If you're thinking of buying a property at auction this guide explains the full process step-by-step so you know exactly what to expect before, during and after the auction.
All our properties available are displayed on our website. You can view the auction catalogue, property details, photographs, virtual tours, along with the legal pack. You can subscribe to our mailing list to receive regular updates about new instructions to the market.
If you find a property you like, the next step is to arrange a viewing. Most unoccupied properties offer virtual tours on our website, allowing you to assess their condition remotely. However, the next essential step is to schedule a physical viewing. We strongly recommend that potential buyers visit the properties they’re interested in to ensure complete satisfaction regarding their condition. Similarly, arranging for a professional property survey is advisable. This step ensures you have a comprehensive understanding of the property's condition and any potential issues. Once you've instructed a surveyor, you can connect them with us, and we'll facilitate their access to the property.
Once you have completed your checks, you can put in an offer before the auction or move forward to register and bid on auction day.
If you are buying with a mortgage, you will need an agreement in principle before the day of the auction. This is because auction purchases require an immediate exchange of contracts and a 10% deposit on the fall of the hammer, and you will need to settle the remaining funds within 28 days.
Most high street lenders usually need the property surveyed before offering a mortgage, so apply as early as possible.
As an alternative we are partnered with Inhale Capital, an experienced short-term finance provider who can assist with auction finance if required.
Before bidding, it is essential to read the legal pack thoroughly. This includes special conditions of sale, deeds, title information, replies to enquiries and more.
Legal packs are uploaded to our website as soon as they are available, and you can sign up for alerts when documents are added or updated.
We strongly recommend that you take legal advice before bidding. If you do not have a solicitor, we can recommend one from our trusted panel.
Our auctions are conducted live online, with a professional auctioneer managing proceedings in real time. Bidders can take part using any of the following methods:
Please note if you just want to watch the auction you do not have to register.
Internet Bidding
Bid live online via our secure bidding platform. Once approved, you will be able to access the live auction feed and place bids in real time.
Telephone Bidding
A member of our team will call you shortly before your chosen lot is offered and bid on your behalf, based on your instructions.
Proxy Bidding
You can authorise the auctioneer to bid on your behalf up to your specified maximum amount.
How to Register to Bid
Registration opens once the online catalogue is released, and must be completed for each auction you wish to participate in. Registration usually closes 24 hours before the auction.
To begin registration, visit the official online registration link for the auction.
Registration Steps
To bid on any property, you'll need to be pre-registered and pay an Entrance Fee for each lot you're interested in. This fee includes both of the following:
| Fee Type | Amount / Details |
|---|---|
| Buyer;s Administration Charge | 1.35%+VAT of the purchase price, subject to a minimum of £2,160 incl VAT, whichever is the greater (£1,800 plus VAT). |
| Bidder Security Deposit | £5,000 |
| Total Entrance Fee (per lot) | £7,160 |
This fee must be secured in advance either by bank transfer or via a pre-authorised hold of funds on your debit card. Failure to arrange this may mean your remote bid is not accepted and you will be unable to participate in the auction.
If you are the successful bidder, the following will apply for each lot:
| Fee Type | Amount / Details |
|---|---|
| Deposit | 10% of the purchase price, subject to a minimum of £5,000 (whichever is greater). |
| Buyer’s Administration Charge | 1.35%+VAT of the purchase price, subject to a minimum of £2,160 incl VAT (£1,800 + VAT) whichever is the greater. This fee is non-refundable and does not form part of the purchase price. |
| Payment Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| On Winning the Lot | The £5,000 Bidder Security Deposit will be applied toward your 10% deposit and £2,160 toward your Buyers Administration fee. |
| By End of Auction Day | You must pay the remaining balance of the 10% deposit plus any balance of the Buyer’s Administration fee. Payments can be made via bank transfer or debit card. |
| Failure to Pay | May result in the loss of your winning bid and potential legal action. |
Other fees may apply, as set out in the Special Conditions of Sale. These can be reviewed in the legal pack before the auction.
Your Entrance Fee will be refunded as follows:
Bank/Electronic Transfer: Funds will be released back to you within 48 hours of the auction.
Debit Card Hold: If a hold was placed on your debit card, it will be released. Please allow up to 7 days for your card issuer to complete the release.
If you're unsure, please contact your card provider directly as banks such as Starling, Monzo etc may take longer to release the hold on funds.
You are strongly advised to complete your registration no later than 24 hours before the auction. We cannot guarantee approval of late registrations.
In association with
Countrywide Property Auctions is a trading name of Countrywide Estate Agents Limited, Registered in England Number 00789476.
Registered Office - Cumbria House, 16-20 Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 1GN.
