Buying Through Auction
Buying Though Auction FAQs
A quick & easy bidding process
Buying a property through auction could not be easier. You can bid in person, over the phone, by proxy or online.
A wide range of properties to choose from
Auction provides buyers with a wide range properties to purchase that are realistically priced and readily available. All of the properties advertised for auction are available through our expansive network of partner agents which spans most regions of the country. Many of the properties are available with no onward chain, making auction a great way to purchase a property quickly and securely.
A quick and secure transaction
Buying a property through auction gives the buyer and seller transparency. A sale can be agreed on the fall of the hammer and all deposits and necessary documents can be exchanged on the same evening.
Auction Lots - Paid Entries:
Conditional Lot’s
Upon the fall of the hammer, the buyer shall...
Exchange contracts within 28 days
Complete the purchase within an additional 28 days of the exchange
A non-refundable £3,600 Deposit
Pay an administration fee of £780 (inc VAT)
Unconditional
Upon the fall of the hammer, the buyer shall...
Exchange contracts. (Special conditions may apply)
The sale must complete within 28 days
A 10% deposit must be paid to a minimum of £3,600
Pay an administration fee of £780 (inc VAT)
Auction Lots - a Reservation Fee* is applicable
Conditional Lot’s Reservation Fee*
Upon the fall of the hammer, the buyer shall...
Pay a non-refundable Reservation Fee of up to 5% plus VAT (to a minimum of £5,000 plus VAT)
Exchange contracts within 28 days and pay a 5% non refundable deposit (unless the Legal Pack indicates differently)
Complete the purchase within an additional 28 days of the exchange
Unconditional Lots Reservation Fee*
Upon the fall of the hammer, the buyer shall...
Pay a 5% non-refundable Deposit and a Reservation Fee of up to 5% plus VAT (to a minimum of £5,000 plus VAT)
Be legally bound to buy the property/lot and the vendor is legally bound to sell
The sale must complete within 28 days
Please Read
*Reservation fee denotes a different set of charges to the regular auction lots. Reservation fee lots will be either Unconditional or Conditional the reservation fee does not contribute toward the purchase price. Please read the differences between these auction formats carefully above so you understand the associated costs of each one and the requirements of each auction.
All '%' quoted above are based on the sale price of the property which is assumed by the winning bid.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask a member of staff on the day.
Starting Bids
This is the advertised price for the property and the opening figure for bids.
Reserve Price
This is the minimum price that the vendor is willing to sell the lot for in the auction. The reserve price is never published or listed, this is a private figure between the vendor and the auctioneer. Both the reserve price and starting bid can be subject to change.
Once you’ve chosen the properties you want to bid on, you must register with the auction department. This can be done at the auction, over the phone or online. Once you’ve registered you’re ready to bid.
Before placing a bid we do advise you to take the time to research and fully understand the properties that you are bidding on. The very nature of auction is a quick and secure sale, therefore there isn’t much time to second guess yourself once bidding commences. Make sure you familiarise yourself with the properties and any legal documents that are available, so you have all of the information you need to make a clear and informed decision about your prospective purchases.
Online Auction
Once you've found a property you're interested in, we advise you to view the video tour in the first instance, then arrange an in-person viewing, where possible, to further inspect the property before deciding if you'd like to place a bid.
You need to register and be verified by us before you're authorised to place a bid. Auction sales must complete in fixed timescales of either 28 or 56 days, so make sure you read the terms of sale and download and read the legal pack before placing your bid. All bids are visible via our Online Bidding Platform, and once verified you're able to bid anywhere, anytime before the auction ends.
If you are the successful bidder in the auction, then a team member will be in touch.
Auction Room
Our property auctions are split by region. lf you want to attend the auction and bid in person you must make sure to attend the correct event. This will be stated in the property listing and registration can be completed upon arrival. Bids can be placed on properties prior to the auction but we do encourage people to attend the events and bid in person.
In-Person
Once you are registered we will provide you with a bidding number. You are then free to bid live in the room. If you need a helping hand a member of our team will be happy to assist you through the process.
Proxy Bid
A proxy bid is a way of bidding on a property without having to physically be in the auction room. When a proxy form is submitted, a member of the auction team will bid on your behalf for the lowest amount possible up to your maximum bid through increasing increments. Payment details or cleared funds must be provided when using this method. See our handy guide here for placing a proxy bid on our website.
Telephone Bid
When a telephone form is submitted a member of the auction team will call you from the auction room enabling you to bid live. They will update you on what is happening with the lot you are interested in and act on your instructions to place bids on your behalf. See our handy guide here for placing a telephone bid on our website.
Congratulations, you’ve bought a property!
- You’ll be invited into the accounts room to sign the relevant Documents.
- You can pay the deposit on lots or reservation fee on lots by debit/credit card or by cleared funds
- We’ll instruct the sale with your chosen solicitor
- The sale will complete within the agreed timescales dependant on the terms (see what type of auction lot are you bidding on?)
Can l place bids outside the auction process?
Bids can be placed on lots before the auction commences. It is up to the vendor whether or not they accept the bid. If you are interested in an unsold lot please contact us.
How can l pay a deposit or reservation fee?
To pay a deposit on lots (C) (U)or a reservation fee on (CR) (UR) lots we accept:
- Debit credit card payments (3% surcharge on credit cards)
- Cleared funds banked with Keith Pattinson Ltd prior to the auction. These would be refunded the day after auction if unsuccessful
- We do not accept cheque payments
Can l view a property prior to auction?
Yes. We would strongly recommend viewing any properties before placing a bid.
Can l get a survey?
Yes. If you would like to have a survey carried out or need one to obtain a mortgage, you can arrange to have one done prior to the auction. l need a mortgage, can l buy at auction? Providing your lender has agreed that the property you would like to bid on is mortgagable it is possible to purchase through auction. Please be aware the properties marked with (U) & (UR) will exchange immediately so you must have your finances in place prior to bidding.
What is the reservation fee?
A reservation fee applies to any properties Marked (CR) or (UR). The seller has elected to sell their property under these terms and conditions and an additional fee applies separate from the purchase price.
Can l change my mind?
Once the hammer has fallen on a property you are legally bound to complete the sale. With conditional lots you would forfeit your deposit but would not be bound to continue with the purchase.
What is a legal pack?
A legal pack is produced by the seller’s solicitors for interested applicants to view ahead of bidding. These packs will be available on all lots marked (U) & (UR). They contain copies of searches, title documents, leases, special conditions and any other necessary documents to allow immediate exchange of contracts.
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