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Kentucky · ForeclosureKentucky judicial sales: the six-month redemption when the price is below two-thirds of appraised value

When Kentucky real property is sold under a judgment or court order – other than an execution – and the sale doesn't bring two-thirds of the appraised value, the defendant and the defendant's representatives can redeem it within six months from the day of sale. The redemption price is the purchase money plus 10% a year interest, and the reasonable costs the buyer incurred after the sale to maintain or repair the property, such as utilities, insurance, association fees, taxes and bringing it up to local nuisance code standards. The money is paid to the clerk of the court that entered the judgment, and the master commissioner then conveys the property back. While the right exists, the buyer receives an immediate writ of possession and a deed that carries a lien in the defendant's favor reflecting the right to redeem (KRS 426.530).

What the statute sets

  1. When (KRS 426.530(1))

    Court-ordered sale (not an execution) bringing less than two-thirds of appraised value.

  2. How long

    Six months from the day of sale.

  3. Price

    Purchase money plus 10% a year and the buyer's reasonable upkeep and repair costs.

  4. Buyer's deed (426.530(3))

    Immediate possession; the deed carries a lien for the redemption right.

What the TC does when the seller bought at a judicial sale

  • Check the sale price against the appraised value – below two-thirds means a six-month redemption right.
  • Calendar the end of the six months from the sale date and tell the title company.
  • Look for the redemption lien on the master commissioner's deed in the title commitment.

Questions about Kentucky redemption

Is there a right of redemption after a Kentucky foreclosure sale?

Only if the court-ordered sale brought less than two-thirds of the appraised value: then the defendant can redeem within six months from the sale by paying the price plus 10% a year and the buyer's reasonable upkeep costs (KRS 426.530(1)).

Can the buyer take possession during the Kentucky redemption period?

Yes. The buyer receives an immediate writ of possession and a deed containing a lien in the defendant's favor for the right to redeem (KRS 426.530(3)).

Related guides

Put the end of the redemption period on the deal as a dated task in ClosingCode.

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Source: KRS 426.530 (apps.legislature.ky.gov), read October 29, 2026.

General information, not legal advice. ClosingCode is software; it is not a law firm or brokerage. This guide is not a substitute for the advice or services of an attorney.