What is a Municipal Tax Sale?

A municipal tax sale is when a municipality sells one or more properties, under the authority of the Municipal Act, to recover the outstanding property taxes which are two or more years in arrears.  Traditionally in the Township property owners will receive correspondence from the Town indicating that their property is now available for the municipal tax sale process, and encourage them to clear their account by a specific date.  If the taxes are not cleared the Township will proceed with the tax sale process without further notice.  Property owners will be responsible for all legal and administrative costs relating to the tax sale process, the costs of which will be added to the respective property tax account.  Once the property has been registered for Tax Sale, no partial payments are accepted by the Township.

If there is a mortgage on the property what happens to it?

When a municipality sells a property under the municipal tax sales process, and there is an outstanding mortgage/s on the property, the mortgages are eliminated. This is true except when the mortgage is in favour of the "Crown” – the "Crown” meaning the Government of Ontario and/or Canada, or one of their respective agencies.  If a property is purchased with a Crown interest, the purchaser is responsible to pay whatever is owing to the Crown.  If the outstanding lien is not paid, the Crown could seize the property at any given time.

Can a clear title be obtained if a property is purchased through the Municipal Tax Sales process?

Not necessarily. The onus is on the potential purchaser to do a title search and ascertain whether a clear title can be obtained.  Consideration should be given to such items as Crown interests, execution in favour of Canada Revenue Agency, easements, restrictive covenants, and adverse possession.  In most cases it is recommended that a professional title searcher be engaged to ascertain if any of these conditions exist and whether a clear title can be obtained. The Township does not currently have a staff person with that level of expertise to determine if a clear title is possible.

Can a property/house be inspected before purchasing?

The Township cannot authorize anyone to enter on another’s property nor any existing premises to view or examine the property.  Only the current owner has the right to give that authorization.  When a property is purchased through the municipal tax sale process it "as is where is”.

What is the minimum tender amount or minimum bid amount?

The minimum tender or bid amount must be sufficient to clear outstanding municipal property taxes including but not limited to; property taxes, penalty and interest, any costs relating to the municipal tax sales process, Land Transfer Tax, and where applicable any GST.  All purchasers must also provide a certified cheque or money order to satisfy any transfer costs that may be applicable at the local Land Registry Office.

Can the former owner redeem a property?

Upon registration of deed in the new purchaser’s name has been registered on title the former owner may not redeem the property.  However, before the tax deed is registered on title the former owner may redeem the tax arrears tax certificate by paying out all property taxes, penalty and interest, and costs relating to the municipal tax sale process.

When does the highest bidder or tenderer become the owner of the property?

Once the full redemption cost (incl. all outstanding taxes, penalty & taxes, tax sales cost, Land Transfer Tax, and if applicable HST) has been satisfied, a deed will be registered on title in the successful bidder or tenderer’s name, thus successful tenderer becomes the owner of the property.

How to submit a tender or quotation?

The Township of the Archipelago uses the tendering process to sell municipal tax sale properties. Tenders must be submitted on the legislated prescribed form known as Form 7.  Tenders MUST include a certified cheque or bank draft equalling 20% of the tendered price.  The tender advertisement will provide the deadline for submitting tenders – the date and time will be strictly enforced.