California Code, Streets and Highways Code - SHC § 6509

(a) If such payment is not made, the sale shall be made as advertised, and the lot or parcel described in the bond shall be sold to the purchaser who will pay the highest price for the entire lot or parcel of land to be sold, but not less than the higher of (1) the amount due on the bond, together with accrued interest, penalties, and all of the sums specified in the notice of sale that are due in the event of sale, or (2) an amount equal to not less than 50 percent of the fair market value of the property.

(b) In the event there are no bidders, the bondholder shall be liable for the minimum sales price. Payment to the treasurer at the time of sale need not exceed the amount specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), and the balance, if any, shall be payable at the time the deed is issued.

(c) In the event there are no bidders, a certificate of sale for the entire lot or parcel of land described in the bond shall be issued to the bondholder after surrender of the bond, including all unpaid principal and interest coupons, to the treasurer and after payment to the treasurer of the fee of the recorder for recording such certificate, and, if incurred, and if no deposit was made pursuant to Section 6500, the cost of an abstract of title or title search of the real property sold under foreclosure; and also at that time the costs of the sale and other fees previously paid to the treasurer pursuant to Section 6505.1.

(d) For the purpose of this section, “fair market value” means the amount, as defined in Section 110 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, as determined pursuant to an appraisal of such property by the county assessor within one year immediately preceding the date of the sale, inclusive of the cost of appraisal, notice, recording, and the cost of an abstract of title or title search of such real property, if any. The fair market value as determined by the assessor pursuant to appraisal shall be conclusively presumed in favor of any purchaser or encumbrancer for value of such property.