As per provincial legislation, a municipality may recover unpaid property taxes through the sale of the property. By the time a property is eligible for tax sale the property taxes are at least in their third (3rd) year of arrears.
Disposal of assets
From time to time, surplus land or Town of Huntsville owned property becomes available to the public for sale. This is the page that you can find the details on upcoming tax sales and disposal of assets. We also advertise properties for sale in the local newspaper.
The Town uses the online auction website, GovDeals, to dispose of their assets.
Tax sales
If property taxes remain unpaid for a specific period, the Municipal Act, 2001 governs the circumstances under which the property may be sold by the Town of Huntsville. The Town may register a Tax Arrears Certificate against a title if property taxes remain unpaid for the two years prior to January 1 of any year. These timelines apply to both residential and non-residential classes of property.
A Tax Arrears Certificate indicates that the property will be sold if the cancellation price is not paid within one year of registration of the certificate. Once a certificate has been registered, partial payments cannot be accepted unless the owner has entered into an extension agreement with Huntsville before the expiry of the one-year period.
The Town of Huntsville may advertise the property for sale for non-payment of taxes if the cancellation price is not paid within one year of registration of the certificate. Advertisements are generally published in the local newspapers for four consecutive weeks and the Ontario Gazette for one week. Tender packages are available online or at the municipal office at: Town of Huntsville Tax Department, 37 Main Street East, Huntsville, ON P1H 1A1
For legislation governing the tax sale process, including definitions, please refer to the Municipal Act, 2001, c.25, including Ontario Regulation 181/03.
Municipal Act, 2001 - Municipal Taxation
Municipal Act, 2001 - Municipal Tax Sales Rules
Tax sales are not typical real estate transactions. If you are considering participating in a tax sale, it is highly recommended that you seek independent legal advice from a lawyer licensed to practice in Ontario and in good standing with the Law Society of Upper Canada.
The Town of Huntsville will occasionally list properties and descriptions that are available to purchase, based on property taxes being unpaid.
Frequently asked questions about tax sales
Why is Huntsville selling these properties?
Please subscribe or continue to check this page for information on the next sale.
Can I really buy a property in Huntsville lower than market price?
Tax sales are not typical real estate transactions and there are risks associated with this type of transaction. Huntsville is only interested in recovering unpaid taxes and fees and is not obligated to obtain fair market value. Prior to considering participating in a tax sale, it is recommended that you seek advice from your lawyer licensed to practice in Ontario and in good standing with the Law Society of Upper Canada and conduct thorough research before submitting a tender.
Can I build a house on the property?
Regulations differ from property to property; contact the Planning Department for specific information about a property.
Up to what point can the owner pay the taxes to avoid a sale?
The owner can pay the cancellation price at any time up to the point in which the property is either transferred to the successful tenderer or vested to Huntsville due to a failed tax sale.
What does cancellation price mean?
<>An amount equal to all tax arrears owing at any time in respect of land together with all current real property taxes owing, interest, penalties thereon, and all reasonable costs incurred by Huntsville after the Treasurer becomes entitled to register a Tax Arrears Certificate under section 371 of the Municipal Act, 2001.
How would I determine if there is a mortgage or any liens owed against the property?
It is the responsibility of the tenderer to search title at their own expense or consult a lawyer licensed to practice in Ontario and in good standing with the Law Society of Upper Canada.
Visit Ontario Land Registry for information on title searches.
Am I able to view the property?
Huntsville does not provide access to view the property.
What if the property is in poor condition?
Properties are sold as is. Huntsville does not make any representation as to the condition or size of the property.
What if there is debris, junk, etc. on the premises?
Properties are sold as is. The purchaser is responsible for the removal of any debris, junk, etc. left at the property and any associated expense.
What if the property is occupied?
Huntsville does not guarantee vacant possession. Please seek independent legal advice from a lawyer licensed to practice in Ontario and in good standing with the Law Society of Upper Canada.
How can I find out what the property is assessed for and/or what the annual property taxes are?
This information is available in our tax sale information package. For additional information related to the assessment contact the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC).
What are the annual utilities costs?
Huntsville does not have this information.
What other costs are payable to Huntsville if I am the purchaser?
The purchaser is responsible for payment of any additional taxes, charges, penalties, and interest that may be owing in addition to the amount advertised. In addition, the successful tenderer is responsible for the land transfer taxes, registration fees, and HST, if applicable.
Visit Ontario Land Registry for information on Land Transfer Tax.
If I am not the highest tenderer, do I receive my deposit cheque back at the tender opening?
We do not release the deposit cheques for the top two bidders. The second highest bidder may become the successful tenderer if the original buyer is disqualified or not able to complete the transaction. No deposit cheques will be released at the tender opening under any circumstances. Deposit cheques of unsuccessful tenderers will be returned by mail unless alternate arrangements are made.
Can I pick up my deposit cheque in-person?
Yes. Please let us know before we mail it out and bring identification with you.
When will I know if I am the successful tenderer
The unofficial successful tenderer is announced at the tax sale. The successful tenderer will be notified by mail within one week following the public sale. Huntsville will notify the highest tenderer of the balance to be paid in order for the tenderer to be declared the successful purchaser. The balance due must be paid in full within 14 calendar days of the mailing date of the notice. Upon receiving notification, the highest tenderer should immediately retain a lawyer licensed to practice in Ontario and in good standing with the Law Society of Upper Canada.
What happens if the successful tenderer does not follow through on the sale?
The successful tenderer’s deposit is forfeited and the land is offered to the second highest tenderer who has 14 calendar days from being notified by registered mail to pay the balance owing.
How do I get the keys to the property?
Huntsville does not have a key to the property and is not responsible to provide one to the purchaser.
What happens of Huntsville does not receive any tenders on a property?
Huntsville has two years from the date of the failed tax sale to vest the property to Huntsville or re-advertise the property for sale.
Contact Us
Town of Huntsville
37 Main St. East
Huntsville, Ontario
P1H 1A1
Open Monday to Friday 8:30 – 4:30
Phone: 705-789-1751
Fax: 705-788-5153
Email Us