Selling at auction.
A different way to sell.
Explore selling your property at auction with & Co. We explain the process, costs and terms, and help you decide whether it suits your property and plans.
Book an auction appraisal →Selling by auction, explained.
Your property. Your plans.
Auction is another way to bring a property to market, using a bidding process and an agreed set of sale conditions. It can be considered for homes and investments of different types and values, not just properties needing renovation. Your local & Co agent works with Pattinson Auction to explain the options, discuss realistic pricing and support the sale. The right approach depends on your property, your priorities and the terms you are comfortable agreeing to.
An agreed reserve price
Agree a confidential minimum with the auctioneer before bidding. Your reserve and advertised starting bid serve different purposes, and both need careful consideration.
A committed buyer
Successful bidders must meet the requirements of the chosen auction route. Payments and the point of legal commitment depend on the property’s sale conditions.
A defined route to completion
Understand the proposed exchange and completion deadlines before proceeding. Allow time for marketing and legal preparation as well as the transaction itself.
0% sales fee options.
Complete in as little as 28 days.
On qualifying terms. Legal and other applicable costs remain payable. Completion times depend on the auction route and property terms; marketing and preparation time is additional.
Book an auction appraisal →How selling at auction works.
From appraisal to completion.
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Discuss your plans
Tell us about the property, your priorities and any onward move. We will discuss whether auction is appropriate for your circumstances.
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Agree pricing and reserve
Review the market evidence and agree a realistic guide or starting bid, confidential reserve and proposed marketing with the auction team.
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Prepare the legal pack
Instruct your solicitor early to gather title, searches and property information, and explain the sale conditions and your obligations.
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Launch and arrange viewings
Present the property to potential buyers, arrange access and respond to enquiries while the auction team manages registration and bidding.
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Review bids
Bids are considered under the advertised auction terms and reserve. The team will explain any offers and the next steps for a successful bid.
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Progress to completion
Your solicitor handles the legal transaction. Exchange, payments and completion follow the timetable and conditions agreed for your property.
Selling at auction:
your questions answered.
Is auction suitable for my property?
Auction can be considered for family homes, flats, investment properties, land and homes needing work. It is not limited to renovation properties. Suitability depends on the property, likely buyers, pricing and your plans. We will discuss auction alongside conventional selling so you can choose a route that fits your circumstances.
What is the difference between a guide price and a reserve?
The guide price or starting bid is the advertised indication used to attract interest and begin bidding. The reserve is the confidential minimum agreed with you and the auctioneer. The starting bid is not necessarily a price at which the property can be sold. Both figures should be realistic and agreed before marketing.
What does selling at auction cost?
Ask for a written breakdown of the terms proposed for your property before instructing us. Some arrangements offer a 0% seller sales fee, subject to qualifying terms; that does not mean there are no costs. Solicitor fees, legal-pack preparation, searches and other applicable charges need to be considered. Buyer fees can also influence the amount a buyer is willing to bid.
What is included in an auction legal pack?
Your solicitor prepares the documents buyers need to understand the property and sale conditions. Depending on the property these may include title documents, searches, special conditions, lease information and tenancy documents. Start preparation early, disclose relevant information and ask your solicitor what is needed for your particular sale.
Can a buyer use a mortgage?
A mortgage buyer may be able to buy at auction if the property meets the lender’s requirements and funding can be arranged within the sale deadlines. A mortgage agreement in principle is not a guarantee of finance for a particular property. Buyers need to check the legal pack, valuation requirements and timetable before bidding.
How are viewings and surveys arranged?
Viewings are arranged by appointment through the marketing agent or auction team, subject to access and any occupants. Buyers should investigate the property before bidding and may arrange a survey where access allows. Tell us about any practical restrictions early so we can plan viewings and enquiries.
Can I accept an offer before the auction ends?
An offer may be considered before the advertised auction closes, subject to your instructions and the auction terms. Discuss any approach with the auction team so the offer, buyer checks and proposed conditions are handled properly. The method of sale and fees still need to be clear to everyone involved.
What happens if the property does not sell?
If there is no successful bid meeting the reserve, the property may remain unsold. We can review feedback, buyer interest, presentation and pricing with you, and discuss whether to continue marketing or consider another approach. Any changes and any costs should be checked against your agreement. Auction does not guarantee a sale.
Can I sell a property with tenants in place?
A tenanted property can be considered for auction. Buyers will need accurate information about the tenancy, rent, deposit arrangements and relevant property documents. Access and the basis on which the property is being sold must be clear. Your solicitor should advise on the tenancy and your obligations before marketing.
Can I sell a leasehold flat at auction?
Leasehold properties can be considered, but the lease and management information are important to prospective buyers and lenders. Ask your solicitor about lease length, service charges, ground rent, major works and any consents or restrictions. Obtaining the necessary information early helps buyers assess the property before bidding.
How long does selling at auction take?
Allow time for appraisal, instructions, marketing, viewings and legal preparation as well as the transaction itself. After a successful bid, exchange and completion deadlines depend on the auction route and the property’s terms. We will explain the proposed timetable before you proceed rather than promise one completion date for every sale.
When does the sale become legally binding?
This depends on the auction method. In an unconditional auction, contractual commitment normally arises when the successful bid is accepted under the auction terms. A conditional auction generally starts with a reservation stage before exchange of contracts. Your solicitor should explain your obligations and the property-specific conditions before you commit.
What if I want to withdraw the property?
Speak to the auction team and your solicitor before withdrawing or changing your instructions. Your position depends on your signed agreement, the stage reached and whether any binding commitment has arisen. Withdrawal charges or other obligations may apply; do not assume withdrawal is always free or possible.
How do I get started with & Co?
Arrange an auction appraisal to discuss the property, your goals and the timescale you have in mind. We will explain the proposed marketing, reserve, sale route and costs, and the information needed from you and your solicitor. You can ask questions before deciding whether to instruct us.
This guide provides general information about selling at auction in England and Wales. Your property’s documents and agreed terms take precedence. Return to our Auctions overview or find your local & Co agent to discuss your next step.
