Auction Guides

Learn How Property Auctions Work

Whether you’re considering buying or selling property at auction, or simply want to understand the process, explore our collection of expert auction guides covering everything from guide prices and legal packs to reserve prices, auction fees and more.

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Explore Our Auction Guides

Buying or selling property at auction is different from a traditional property sale. Our guides explain the auction process, key terminology and common questions to help you make informed decisions before entering an auction.

Looking for a broader overview? Visit our homepage to explore our property selling guides, auction advice and regional services.

Auction Process & Guides

If you’re new to property auctions, these guides explain the basics and answer the most common questions about how auctions work.

Best Way To Sell

Compare selling at auction with cash buying companies and estate agents.

How Property Auctions Work

Learn what happens from valuation through to exchange and completion.

A Legal Pack Explained

Understand what a legal pack contains and why buyers should review it carefully.

Guide Price Explained

Understand how guide prices work and what they mean for buyers and sellers.

Reserve Price Explained

Learn how reserve prices protect sellers and how they differ from guide prices.

Traditional Vs Modern Auctions

Compare auction methods and discover which option may suit your property.

Auction Fees Explained

Find out what fees may apply when selling or buying property at auction.

Why Auction Works

Auction is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to selling through a traditional estate agent, offering committed buyers, no property chain and fixed timescales. For many homeowners, it provides a faster, more secure and more reliable way to sell property.

No Property Chain

There is no property chain involved, helping to avoid delays, uncertainty and unnecessary complications.

Committed Buyers

Auction attracts committed buyers, including experienced investors, landlords and developers.

Fast Completion

Contracts are exchanged immediately, with completion often taking place in as little as 28 days.

Competitive Bidding

Multiple committed buyers can compete, helping to achieve the best possible sale price for your property.

Frequently Asked Questions About Property Auctions

Property auctions bring buyers and sellers together in a competitive bidding environment. Once the reserve price is met and the auction ends, the highest bidder enters into a legally binding contract, with completion usually taking place within 28 days.

A guide price provides an indication of the property’s expected selling price, while the reserve price is the minimum amount the seller is prepared to accept. The reserve price is confidential and is not usually disclosed to bidders before the auction.

A legal pack contains important documents relating to the property, such as title information, searches, leases (if applicable) and special conditions of sale. Buyers should always review the legal pack before placing a bid.

If a property doesn’t reach its reserve price, it remains unsold. However, interested bidders often make offers after the auction, giving sellers another opportunity to agree a sale. Your auctioneer can also advise on entering a future auction if appropriate.

Yes. Once the auction ends and the reserve price has been met, the successful bidder exchanges contracts immediately. This provides sellers with much greater certainty than a traditional property sale, where buyers can often withdraw before exchange.

Auction can be an excellent option for many property types, including inherited homes, renovation projects, tenanted properties, land and properties with legal or structural issues. It offers committed buyers, no property chain and completion in as little as 28 days, although suitability will depend on your individual circumstances.

Get Your Free Auction Valuation

Find out what your property could sell for and whether auction is the right option for you.

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Explore more expert advice, specialist property guides and regional auction services to help you make informed decisions about selling property at auction.

✓ Auction Guides

Learn how property auctions work with expert guides covering guide prices, legal packs, reserve prices, auction fees and the auction process from start to finish.

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Find your local auction property specialists and discover the areas where we help homeowners sell property quickly and reliably through auction.

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