FlipHouston's City Asset Disposition office sells used vehicles, heavy equipment, electronics and even confiscated jewelry and bicycles through online auctions open to the public. Houston also has three IAA branches and two Copart yards, and Gulf Coast flooding means title and history checks matter here more than almost anywhere.
Every link below was checked in October 2026. FlipTheBid is not affiliated with these agencies or companies. Listings change, so confirm terms on each site.
Where to buy at auction in Houston
Government surplus
- City of Houston: Asset Disposition: Official page. The city sells surplus vehicles, equipment, furniture, electronics and confiscated property through public internet auctions, as is, where is.
Related: Government surplus in our directory · How to Buy Government Surplus on GovDeals
Vehicle and salvage auctions
- IAA Houston branch: Insurance Auto Auctions yard at 2535 W. Mount Houston Rd., Houston. Salvage and repairable vehicles. Public buyers usually bid through a registered broker.
- IAA Houston North branch: Insurance Auto Auctions yard at 16602 E. Hardy Rd., Houston. Salvage and repairable vehicles. Public buyers usually bid through a registered broker.
- IAA Houston South branch: Insurance Auto Auctions yard at 2839 E. FM 1462 Rd., Rosharon. Salvage and repairable vehicles. Public buyers usually bid through a registered broker.
- Copart Houston (via A Better Bid): Run lists for the Copart yard in north Houston. A Better Bid is a Copart broker that lets public buyers bid without a dealer license (broker fees apply).
- Copart Houston East (via A Better Bid): Run lists for the Copart yard in east Houston. A Better Bid is a Copart broker that lets public buyers bid without a dealer license (broker fees apply).
Related: Vehicle and salvage auctions in our directory · How to Buy Cars at Public and Salvage Auctions
Storage unit auctions
- StorageTreasures: Houston storage auctions: Online storage unit auctions from self-storage facilities in and around Houston. Save a search to get alerts on new units.
Related: Storage unit auctions in our directory · How Storage Unit Auctions Work
Estate sales and local auction houses
- Worstell Auction Company: Houston auction company.
- Applegate Estate Sales & Auctions: Houston estate sale and auction company.
- liquESTATE: Houston-area (Tomball) auction house and estate sale company.
- EstateSales.net: Houston estate sales: Upcoming estate sales in the Houston area, with photos, addresses and the company running each sale.
Related: Estate sales and local auction houses in our directory · How to Price and Resell on eBay
Texas rules worth knowing
General information only, not legal or tax advice. Check with the agency before you rely on it.
- Sales tax and reselling. The state sales tax rate is 6.25%, and local taxes can add up to 2% more. If you buy to resell regularly, you generally need to register with the Texas Department of Revenue. Permit holders can give qualifying sellers a Texas resale certificate (Form 01-339). Government auctions may still charge tax unless you provide the paperwork they ask for.
- Vehicles: titles and taxes. Make sure you get a properly assigned title (or the documents the auction specifies). Texas charges a 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax, generally paid when you title the vehicle at your county tax assessor-collector's office. Title and register through the state motor vehicle agency. Salvage-branded vehicles need extra steps before they can be driven on the road again.
- Storage auctions. Facilities must follow the state's notice and advertising rules before a lien sale, and tenants can often pay and pull a unit right up to the sale.
- Buying across state lines. The selling state's tax and pickup rules usually apply at the time of sale.
More statewide sources are on our Texas auctions page.
Haul it, store it, ship it
Some of these are affiliate links; see our disclosure.
- Pirate Ship: Free shipping-label software with discounted USPS and UPS rates. No subscription.
- uShip: Marketplace for shipping furniture, equipment and vehicles.
- Montway Auto Transport: Door-to-door car shipping quotes.
- Neighbor: Rent garages and spare space from locals, often cheaper than a storage unit. You can also list your own space.
- SpareFoot: Compare and reserve self-storage units near you.
Frequently asked questions
- How does the City of Houston sell surplus?
- Mainly through public internet auctions run by the city's Asset Disposition office. Items are sold as is, where is, and can usually be previewed while listed.
- Which salvage yards serve Houston?
- IAA has branches on W. Mount Houston Rd., E. Hardy Rd. and in Rosharon; Copart has north and east Houston yards.
- Are flood cars common at Houston auctions?
- Yes, especially after major storms. Check the title brand and a VIN history report, and inspect before bidding.