(1) Except as provided in sub. (2), within one year after an execution sale the real estate sold, or any lot, tract or portion that was separately sold, may be redeemed by the payment to the purchaser, to the purchaser’s personal representatives or assigns, or to the sheriff of the county where the real estate is situated, for the use of such purchaser, of the sum paid on the sale thereof, together with the interest from the time of the sale.
815.39.Execution sale; redemption of real estate.
Ch. 815: Executions · Last amended 2001 · Last verified July 15, 2026
In one sentenceSection 815.39 gives the original owner one year after an execution sale to redeem the real estate by repaying the purchase price plus interest, shortened to two months when the sale enforces a lien filed under section 823.23(5).
Full Text of Section 815.39
Plain-English Summary
Section 815.39(1) allows real estate sold at an execution sale, or any lot, tract, or portion of it separately sold, to be redeemed within one year after the sale. Redemption is made by paying the purchaser, the purchaser’s personal representatives or assigns, or the sheriff of the county where the real estate is situated, for the purchaser’s use, the sum paid on the sale together with interest running from the time of the sale.
Subsection (2) shortens that window for one specific situation: if the execution sale is for a lien filed under section 823.23(5), the redemption period is two months instead of one year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does someone have to redeem real estate sold at an execution sale?
One year after the sale, except where the two-month rule for a lien filed under section 823.23(5) applies.
What must be paid to redeem the property?
The sum paid on the sale, plus interest from the time of the sale.
Who can the redemption payment be made to?
The purchaser, the purchaser’s personal representatives or assigns, or the sheriff of the county where the real estate is situated, for the purchaser’s use.
When does the shorter 2-month redemption period apply instead of one year?
When the execution sale is for a lien filed under section 823.23(5).
Can a separately sold portion of the property be redeemed on its own?
Yes. Redemption can cover the real estate sold, or any lot, tract, or portion that was separately sold.
Amendment History
History: Sup. Ct. Order, 67 Wis. 2d 585, 761 (1975); Stats. 1975 s. 815.39; 1993 a. 486; 2001 a. 86.
Source & verification. Section text and official notes are
reproduced verbatim from the Wisconsin Statutes, published by the
Wisconsin Legislature (Legislative Reference Bureau). Last verified July 15, 2026.
· Official source
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