Whenever real or personal property sold on execution is purchased by the plaintiff or any other lien creditor entitled to receive all or part of the proceeds of the sale, the sheriff upon proof of that fact shall accept on account of the purchase price the receipt of the purchaser up to the amount of the proceeds to which the purchaser is entitled. The sheriff may require payment in cash of all legal costs distributable from the proceeds of the sale.
Rule 3133.Lien creditor as purchaser.
Adopted March 30, 1960 · Last amended April 12, 1999 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceWhen the plaintiff or another lien creditor entitled to the proceeds buys property at the sale, the sheriff accepts the buyer’s receipt against the purchase price up to the amount that buyer is owed, though the sheriff may require cash for legal costs.
Full Text of Rule 3133
Plain-English Summary
A creditor who wins the bidding should not have to pay the sheriff cash only to get most of it back as the distribution. This rule lets a lien-creditor buyer pay with a credit.
When the plaintiff or any other lien creditor entitled to all or part of the proceeds is the purchaser, the sheriff accepts the buyer’s receipt on account of the price, up to the amount of proceeds the buyer is entitled to receive. The sheriff may still require cash for the legal costs that come off the top of the distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a creditor who buys at the sale pay full cash?
No. The sheriff accepts the creditor’s receipt against the price up to the amount of proceeds the creditor is entitled to receive.
Are any costs still paid in cash?
Yes. The sheriff may require cash payment of all legal costs distributable from the proceeds.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 3133 adopted March 30, 1960, effective November 1, 1960; amended April 12, 1999, effective July 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2281. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (243918).
Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation
of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as: lien creditor as purchasercredit bidcreditor buys at sale