Cook County holds both annual tax sales and biennial scavenger sales. The scavenger sale offers properties with 3+ delinquent tax years (per 35 ILCS 200/21-145) at deeply discounted prices — sometimes as low as $250. This guide covers both sale types, the penalty bid system (up to 18% per 6-month period), post-2024 redemption periods (30 months residential 1-6 unit; 12 months for vacant non-farm, 7+ unit residential, and commercial/industrial), regulatory uncertainty from Tyler v. Hennepin, and the tax deed petition process for Cook County.
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Table of Contents
What Are Tax Deed Sales?
Cook County Market Overview
Key Dates & Registration
How to Research Properties Before Bidding
The Bidding Process: How It Works
After the Auction: What Happens Next
Redemption Period & Right of Redemption
Clearing Title After Purchase
Key Contacts & Official Resources
Chapter 1 — Introduction
Cook County holds both annual tax sales and biennial scavenger sales. The scavenger sale offers properties with 3+ delinquent tax years (per 35 ILCS 200/21-145) at deeply discounted prices — sometimes as low as $250. This guide covers both sale types, the penalty bid system (up to 18% per 6-month period), post-2024 redemption periods (30 months residential 1-6 unit; 12 months for vacant non-farm, 7+ unit residential, and commercial/industrial), regulatory uncertainty from Tyler v. Hennepin, and the tax deed petition process for Cook County.
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