First‑time buyers from the Bay Area won an abandoned house at a tax auction in Kingston, N.Y., and eight years later they are still restoring the Kingston house.
The couple purchased the property without prior renovation experience. Since the purchase, they have been working on the building piece by piece, turning an empty, tax‑delinquent structure into a livable home.
Key Facts
- First‑time buyers from the Bay Area won the house at a Kingston tax auction.
- The property was abandoned when purchased.
- Eight years after the purchase, restoration is ongoing.
How did we get here?
The buyers attended a local tax auction in Kingston, N.Y., where the house was offered because of unpaid property taxes. Their successful bid gave them ownership of a vacant, deteriorated building.
Without prior experience, they began a gradual renovation, tackling structural repairs, interior work, and necessary upgrades over many months and years.
What happens next?
Continuing the restoration will require further investment of time and money. The owners have indicated they intend to finish the project, though no specific timeline is provided.
Future steps may include completing interior finishes, installing modern systems, and obtaining any needed permits.
What We Know — and What We Don’t
Verified by the source:
- The buyers are first‑time purchasers from the Bay Area.
- The house was abandoned and sold at a tax auction in Kingston, N.Y.
- Eight years after the purchase, restoration work is still in progress.
Still unconfirmed:
- The exact purchase price at the auction.
- The total cost of the restoration to date.
- When the restoration will be completed.
- Whether the owners have encountered any legal or zoning hurdles.
Why it matters: The story illustrates the challenges and long‑term commitment involved in turning a tax‑delinquent property into a home, a scenario that can affect buyers, local tax authorities, and neighborhoods across the country.
What to watch: Updates from the owners on the restoration’s progress and any statements from Kingston officials regarding the property’s status.