On June 1, 1973, the title to any real estate purchased by the treasurer of any county, city or town in the name of the Commonwealth pursuant to §§ 58-1067 through 58-1072, which are hereby repealed, and not sold by the treasurer pursuant to such sections shall revert to the former owner or owners, or his or their heirs, successors and assigns, subject to the lien created by § 58.1-3340. The liens of such delinquent taxes shall continue to be recorded in the appropriate clerk's office or other office where such liens are customarily recorded.
Va. Code § 58.1-3973