You pay the taxes owed plus any interest and penalties.

If the owner does not pay by the end of the redemption period, you may have the right to foreclose and take ownership of the property. However, most liens are redeemed, meaning you get your money back with interest rather than the house. Common Types of Property Liens

The homeowner is given a "redemption period" (often 1–3 years) to pay you back with interest. Interest rates can be quite high, sometimes ranging from 5% to 36% depending on state laws.

While tax liens are the most common for investors, other types of liens can be attached to a house: How To Buy a House With a Lien | Own Up Resources

Buying a lien on a house, often called , involves paying a property owner's overdue taxes to the local government in exchange for a legal claim against the property . This process is different from buying the house itself; instead, you are essentially acting as the lender for the unpaid debt. How Tax Lien Investing Works

When a homeowner fails to pay property taxes, the local municipality can issue a . Investors purchase these certificates at public auctions.