What does "Subject to" mean for a buyer purchasing a home with a lien?

When a buyer purchases a home "subject to" a lien, it indicates that they are aware of the existing lien on the property but are not taking personal responsibility for the underlying debt. Essentially, the buyer is acquiring the property while the lien remains in place, meaning that they will benefit from the property but the debt associated with the lien will still be the responsibility of the seller.

In this scenario, the buyer does not assume the mortgage or any other financial obligations associated with the lien; they take ownership of the property under the condition that the lien will still be enforced against the property itself. This arrangement allows the buyer to potentially realize the value of the property while not being personally liable for the debt tied to it, which could be a strategic option in certain real estate transactions.