Auction Property Solicitors
Auction Conveyancing
Our award-winning auction solicitors are specialists in conveyancing for properties at auction.
Property auctions can be a fast and cost-effective way to buy or sell a property. Speed is the name of the game at auction sales, and winning bids made on the day are binding. This means you must do your homework ahead of time and know what you potentially are committing to. Our conveyancing solicitors can guide you through the auction process so you don’t make any costly mistakes.
How do property auctions work?
At an auction, interested buyers bid for a property and the highest bid wins. The sale is under contract as soon as the hammer strikes and the winning bidder must immediately put down a 10% deposit. Completion usually takes place within 28 days when the rest of the purchase price is paid.
When selling at auction, the seller will often set a minimum price they will accept for the property. This is known as the reserve price. The seller only has to sell the property if the bidding reaches the reserve price. However, the reserve price is a confidential number known only to the seller.
Bidders see another number, which is known as the guide price. The guide price may be much lower than the reserve price to attract more potential bidders to the auction. It does not necessarily reflect what the property is likely to sell for.
Some properties generate a lot of interest from potential buyers. Bidding may be fast and furious which can soon drive up the price.
How do you buy a property at auction?
The starting point is to review the auction brochure and decide which property or properties you are interested in bidding on. Your solicitor will then review the auction pack prepared by the seller’s solicitor. This contains all the legal papers that are needed including the title deeds, property searches, replies to pre-contract enquiries and special contract conditions.
It is important that you have these documents checked by your solicitor as there’s no backing out if you make the winning bid. Your solicitor will advise you of any risks associated with the purchase, including any matters that might affect the property’s value or your ability to sell it in the future.
Once the auction has finished, all contracts are binding, so you need to have your 10% deposit ready. You can then instruct your solicitors to transfer the rest of the purchase price and complete the transaction within 28 days.
How do you sell a property at auction?
When selling a property at auction, the first step is to have it appraised. The auction you’ve chosen often will take care of this. They will give you an idea of how much you can expect to sell the property for and advise on your reserve price.
If you decide to go ahead, you should appoint a solicitor to draw up the auction pack. This will include title deeds, search results, answers to pre-contract enquiries, planning permissions, conditions of sale and other important documents. Interested buyers can request a copy of the pack before the day of the auction.
When the day comes, potential bidders will register for the auction and bid on your property. Contracts are exchanged on the day and the winning bidder will pay a deposit. Your solicitor will then work to complete the sale within one month.
What if the property doesn’t sell at auction?
If the property does not sell on the day, the seller usually has the option of holding a “post-auction sale”. Here, the auctioneer will invite interested parties to submit their best offer, which may be less than the reserve price. The seller will then decide if they wish to accept an offer. Any sale agreed this way will still be under auction conditions.
Why choose Osbornes as your action property solicitors?
At Osbornes, we understand the complexities of buying and selling a property at auction. Our solicitors will provide comprehensive advice on all aspects of an auction purchase or sale, from preparing and reviewing legal packs to dealing with completion and registration. We also provide advice on post-auction sales. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
Speak to a Conveyancing Solicitor Today
For a free initial conversation call 020 7485 8811
Email us Send us an email and we’ll get back to you
Residential Property News & InsightsVIEW ALL
- 12.8.2024
Buying a Second Home
Guide to buying a second home Almost three-quarters of a million households in England own a second home, according to...
Read more - 23.1.2024
Will 2024 bring changes to the conveyancing process?
The National Trading Standard Estate and Letting Agency Team (NTSELAT) has recently released new guidance relating to information on both...
Read more - 19.5.2023
Declaration of Trust for Property
If you are buying a property jointly, you may want to consider making a declaration of trust to record your...
Read more - 13.2.2023
Transfer of Equity Stamp Duty
Do I Pay Stamp Duty Land Tax When Transferring Property into My Partner’s Name? When it comes to property...
Read more - 13.2.2023
Shared Ownership Stamp Duty
Do you pay stamp duty on shared ownership? When you buy a new shared ownership property, you are given two...
Read more - 8.2.2023
Severance of a Joint Tenancy
Severing a Joint Tenancy Normally, when couples buy a property together they do so as joint tenants. This means they...
Read more - 8.2.2023
Tenants in Common vs Joint Tenants
Tenants in Common vs Joint Tenants: Which is best for buying a property together? When buying a property with someone...
Read more - 20.1.2023
Stamp duty tax to remain the same until 2025
Good news for buyers as the current SDLT rates will remain until 2025 Buyers looking to purchase this year will be...
Read more - 23.9.2022
First-time buyer stamp duty exemption
Stamp duty is the bane of every home buyer, with only first-time buyers being exempt from paying the tax if...
Read more - 30.8.2022
What is a transfer of equity?
Transfer of equity in divorce Transfer of equity refers to the process of transferring part or all of a property...
Read more - 26.6.2021
The Risks Of Buying Properties Off Plan!
Buying Property Off Plan The Daily Mail reported that 300 families a week have to move into shoddy newly built homes....
Read more - 30.1.2021
Making Alterations to a Leasehold Property
What is a Leasehold Property? There are two main types of property in England and Wales, freehold and leasehold property....
Read more - 5.1.2021
How To Sell Your Home: 10 Top Tips
Top 10 Tips for Selling Your Home Thinking about marketing your property for sale? Simon Nosworthy, Conveyancing Solicitor at Osbornes, sets...
Read more - 22.5.2019
What Is Equity Release?
Equity release is a type of financial product available to homeowners which allows them to access some of the equity...
Read more - 25.3.2019
London property ‘hotspots’
Property professionals across the country have made their predictions as to what is in store for the property market over...
Read more
The Property Law Team View the whole team
Rachael Atkinson Partner
Property LawWilliam Ford Partner
Housing and Social CareShilpa Mathuradas Partner
Property LitigationSimon Nosworthy Partner
Property LawGuy Osborn Partner
Commercial PropertyMuna Adam Solicitor
Property LitigationMaria Elliot Senior Associate
Property LawStephanie Evanson Paralegal
Property LawNaomi Francis CILEX Advanced Paralegal
Property LawGrace Hedges Paralegal
Commercial PropertySean Hughes Trainee Solicitor
Property LitigationAmber Krishnan-Bird Senior Associate
Property LawImogen Lowden Paralegal
Commercial PropertyEmily Lund Senior Associate
Property LawJames Mayall Solicitor
Property LitigationEllie McEvoy Paralegal
Property LitigationTom McHale Trainee Solicitor
Property LawAlex McMahon Senior Associate
Housing and Social CareAngela Osei-Bonsu Paralegal
Property LawAlex Panayi Solicitor
Property LitigationSamina Pandor Paralegal
Property LawSiroop Kaur Pattiwal Solicitor
Commercial PropertyAmbra Schiavino Paralegal
Property LawErim Sheikh Solicitor
Property LawView the
whole team