banks frequently clear title issues before selling, buyers can often get title insurance more easily than with some auction purchases. Read more about nominally priced programs in our guide to $1 homes and land bank programs.

2. County tax sales

When property taxes go unpaid for long enough, counties may sell either a tax lien or the property itself. County treasurer or tax collector websites usually publish sale schedules, rules, and lists of properties. In tax deed states, the winning bidder receives a deed to the property; in tax lien states, the buyer typically receives a lien certificate and the owner keeps a period to redeem. Our guide on how to buy an abandoned house explains the difference in detail.

Tax sales can offer low prices, but they also carry the most risk: limited or no interior inspection, strict payment rules, possible redemption rights, and title that may need to be cleared through a court action.

3. Bank-owned (REO) listings

When a foreclosed home doesn't sell at auction, it usually becomes "real estate owned" (REO) by the lender. These homes are typically listed with real estate agents on regular listing sites, so you can search them like any other property. Many are vacant and some have been empty for a long time. REO purchases generally allow inspections and title insurance, which makes them less risky than auctions, though they're usually sold as-is.

4. Foreclosure and online auctions

Foreclosure auctions – sometimes called sheriff's sales or trustee sales depending on the state – sell properties after a lender forecloses. There are also private online auction platforms that sell bank-owned and investor properties. Auctions move fast and often require cash or certified funds. See our detailed guide to buying abandoned property at auction before you register to bid.

5. Buying directly from the owner

Many abandoned houses never reach any official sale. The owner may be an heir who lives in another state, an elderly owner who moved into care, or someone who simply ran out of money for repairs. These owners are often open to an offer – they just haven't been asked. You can identify them through county assessor and recorder records, as explained in how to find the owner of an abandoned property, and reach out with a polite letter.

6. Other places to look

• Local real estate agents who specialize in investment properties often know about vacant homes before they're listed.
• Probate and estate attorneys sometimes handle properties that heirs want to sell quickly.
• City or county surplus property lists may include houses acquired through code enforcement or tax foreclosure.
• Government-backed foreclosure listing sites for homes that were financed with federally backed loans.
• Driving for dollars – noting vacant homes in neighborhoods you like, then researching owners in public records. Stay on public streets and never enter a property.

What to check before you buy

Low prices can hide high costs. Before making an offer or bidding, check:

• Title: liens, judgments, multiple heirs, or incomplete foreclosures.
• Taxes and municipal debts: unpaid taxes, water bills, or code enforcement liens that may follow the property.
• Code status: open violations, condemnation orders, or demolition orders.
• Condition: roof, foundation, water damage, and hazardous materials like lead paint and asbestos.
• Neighborhood value: what restored homes nearby actually sell for.
• Financing and insurance: many lenders and insurers treat vacant, damaged houses differently.

Our guide to the risks and hidden costs of buying an abandoned home covers each of these in depth, and how much it costs to renovate an abandoned house explains how to build a realistic budget.

Viewing abandoned houses legally

It's tempting to peek inside a vacant house you're interested in, but entering without permission is trespassing in every state – even if a door is open. Instead, view the exterior from the street, ask the listing agent or land bank for a showing, or request permission from the owner. At tax sales and some auctions, you may not be able to see the interior at all, which should be reflected in how much you're willing to pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find abandoned houses for sale near me?

Start with your county's land bank (if one exists), the county treasurer's tax sale page, bank-owned listings on regular real estate sites, and foreclosure auction schedules. You can also identify vacant houses in your area and look up the owners in county property records.

Are abandoned houses cheap?

The purchase price can be low, but the total cost often isn't. Repairs, back taxes, title work, permits, and insurance can add up to far more than the purchase price. Always budget for the full project, not just the sale price.

Can I buy an abandoned house with a mortgage?

Sometimes. Conventional mortgages usually require a home to be livable, which many abandoned houses are not. Renovation loans, cash, or other financing are common alternatives. Tax sales and auctions typically require cash or certified funds.

Is it legal to go inside an abandoned house that's for sale?

Only with permission from the owner or their agent. Entering a vacant property without permission is trespassing, regardless of whether it's for sale. Ask for a showing instead.

Do land banks sell houses to anyone?

Policies vary. Many land banks accept applications from the public but may prioritize owner-occupants, require proof of funds, ask for a renovation plan, or exclude buyers with tax delinquencies or code violations on other properties.