FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do you determine the asking price?
Asking prices are set to match the Shelby County Assessor’s total appraisal value at the time the Land Bank lists the property for sale. Discounts may apply on an inventory wide basis at the discretion of the Administrator. No discounts are given on an individual basis.
How often are properties added?
New properties are added as they are transferred to the Shelby County Land Bank after the Shelby County Trustee’s tax sale, which occurs about two to four times a year.
Can I buy land locked property?
In order to qualify to purchase land locked property, the Prospective Purchaser must either own adjoining property with public roadway access or provide valid written arrangements with an adjoining property owner to establish public roadway access to the land locked property (i.e., easement).
Are there any liens or taxes owed on the property?
Perhaps. Per #4 of the Disclaimer located on the Land Bank website, these Delinquent Tax Properties are sold in “AS-IS” condition without representations or warranties of any kind either expressed or implied, including but not limited to title, physical or environmental condition, code and/or housing violations, merchantability, or fitness for any use or purpose or any other representations of any kind whatsoever, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507. Prospective Purchasers must perform a due diligence verification of the property, including but not limited to, the value and condition of the property including compliance with building and local authority regulations, and the terms of all encumbrances, rights and interests registered against or in respect of the title, and the overall financial suitability of the Purchaser’s proposed purchase of the property.
How does the process work?
Prospective purchasers will need to set up an account on our website’s login page, Shelby County Land Bank(epropertyplus.com) . Once an account has been created, applicants can then search the Properties for Sale list and apply to purchase any available parcels. Please refer to the How It Works section of our website for a more detailed description of the application process here How It Works (shelbycountytn.gov)
What are the applicant requirements to buy tax delinquent properties from the Land Bank?
Prospective purchaser must submit a qualified and completed application. Prospective purchaser is not a Shelby County Government employee, elected Shelby County Official or their immediate family member (i.e., spouse or children living at home). Prospective purchaser is not a business that is owned or directly affiliated with a Shelby County Government employee, elected Shelby County Official or their immediate family member (i.e., spouse or children living at home). Prospective purchaser, or any legal entity in which Purchaser is directly affiliated, must not be delinquent on their current property taxes. Prospective purchaser, or any legal entity in which Purchaser is directly affiliated, has not defaulted on property taxes on any properties owned in Shelby County within the last five (5) years. Prospective purchaser, or any legal entity in which Purchaser is directly affiliated, has not defaulted on an offer to purchase land from the Shelby County Land Bank within the last year. Prospective purchasers can legally conduct business in Tennessee. Prospective purchasers have no properties owned in Shelby County that are currently in violation of any county or municipal building and/or zoning code provisions. Prospective purchasers, or any legal entity in which Purchaser is directly affiliated, purchased no properties from the Shelby County Land Bank which are currently not compliance with all requirements of that properties respective offer to purchase agreement entered into with Shelby County Government.
I live out of state, can I buy properties in your inventory?
Yes, subject to meeting all other applicant requirements.
Do you only sell to companies/investors?
No.
Is there a fee to apply for a property?
Yes, a NONREFUNDABLE $70 fee.
I lost my property at a tax sale, and now it’s in Land bank inventory, can I apply for the property?
Maybe. A previous owner may not make an offer for a property for less than the back taxes and fees that owner owed at the tax sale. The applicant also subject to meeting all other applicant requirements, including, but not limited to, not defaulting on property taxes on any properties owned in Shelby County within the last five (5) years.
How do I pay for the property?
Once the property has been approved for sale by the County Commission and the County Mayor, you will receive a closing letter from the Shelby County Land Bank via e-mail and standard mail. Purchasers will be provided with a 30-day period to make their closing payment(s). All closing payments will need to be in the form of a Cashier’s Check or Money Order made payable to “Shelby County Trustee”. You may bring the payment to the office in person, or you may mail your payment by certified mail.
How long is the process?
The entire process from initial application to deed recordation typically takes about 8-10 months.
When can I start work on the property?
After you receive your Quit Claim deed that is also recorded with the Shelby County Register’s Office.
Can I sell the property after I buy it?
Once the quit claim deed has been recorded in the Purchaser’s name(s), you may transfer the property at your discretion, subject to any contractual requirements.
What type of deed will I receive?
You will receive a “Quit Claim Deed” transferring property interests and rights to you.
How do I address any cloudy title issues?
You will need to contact your attorney to clear title and a title agency for title insurance.
Can the previous owner get their property back after I purchased it?
We typically do not advertise property as available until the previous owner's redemption period has ended. A previous owner may not make an offer for a property for less than the back taxes and fees that owner owed at the tax sale.
Shelby County Government Seal

Shelby County Land Bank

1075 Mullin Station Rd. Bldg. E1 Memphis, TN 38134

Phone: (901) 222 1150

Email: landbank@shelbycountytn.gov

© 2022 Shelby County Government