How Exactly do Property Auctions Work?

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  • with Andy Thompson

    Andy Thompson is the Head of Auctions (North West) for SDL Auctions who sell a wide range of residential and commercial properties on behalf of both private individuals and corporate clients across the UK.

The process of buying a house at a property auction has three distinct phases. Firstly there is the preparation period after the catalogue has come out. Second is the day of the auction, itself. And, third is the completion period after which the property and the keys are yours.

Property Auctions

Amy: How does a property auction actually work, beginning to end? What's the process?

Preparation Period

Andy: So, usually, the catalogue will come out about three weeks before the auction. So, that's your due diligence period. That's the crucial bit. That is when you need to do all of your homework and make sure you know what you are buying.

The Day Of Auction

Andy: Then the auction day itself is where, obviously, you'll go against whoever else and bid. When that gavel falls... the fall of the hammer represents a legally binding exchange of contracts.

So from that point, there is no turning back, good or bad - for you or for the seller as well.

The Completion Period

Andy: So, usually, you've then got a completion period of about 28 days but it's crucial to check the legal pack - that timeframe can be shorter, sometimes it's longer. The average timeframe is, however, 28 days.

So, again, it's important to have everything in place - your finances in place, a solicitor lined up - so that the 28 days period is a smooth process. And then, if everything goes to plan, at the end of that 28 days you've got your keys, and the property is yours.

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