Ever dreamt of snagging a piece of sunny San Diego real estate without draining your savings? It seems like a dream in one of the world’s most expensive cities, when it comes to property. However – your chance might be right around the corner. Next month, San Diego County is putting 686 tax-defaulted properties on the auction block. And get this: some are starting for as little as $2000.
How to get an auctioned property in San Diego
If you’re ready to dive into the real estate market, here’s the scoop. The County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office is hosting its annual online sale from March 13 through March 18. This year’s inventory features a bit of everything: 70 improved parcels, 66 vacant lots, and 550 timeshares. How did these properties end up in this auction? They’ve delinquent on their taxes for at least 5 years, paving the way for potential buyers to swoop in.
If you’re interested, you’ll need to move fast and complete the online registration by March 3. To secure your spot, submit a $1000 refundable deposit, plus a $35 nonrefundable processing fee. Keep in mind that a few properties might demand a larger deposit.
What happens after the auction?

Before you start planning beach house renovations, remember that all auction purchases are final. County officials highly recommend doing your homework: review the rules, go through details on the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s website, and bid responsibly on property in San Diego.
As for the current owners of those properties, the clock is ticking. There’s still a brief window to save these parcels. Any outstanding taxes and fees must be paid in full by 5 PM on March 12 to stop the sale.
Whether you’re hunting for a vacant lot or a timeshare to escape for the weekend, this upcoming auction could be the perfect opportunity to score a true steal in America’s Finest City. Happy (and responsible) bidding!