Over 500 San Diego Properties Are Going to Auction—Some Starting at $100

The San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector is auctioning off hundreds of properties—mostly residential—with minimum bids that sound like typos. But before you grab your wallet and book a flight, there's a lot you need to know.

Here's what's happening, why it's happening, and what it means for short-term rental investors.

The Story: San Diego's 2026 Property Auction

On March 10, 2026, the San Diego County Tax Auction will begin accepting online bids for over 500 properties. These are homes where owners fell behind on property taxes, and the county is now selling them to recover the debt.

The properties include single-family homes, condos, vacant land, and even some commercial buildings. They're scattered across the county—from downtown San Diego to Escondido, Chula Vista, and beyond.

Key dates to know for the property auction:

• March 10, 2026 – Online bidding opens
• April 3, 2026 – Bidding closes
• Properties must be paid for within 24 hours of winning

How $100 Auction Opening Bids Work

The $100 starting bid isn't a typo—but it's also not the final price.

Auction minimums are based on the amount of back taxes owed, plus fees. In some cases, that number can be very low.

But here's the catch: the opening bid is just an opening.

These are competitive auctions, especially in this housing market with high interest rates. Properties can—and often do—sell for well above market value when bidding heats up. That "steal" can quickly become a "deal" you overpaid for.

Why This Matters for STR Hosts and Investors

San Diego is one of the most competitive short-term rental markets in California. Limited inventory, strong tourism demand, and strict regulations make it a tough market to enter—unless you find a creative angle.

A tax auction could be that angle. But only if you go in with eyes wide open.

The upside:

• Potential to acquire properties below market value
• Access to a market where inventory rarely hits listing services
• Chance to renovate and reposition for STR use and equity

The reality check:

• You're buying as-is, usually without interior access
• Liens, title issues, and existing tenants don't disappear
• You need cash—most auctions require full payment within 24 hours

San Diego Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Regulations

If you're thinking of turning an auction property into a short-term rental, you need to understand San Diego's regulations.

1. You need a license

San Diego requires a Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) license for any rental under 30 days. The city caps the number of licenses and enforces them aggressively.

2. Owner-occupancy rules apply

In many residential zones, you can only operate a short-term rental if the property is your primary residence. That means no investor-owned, non-owner-occupied STRs in large swaths of the city.

3. Vacation rentals are limited

Entire-home rentals (where the owner doesn't live on-site) are capped and heavily regulated. Waitlists for licenses exist in some zones.

4. Taxes and fees

You'll pay Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on all bookings—currently around 10.5%, plus city fees.

5. Neighborhood restrictions

Some communities have additional rules or HOA restrictions that ban short-term rentals entirely. Always check local zoning before you buy.

Before You Bid: Due Diligence Checklist

A tax auction isn't Zillow. You can't schedule a showing, and there's no seller disclosure.

Here's what you must do before raising your paddle:

✅ Research the property address – Look up zoning, STR eligibility, and any existing liens beyond the tax debt

✅ Check the neighborhood – Are STRs even allowed here? HOAs? Coastal Commission rules?

✅ Inspect from the outside – Drive by. Look for obvious issues: roof condition, foundation cracks, boarded windows

✅ Run the numbers conservatively – Assume renovation costs will be higher than you think (they will be)

✅ Understand the redemption period – In some cases, the original owner can still redeem the property after auction (rare in tax sales, but verify)

✅ Have cash ready – Most tax auctions require full payment within 24–48 hours. No financing contingencies.

✅ Go traditional – Buying a house at an auction that you haven't toured is not for everyone. If this is your first investment or you feel uncertain, don't take the risk. Buy something you can assess first.

The Bottom Line

Over 500 San Diego properties heading to auction with low starting bids sounds like a gold rush. And for prepared investors, it could be exactly that.

But the difference between a deal and a disaster comes down to due diligence, local knowledge, and realistic expectations.

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