Government Auctions of Seized and Surplus Property

Some government auctions sell many types of excess and seized property. These can range from computers to artwork to mobile homes and more.

Auctions may take place online, in person, or by mail-in bid. The federal agency that owns the property may conduct the auction or it may contract with an auction company to conduct the sales.

Auction sites may list:

• Furniture

• Computers 

• Lab equipment

• Artwork

• Jewelry

• Mobile homes

• Planes, boats, and motor vehicles

• Military surplus 

Government auction websites include:

• GSA Auctions - a variety of government-owned excess property 

• U.S. Treasury auctions - various types of property forfeited by owners for tax evasion or other violations of Treasury law

• U.S. Marshals Service auctions - various items seized by U.S. Department of Justice agencies and other federal agencies

Government vehicle auctions

The government auctions thousands of motor vehicles each year. Some are government-owned and are in prime condition. Others the government seized and may need many repairs.

Auctions may take place online, in person, or by mail-in bid. The federal agency that owns the vehicles may conduct the auction or it may contract with an auction company to conduct the sales.

• GSA fleet vehicle sales - auctions of government-owned vehicles that are in good condition and ready to drive

• GSA Auctions - vehicles and other types of government-owned excess property

• U.S. Treasury auctions - vehicles and other property forfeited by owners for tax evasion or other violations of Treasury law

• U.S. Marshals Service seized assets auctions - vehicles and other property seized by Department of Justice agencies and other federal agencies

Real estate and federal lands for sale by the government

Government agencies sell real estate and federal lands either by auction or offer. Federal agencies acquire these properties through foreclosure, forfeiture, or failed banks.

Government real estate sales and auctions

These federal agencies sell real estate on their websites or business partner sites. Some hold auctions; some accept offers.

• Fannie Mae's HomePath lists many single-family homes for sale across the U.S. 

• Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation sells homes and commercial real estate from failed banks.

• U.S. Department of Agriculture sells homes, farms, and ranches, by auction or offer.

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HUDHomes lists homes for auction throughout the U.S. 

The auctions below sell real estate, federal lands, and other types of government-owned surplus or seized property.

• GSA Auctions - real estate, land, and lighthouses along with other government-owned excess property 

• U.S. Treasury auctions - homes, land, commercial property, and other items forfeited by owners for violations of Treasury law

• U.S. Marshals Service auctions - seized homes, condominiums, commercial real estate, and land in the U.S. and Caribbean, plus other items

Sales of federal land

You can buy excess federal lands by individual sale.

• General Services Administration sells real property, including:

  • Undeveloped land

  • Office buildings

  • Warehouses

  • Single- and multi-family homes 

• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sells public lands, which are undeveloped land tracts with no improvements. To learn about public lands for sale, find and contact the BLM state office for the area where you are interested.

Government auctions of boats and aircraft

Learn how you can buy boats, yachts, helicopters, and planes from government auctions of excess and seized property.

The following auction sites list boats, other vessels, aircraft, and other items for bid.

• General Service Administration (GSA) auctions - boats and marine equipment, aircraft and aircraft parts, and other types of government-owned excess property. Auctions may include military equipment.

• U.S. Treasury auctions - property forfeited by owners for tax evasion or other violations of Treasury law. Aircraft may be small planes, business jets, or helicopters. Boats include cabin cruisers, sailboats, and yachts. 

• U.S. Marshals Service auctions - various items seized by Department of Justice agencies and other federal agencies. Auctions often feature luxury motor yachts.