Buying property at auction

Each property has its own lot page with photos, a description, the guide price, viewing times and the legal pack. Read all of it. If something is unclear, ask us before the auction starts.

Book a viewing or go to an open viewing. You are buying the property as it stands, so look closely. For land, farms and commercial property, check access, boundaries and the condition of any buildings.

The legal pack holds the title documents, searches, leases (if any), the special conditions of sale and any extra costs you will have to pay. Ask a solicitor to read it before you bid. They will tell you about anything unusual, such as a short lease, a right of way or extra fees.

If you win, you pay a deposit of 10% of the purchase price (minimum £5,000) within 24 hours, plus the buyer's fee of £1,500 plus VAT. The rest is due on completion, normally within 28 days.

If you need a mortgage or bridging loan, arrange it before the auction. Many lenders cannot move fast enough unless they have started early. Your deposit is at risk if you cannot complete on time.

Think about a survey, Stamp Duty Land Tax, your solicitor's fees, insurance from the day contracts are exchanged, and any costs listed in the special conditions.

Register for a free account, confirm your identity and wait for us to approve you. You can only bid once you are approved, so do this a few days early.

Bidding is online on the lot page. You can see the current bid, the time left and whether the reserve has been met. Only bid what you are ready to pay.

You will get an email straight away. Contracts are exchanged when bidding ends, so you are legally bound to buy. We will send payment details for the deposit and the buyer's fee, and pass your solicitor's details to the seller's solicitor.