Back to Resources
Local Guide 10 min read

Allegheny County Sheriff Sale Guide

Everything you need to know about the Allegheny County Sheriff Sale: dates, procedures, bidding rules, and how to research properties beforehand.

Overview

The Allegheny County Sheriff Sale is a monthly public auction held at the City-County Building in downtown Pittsburgh. Properties are sold to satisfy unpaid taxes, mortgage debts, or municipal liens. It is one of the most active sheriff sale markets in Western Pennsylvania.

Understanding the mechanics of the sale — before you show up with a cashier's check — is the difference between getting a great deal and an expensive headache.

When and Where

  • Location:City-County Building, 414 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
  • Frequency:Monthly (check the Allegheny County Sheriff's website for exact dates)
  • Time:Typically 10:00 AM — arrive early to register
  • Published in:Pittsburgh Legal Journal (required by law, 4 weeks prior)

Types of Properties at the Sale

Sci Fa Sur Tax Lien (Tax Collection)

The county is collecting delinquent real estate taxes. If there is no prior mortgage on the property, the sale wipes out prior liens and can result in a free-and-clear title. This is the preferred sale type for most investors.

Mortgage Foreclosure

A lender is foreclosing on an unpaid mortgage. The buyer takes subject to any senior liens that survive (e.g., IRS tax liens, senior mortgages). Higher risk — always do a thorough title search.

Municipal Lien

A municipality is collecting on unpaid water, sewer, or code violation charges. Similar risk profile to tax lien sales but less common.

📋 Bidding Virtually? Pre-Registration Is Required

The Allegheny County Sheriff Sale is available via virtual technology. To participate online, you must register in advance using the official Bidder Registration form. A Sheriff's Office staff member will contact you by email — you'll need to provide a copy of your valid state ID or Driver's License to receive a bidder number. Allow 2 business days for processing. Incomplete forms will not receive a confirmation or bidder number, and you will not be admitted to the virtual sale without one.

Register at alleghenycounty.us/sheriff →

The Bidding Process

  1. Register as a bidder — Bring valid government-issued photo ID for in-person attendance. For virtual participation, pre-register online and submit your ID copy at least 2 business days before the sale to receive your bidder number.
  2. Minimum bid announced — The opening bid is set by the plaintiff (county, bank, or municipality) to cover their costs: taxes, fees, and attorney expenses.
  3. Competitive bidding — Bidding is oral and ascending. The highest bidder wins.
  4. Deposit — You must pay a percentage of the purchase price on the day of sale (often 10%). Have certified funds.
  5. Balance due — The remaining balance is typically due within 30 days of the sale.
  6. Sheriff's Deed issued — After full payment, you receive the deed. File it with the Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds.

Common Postponements & Cancellations

A significant percentage of listed properties are never actually auctioned on the scheduled date. Common reasons:

  • Bankruptcy filing — automatic stay halts the sale (sometimes filed the morning of)
  • Owner pays delinquent taxes before sale date
  • Attorney paperwork deficiency (service issues)
  • Court order / stay of execution

AlleghenySheriffSales.com flags properties with known bankruptcy and service issues so you don't waste time researching properties that won't sell.

Your Pre-Sale Research Checklist

  • Pull the county assessment for market value, year built, and bedroom/bath count
  • Run parcel ID through Allegheny County Real Estate portal
  • Order a title search (especially for mortgage foreclosures)
  • Drive the property or order exterior photos
  • Check for IRS tax liens (federal liens survive sheriff sales)
  • Calculate your maximum bid using ARV - rehab - desired profit
  • Check the property's status the morning of the sale (bankruptcies file late)

Key Takeaways

  • Sales are held monthly at the City-County Building in Pittsburgh.
  • Sci Fa Sur Tax Lien properties carry the lowest lien risk.
  • Expect 30-50% of listed properties to be postponed on sale day.
  • Always have certified funds — no personal checks accepted.
  • Federal IRS liens survive the sale and become your responsibility.

Continue Learning

How to Buy Tax Deed Properties in Allegheny CountyPittsburgh Tax Auction TipsTax Lien vs Tax Deed in Pennsylvania

Browse Active Listings

Apply what you've learned — search real Allegheny County sheriff sale properties.

⚠ Independent Service — Not Affiliated with the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office. AlleghenySheriffSales.com is an independent private data platform operated by Shibumi Enterprises. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, Allegheny County government, or any of their departments, agencies, or affiliates. All data is sourced from publicly available records. For official information, visit alleghenycountypa.gov/sheriff.