How to Buy Government Land at Auction (2026): Federal, State and County Land Sales

Governments sell land to the public in four main ways: federal land sales by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and GSA, state land auctions, county tax-forfeited and tax deed sales, and surplus parcels from road departments and other agencies. The rules, deposits and deeds differ a lot between them, so read the sale notice before you bid.

Federal Land: BLM

The BLM sells public land only occasionally, when a parcel has been identified for disposal in a land-use plan. Key rules from BLM's own FAQ:

• Land sells for no less than its appraised fair market value.
• Only U.S. citizens and U.S. corporations can buy.
• Sales are competitive, modified competitive (some bidders get preference, such as neighbors) or direct.
• Bidding is oral, sealed or both. The deposit and payment deadline are set in each sale notice.
• The government may keep the mineral rights.

The best-known BLM sales are the Las Vegas-area auctions under the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act. Winning bidders there pay 20% down at the sale and the rest within 180 days.

Federal Property: GSA

GSA sells surplus federal real estate, from empty lots to office buildings and former military housing, at realestatesales.gov. Formats include online auctions, live auctions and sealed "highest and best offer" sales. Most are reserve sales: the high bid must be confirmed by GSA. Read the bidder's guide for each sale for the deposit and closing terms.

State Land

Many states auction land they own: state trust land, surplus parcels from transportation departments, and natural resources department land.

• Arizona State Land Department sells trust land at oral auction, opening at the appraised value. The winner pays a deposit and a fee on the day of the sale.
• Minnesota DNR holds an online public land sale each year on MNBid. Its December 2025 sale included a 2.57-acre parcel that sold for $75,250.
• Georgia DOT started online surplus land auctions in August 2026, with parcels from 0.05 to 17 acres.

Transportation department remnant parcels are often oddly shaped or landlocked, which keeps competition low. Check road access and zoning before you bid. Our state surplus guide lists each state's surplus program.

County Tax-Forfeited and Tax Deed Land

Counties sell land taken for unpaid property taxes. This is the largest source of government land by number of parcels, and it is where the most homework is needed.

• Tax deed states sell the property itself. Tax lien states sell the right to collect the unpaid tax with interest, and you only get the property if the owner does not pay. See which states use tax liens and which use tax deeds.
• The deed. Many counties give a quitclaim or tax deed, not a warranty deed. In Minnesota, for example, the state issues a quitclaim deed after full payment, and counties warn that forfeiture breaks the chain of title, so you may need an attorney to make the title marketable.
• As-is, unseen. Parcels sell as-is. You usually cannot inspect inside buildings.
• Extra costs. Expect deed fees, recording fees and transfer taxes on top of the bid. Minnesota adds a 3% state surcharge.
• Former owners' rights. After the Supreme Court's 2023 decision in Tyler v. Hennepin County, states changed their laws so former owners can claim the surplus from a tax sale. This affects the county's process, not the price you pay, but it can add steps and time.

Live parcels are on land auctions near you and the real estate auctions page.

Before You Bid on Any Government Land

1. Read the sale notice. It sets the deposit, payment deadline, deed type and any reserved rights. 2. Check access. Landlocked parcels are common. Confirm legal road access, not just a dirt track. 3. Check zoning, flood zone and utilities with the county. 4. Check for liens that survive the sale. Depending on the state, some liens can survive a tax sale. 5. Visit the land. Parcel maps and photos can be out of date. 6. Budget for a title search and, if you plan to resell or build, a quiet title action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you buy land from the government?

Yes. The BLM, GSA, state land offices and counties all sell land to the public at auction or by sealed bid. BLM sales are open to U.S. citizens and U.S. corporations.

Is government land cheap?

Some is. Tax-forfeited and remnant parcels can sell well below market because they are small, landlocked or have title problems. BLM land sells for no less than its appraised value.

What kind of deed do you get at a tax sale?

Usually a tax deed or quitclaim deed, which does not guarantee clear title. Many buyers pay for a title search, and some need a quiet title action before they can resell or get title insurance.

Where are government land auctions listed?

BLM sales are announced on blm.gov and in the Federal Register, GSA sales on realestatesales.gov, state sales on each state land office's site, and county sales on county sites and platforms such as Bid4Assets. GovAuctions.app lists many of them in one search.