Buying Guide

How to buy a property at auction

Why buy an auction property?

Property auctions offer speed and certainty, allowing sales to complete within a set timeframe, often around 28 days for unconditional lots. This is ideal if you want a faster purchase compared to traditional sales. The process is fully transparent, with open and competitive bidding, whether online or live, giving buyers confidence that the sale is fair. There is no risk of last-minute withdrawal or renegotiation once the hammer falls, making auctions a chain-free option. Additionally, auctions offer a wide range of opportunities, from move-in-ready homes and renovation projects to commercial investments and land, catering to different buyer types.

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Why use BTG Eddisons Property Auctions?

BTG Eddisons is one of the UK’s most established property auctioneers, offering nationwide coverage and a diverse portfolio of residential and commercial lots. Our experienced auction teams guide buyers through every stage, providing support before, during, and after the auction. With modern online bidding combined with traditional auction expertise, BTG Eddisons ensures a smooth and professional experience.

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We're market leaders

We’re the UK’s most successful live-streamed auctioneer and have been running auctions for decades.

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Our friendly and professional team

We understand you may never have bought an auction property before so we will help you through the process without any unnecessary jargon. We will always be honest with you, too

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We sell a huge range of properties

As a market-leading national auctioneer, we attract a growing number of sellers and have a huge range of properties for sale. Whether you’re looking for a renovation project or a home you can move into immediately, we can help. Our properties span the whole of the country, too.

How it Works

How to Find Properties You Want to Bid On

Start by exploring our auction catalogues to find lots that match your budget, location, and investment goals. Each listing includes the guide price, property description, access to the legal pack, viewing information, and auction type. By researching properties in advance, you can make informed decisions and identify opportunities that suit your strategy.

Understanding Guide Prices & Reserves

The guide price gives an indication of the seller’s minimum acceptable price, while the reserve price is the lowest amount the seller will accept. Competitive bidding may drive the final sale price above the guide. For example, if the guide price is £100,000+, the reserve will typically fall within 10% of this figure. Understanding these pricing mechanisms is critical to avoid overbidding or missing out on a lot.

Prepare Before You Bid

Before bidding, always view the property in person or virtually to assess its condition and surroundings. Carefully review the legal pack, which contains title information, restrictions, and special conditions, and have it examined by a solicitor. Arrange a survey to uncover any hidden defects, and factor renovation or repair costs into your budget. Finally, set a clear maximum bid to avoid overspending during the auction. Proper preparation is key to a successful purchase.

How to Register & Place Your Bid

To participate in an auction register online via our website by clicking the register to bid button. This will take you to our Auction Platform where you will be required to follow the steps to set up your auction passport account, this will include providing identification, buyers details, debit card details and confirming your solicitors details. You can bid online or by proxy for all of our auctions, and additionally for live-streamed auctions we offer telephone bidding. Once your registration has been approved and the auction has opened on your lot, you will be able to place bids. Winning a bid makes the purchase legally binding, so preparation and discipline are essential to avoid overcommitting. 

Before the auction

Preparation is key to a successful auction experience. Make sure you have registered and completed all verification steps well in advance, including providing proof of identity and any payment details required. Research the properties you are interested in, review the legal packs carefully, and, if possible, arrange property viewings or surveys. Set a clear maximum bid for each property, taking into account renovation costs, fees, and taxes. Being fully prepared ensures you can bid confidently and avoid surprises on the day.

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What You Pay After Winning a Bid

Deposit
If you are the winning bidder in an unconditional auction, you will have to pay the deposit on auction day. This will be deducted from the purchase price.

Fees
In all auction types, you will most likely have to pay fees. Remember, these are not part of the deposit or purchase price.

What if the property doesn’t sell?

If a property doesn’t reach its reserve price, it will remain unsold. Many unsold lots are re-offered in future auctions, so you can have another opportunity to purchase. You can also speak to our friendly auction team for guidance on how to proceed if you’re still interested in a property after the auction.

Got more questions about buying at auction?

We're Here to Help

Explore our Buyer FAQs for clear answers to the most common queries from first‑time and experienced buyers.

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