What Is the Right of Redemption After a Tax Foreclosure?

Understanding Your Options (and Limitations) in Michigan

If you’ve fallen behind on your property taxes, you may have heard the term “right of redemption.”

In some states, this legal right allows property owners to reclaim their property even after a tax foreclosure sale by paying back the debt within a set time.

But in Michigan, the rules are different — and the right of redemption is limited to a very specific timeline.

Once that window closes, the property is gone for good.

This article explains how the right of redemption works, when it applies, and how Michigan law — particularly the General Property Tax Act — treats homeowners facing tax foreclosure.

What Is the Right of Redemption?

The right of redemption refers to a homeowner’s legal ability to reclaim their property after it has been foreclosed or sold due to unpaid taxes.

In some states, this right continues even after the auction sale, allowing homeowners a second chance to keep their property by paying the taxes (plus penalties and interest).

Redemption rights are intended to give property owners a final opportunity to prevent permanent loss of their home.

However, redemption laws vary significantly by state, and Michigan takes a much more restrictive approach.

How the Right of Redemption Works in Michigan

Michigan does not allow redemption after the foreclosure is finalized.

Here’s how it works under the Michigan General Property Tax Act:

Unpaid property taxes become delinquent the March after they are due.
One year later, the property is forfeited to the county treasurer.
During the second year, the homeowner still has the right to redeem the property by paying off the taxes, fees, and interest.
But once the foreclosure judgment is entered — typically in March of the third year — all redemption rights are permanently extinguished.
The property is then sold at public auction, and the former owner cannot reclaim it, no matter how quickly they try to pay afterward.

This is sometimes referred to as a “pre-foreclosure right of redemption,” but there is no post-sale redemption in Michigan.

Timeline Example of Michigan’s Redemption Window

Let’s say your 2022 property taxes weren’t paid:

March 1, 2023: The taxes become delinquent.
March 1, 2024: The property is forfeited. You can still redeem it.
March 2025: If taxes are still unpaid, the court enters a foreclosure judgment.
After this date, you lose all redemption rights, even if you try to pay immediately afterward.
September/October 2025: The property is sold at tax auction.

So while Michigan does provide a redemption period, it ends at foreclosure — not after the auction.

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No Grace Period After Foreclosure

One of the most important things to understand is that Michigan’s foreclosure is final.

There is no waiting period after the auction. No “cooling off” period. And no ability to reverse the process if you change your mind or come into money late.

Once the court approves the foreclosure, the right of redemption is gone. This is why timing is so crucial for homeowners with delinquent taxes.

If you're unsure where you are in the process, it’s worth reading our full breakdown on Selling Property With Delinquent Taxes in Michigan to better understand your remaining options.

What Happens If I Pay Too Late?

Unfortunately, if you attempt to pay your back taxes after the foreclosure judgment has been entered, most treasurers will return the payment — or direct you to contact the new owner if the property has already been sold.

There is no legal obligation for the new owner (often a third-party buyer) to sell the home back to you, even if you have the full amount in hand.

Learn the Timeline Before It’s Too Late

Because there is no post-foreclosure right of redemption in Michigan, homeowners behind on taxes should act quickly. If you’re in the forfeiture period, you still have time to save your home. But if the foreclosure judgment is approaching, your options narrow by the day.

Visit our detailed guide on Selling Property With Delinquent Taxes in Michigan to learn what steps you can take while you still have control over the outcome.

When You're Ready to Explore a Way Out

If you're facing foreclosure and still within the redemption period, it may not be too late.

At Dennis Buys Houses, we help Michigan homeowners resolve tax debt situations quickly, before the county takes the property.

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📚 Frequently Asked Questions About the Property Tax Foreclosure Right of Redemption in Michigan

What is the right of redemption in property tax foreclosure?
The right of redemption allows a property owner to pay off delinquent taxes and reclaim ownership before or after a foreclosure. However, in Michigan, redemption is only allowed before the foreclosure is finalized — not after the sale.

Does Michigan allow redemption after a tax foreclosure sale?
No. Michigan does not allow redemption after the foreclosure judgment is entered. Once the court finalizes foreclosure, all ownership and redemption rights are permanently lost.

How long do I have to redeem my property in Michigan?
You have until March of the third year after the original tax delinquency to redeem the property by paying the full amount owed. After that, the foreclosure is final and cannot be reversed.

What happens if I try to pay after the foreclosure deadline?
If you attempt to pay the back taxes after the foreclosure judgment has been entered, your payment will likely be rejected or returned. Ownership has already transferred to the county at that point.

Is there any way to get my home back after tax foreclosure in Michigan?
Not through the legal redemption process. You would need to buy it back from the county or the auction buyer, but they are under no obligation to sell it to you.

Do I still have to move out if I haven't left after foreclosure?
Yes. Remaining in the home after foreclosure may result in eviction. The county or new buyer can issue a notice to vacate or file for formal eviction in court.

Can I sell my house during the redemption period?
Yes. As long as the foreclosure hasn’t been finalized, you still own the property and can sell it. Learn more about this option on our page about selling property with delinquent taxes in Michigan.

Where can I find more information about the foreclosure timeline in Michigan?
Visit our full guide: Selling Property With Delinquent Taxes in Michigan, which explains every stage of the process and your remaining options at each step.

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We Help Michigan Families Navigate These Situations Every Day

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At Dennis Buys Houses, we’re not just cash buyers — we’re trusted problem-solvers who help Michigan families find real answers during difficult times.

Since 2004, we've been helping homeowners across Michigan sell their properties quickly and easily—without the stress of agents, repairs, or hidden fees.

We’re a family-owned, local business with deep roots in the community. Over the years, we’ve helped hundreds and hundreds of homeowners in situations just like yours—whether they’re dealing with delinquent property taxes, foreclosure, or simply needing a fresh start.

If you're dealing with a tough family situation and don’t know where to turn, we’re here to help.

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Whether you’re ready to sell or just want to explore your options, we’re here for you. Call us today, and let’s talk about how we can make your situation easier.

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