Redemption Period in Texas
In Texas, your right of redemption depends on the type of sale. After a property-tax sale, the former owner can redeem within 2 years for a residence homestead or agricultural land, or 180 days for other property (Texas Tax Code §34.21). After an ordinary mortgage foreclosure — which in Texas is non-judicial, conducted under a deed of trust's power of sale (Texas Property Code §51.002) — there is no statutory right of redemption once the trustee's sale is complete. Educational only — confirm the current rule for your situation with the statute, the county, or a licensed Texas attorney. (Last reviewed June 2026.)
Tax-sale redemption (Texas Tax Code §34.21)
When a property is sold at a Texas property-tax sale, the former owner keeps a statutory right to redeem it. For a residence homestead or agricultural land the redemption period is 2 years; for other property it is 180 days (Tax Code §34.21). To redeem, the owner repays the purchaser the amount paid plus a redemption premium — generally 25% in the first year and 50% in the second year for the 2-year categories. Exact amounts and timing are set by statute, so verify §34.21 and the county's figures before relying on them.
Mortgage foreclosure: no post-sale redemption
Texas mortgage foreclosures are non-judicial: the lender sells the property at a public trustee's sale under the deed of trust's power-of-sale clause (Texas Property Code §51.002). Texas does not grant a statutory right of redemption after that sale — once the trustee's sale is complete, the former owner cannot reclaim the property by paying the debt. Borrowers can reinstate or cure the default before the sale, but not redeem afterward. (Distinct from the tax-sale redemption above.)
What it means for investors
If you buy at a Texas tax sale, your title and possession are subject to the owner's redemption window (180 days or 2 years) — the owner can take the property back by paying you the statutory premium, so budget for that uncertainty and the carrying time. If you buy at a mortgage (trustee's) foreclosure sale, there is no post-sale redemption overhang. Either way, confirm the specifics for the exact property and sale type with official Texas sources or a local attorney before you bid.
Texas redemption at a glance (educational — verify with the statute)
| Property-tax sale | Mortgage foreclosure | |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | Tax Code §34.21 | Property Code §51.002 (non-judicial) |
| Redemption period | 2 yrs (homestead/ag); 180 days (other) | None after the trustee's sale |
| Cost to redeem | Purchase amount + ~25% (yr 1) / 50% (yr 2) premium | N/A |
| Investor implication | Title/possession subject to the redemption window | No post-sale redemption overhang |
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the redemption period in Texas?
- It depends on the sale type. After a property-tax sale, the owner can redeem within 2 years (residence homestead or agricultural land) or 180 days (other property) under Texas Tax Code §34.21. After a non-judicial mortgage foreclosure (Property Code §51.002) there is no statutory right of redemption once the trustee's sale is complete. Verify the current rule with official sources or a Texas attorney.
- How long is the Texas tax-sale redemption period?
- Two years for a residence homestead or agricultural land, and 180 days for other property, measured from when the purchaser's deed is recorded (Texas Tax Code §34.21). Confirm the exact dates for a specific property with the county and the statute.
- Is there a redemption period after a mortgage foreclosure in Texas?
- No. Texas mortgage foreclosures are non-judicial trustee's sales under the deed of trust (Property Code §51.002), and Texas provides no statutory right of redemption after the sale. A borrower can reinstate or cure the default before the sale, but cannot redeem the property afterward.
- How much does it cost to redeem a Texas tax sale?
- The former owner must repay the purchaser the amount paid at the sale plus a statutory redemption premium — generally 25% in the first year and 50% in the second year for the 2-year (homestead/agricultural) categories, per Texas Tax Code §34.21. Verify the exact calculation with the statute and county before relying on it.
- How do I confirm the redemption rule for my Texas property?
- Check the primary law — Texas Tax Code §34.21 (tax sales) and Texas Property Code §51.002 (mortgage foreclosure) — and the county tax office, or consult a licensed Texas real estate attorney. Rules and figures can change, so treat this page as an educational starting point, not legal advice.