Real estate of a taxpayer may be levied upon and sold in the manner prescribed in sections 5252-5255 of this title, for the collection of a delinquent personal property tax, but the sale thereof shall be subject to homestead rights and all existing liens and encumbrances of record on such property and all taxes validly assessed on such real estate. (Amended 1959, No. 218, § 2; 1977, No. 118 (Adj. Sess.), § 10, eff. Feb. 3, 1978, for tax years beginning Jan. 1, 1978.)