Sheriff's Sale vs Tax Sale in Ontario: What's the Difference?
Compare Ontario sheriff's sales of land with municipal tax sales — who sells, why, what you actually buy, and the risks of each.
Who is selling and why
A tax sale is run by a municipality to recover unpaid property taxes. A sheriff's sale is run by the court enforcement office (the sheriff) to satisfy a court judgment: a creditor who won a lawsuit files a writ of seizure and sale, and the sheriff sells the debtor's interest in the land.
What you are buying
A tax sale conveys the property through a tax deed, which clears most private claims such as mortgages. A sheriff's sale conveys only the debtor's interest — mortgages and other prior encumbrances may remain on title. That difference can change the real price of the property dramatically.
How the sale is run
Tax sales are usually sealed tenders with a 20% deposit and a published minimum. Sheriff's sales may be by tender or auction, with terms set in the notice of sale. Read every condition in the notice, and confirm details directly with the selling office.
Which is right for you
Tax sales tend to offer cleaner title and predictable rules; sheriff's sales can offer bargains but need a careful title search. Either way, independent legal advice and a title search are strongly recommended before bidding.
See every open property in one place
Members get full addresses, minimum bids, deadlines and tender tools.
See membershipGeneral information only — not legal advice. Confirm all details with the selling office and a lawyer.