Tax Sales

A tax sale is a public auction held by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality to recover unpaid property taxes. Properties are sold as is, where is, with no warranties or guarantees on condition, access, zoning, structures or suitability for use.

The municipality does not own these properties and cannot grant access for viewing. Buyers must complete their own due diligence before bidding.

The next municipal tax sale will be held on March 10, 2026, at 
11 a.m. at Centre 200 - Main Concourse (481 George St, Sydney).

Registration opens at 10 a.m. on the day of the sale. Government-issued photo ID is required.

A full list of properties will be available before the sale date.

Tax sales properties are sold as is, where is. Bidders are strongly encouraged to complete their own due diligence before participating.

• CBRM does not confirm zoning, building conditions, boundaries, legal access or services.
• Properties may be landlocked, undevelopable or carry restrictions.
• Maps provided are not surveys and may not be exact.
• The municipality does not guarantee a clear title.

Purchasers should contact a lawyer and the relevant municipal departments for any questions prior to attending the sale.

A Municipal Clearance Letter identifies any outstanding building code, fire code or by-law violations on a property.

The fee for a Municipal Clearance Letter is $50.00 (plus HST) per Property Identification Number (PID).

Learn more and apply at Zoning Confirmation & Municipal Clearance.

Buyers are responsible for confirming:

• Whether the property has legal road frontage
• Whether the property can be developed
• Applicable zoning and land-use regulations

For information on access and frontage, email PlanningConsult@cbrm.ns.ca

1. Attend the auction in person (or authorize someone to bid on your behalf).
2. Register and receive a numbered bidding card.
3. When bidding opens, raise your card to place a bid. The highest bid wins.
4. Successful bidders must make immediate payment of the minimum bid amount, plus $200 administrative fee.*
5. The remaining balance is due within three business days.

*Accepted payments: certified cheque, money order, bank draft, lawyer’s cheque, debit or cash. If paying by debit, please confirm with your bank in advance that your daily limit is sufficient. The sale will not be paused for payment arrangements.

If a successful bidder cannot pay immediately, their bid becomes void, and the property will be re-auctioned on the spot.

Properties are categorized as:

• Immediate Deed - You take ownership right away.
• Six-Month Redemption - The previous owner or interested party has up to six months to redeem the property.

During a redemption period, you may maintain or protect the property (locks, fire insurance), but cannot develop it.

Results of the sale will be posted online once payment is confirmed. Terms used include:

• Highlighted in yellow - The properties were sold.
• "Paid at Sale" - Owner paid taxes and stopped the sale
• "Redeemed" - Property redeemed immediately after sale
• "Walked Away" - Buyer did not fulfil payment requirements
• Unsold - May only be purchased at a future tax sale

List of Sold Properties - Tax Sale July 22, 2025 (PDF, 76 KB)

CBRM does not guarantee legal access, property condition or suitability for use for any property listed in the tax sale. All properties are sold "as is, where is," and buyers must complete their own due diligence, including obtaining a Municipal Clearance Letter if desired.

No refunds will be issued once payment is processed.

Properties may be subject to the Non-Resident Provincial Deed Transfer Tax of 5% of the purchase price. Please consult the Province of Nova Scotia or a lawyer to determine if the Provincial Deed Transfer Tax applies to the property you wish to purchase.

CBRM does not provide property access or customized lists. All information is available on this web page or at the Tax Sale Office (320 Esplanade, Sydney).

For questions regarding tax sales, reach out to taxsales@cbrm.ns.ca or phone 902-563-5144 or 902-563-5145.