Property Tax Sale

Every year, the City is required by law to hold a Property Tax Sale for properties that have not had their taxes paid for three years.

 

For example: taxes imposed in 2023 and still unpaid become delinquent on January 1, 2025.

 

If you owe delinquent property taxes, you can prevent your property from being sold by paying the full amount (including interest) before the auction starts.

 

The 2025 Property Tax Sale will take place:

 

📅 Monday, September 29, 2025
🕙 10:00 a.m.
📍 City of Armstrong Council Chambers – 3535 Bridge Street, Armstrong BC

 

Property owners have one full year to redeem ownership of the property by paying all outstanding taxes and charges related to that property. If these amounts are not paid, then the original owner and all registered lien holders will lose their rights to that property and it will become the sole ownership of the individual purchasing the property at the tax sale.

Properties with unpaid taxes for 3 years are listed for sale.

 

The minimum bid is called the Upset Price. This includes:

 

  • All outstanding taxes
  • Penalties and interest
  • 5% tax sale costs
  • Land Title Office fees

 

The City does not guarantee the condition or quality of the properties. All sales are “as is.”

By law, the City must advertise the list of properties at least 3 days (and no more than 10 days) before the Tax Sale.

 

  • Ads include the property’s legal description and street address.

 

To avoid your property being advertised, delinquent taxes must be paid about 3 weeks before the sale date.

The auction is a public sale. Anyone may attend and bid. The minimum acceptable bid is the Upset Price.

 

If no one bids, the property is deemed sold to the City.

 

Successful bidders must:

 

  • Provide name, address, occupation, SIN (for income tax purposes) or business number, and corporate seal (if required).
  • Immediately pay at least the Upset Price in cash, certified cheque, or money order (Interac is not accepted).
  • Pay any balance owing by 3:00 noon the same day.
  • If payment is not made, the property will be re-auctioned.

Notification to Charge Holders

 

  • Within 90 days, the City notifies all registered charge holders (such as mortgage lenders).

 

Redemption Period

 

  • The original owner (or charge holders) has one year to “redeem” the property by paying the full Upset Price plus interest.
  • If the property was sold to a buyer, the City refunds the buyer’s money plus interest if the property is redeemed.

 

If the Property is Not Redeemed

 

  • After one year, if the property is not redeemed, ownership is transferred to the buyer through the Land Title Office.
  • Previous charges are cleared, except certain legal exceptions.
  • The new owner must pay Property Transfer Tax to the Province.

Do your research before bidding. Check zoning, bylaws, strata fees, and other restrictions that may affect the property.

 

The City makes no guarantees about property condition, use, or title.

 

This is a legal process under the Local Government Act (Sections 645–672).

How the Tax Sale Works

Properties with unpaid taxes for 3 years are listed for sale.

 

The minimum bid is called the Upset Price. This includes:

 

  • All outstanding taxes
  • Penalties and interest
  • 5% tax sale costs
  • Land Title Office fees

 

The City does not guarantee the condition or quality of the properties. All sales are “as is.”

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