Is it worth trying to sell an abandoned lot of land

I'm sorry for the loss of both your grandfather and father. Dealing with inherited land, especially with complex title issues, can feel overwhelming, but yes—it's absolutely worth exploring a sale, and you have options even without a clear title.

First, understand that vacant lots and inherited land are sold successfully every day, even in complicated situations like yours. The property tax situation is a concern, but it's not necessarily a deal-breaker. Many buyers, particularly cash land buyers who specialize in purchasing land as-is, have experience navigating exactly these scenarios.

Before making any decisions, you'll want to contact the county tax assessor's office in SC to determine the current tax status and what's owed. They can also confirm ownership records. You're right that you'll likely need to go through probate or an affidavit of heirship process to establish legal ownership, but this is more common than you might think.

Here's where your options get interesting: Traditional real estate sales require clear title, agent commissions (typically 6-10%), and can take months. However, direct land buyers often purchase inherited land in as-is condition and can help navigate the title clearance process. Many will even advance funds to clear back taxes as part of the transaction, significantly simplifying your burden.

Benefits of working with a cash land buyer include quick closing (often 2-4 weeks), no realtor commissions, no need for surveys or improvements, and most importantly—they handle the complicated paperwork. Some even offer owner financing if you'd prefer steady income rather than a lump sum.

The key question is whether the land's value exceeds the back taxes, legal fees, and your time investment. In most cases, if the property has been in your family this long, there's likely equity worth pursuing.

I'd recommend getting a professional assessment of both the title situation and property value. Consulting with a direct land buyer who specializes in inherited properties can give you a no-obligation understanding of your options—they deal with these exact situations regularly and can tell you quickly whether pursuing this makes financial sense.

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