A Guide to Property Auction Viewings

When buying any property, you shouldn’t rely solely on photos and make a blind purchase. We always recommend viewing a property before putting an offer or bid in. This will help give you a full picture of the property and its condition, allowing you to see if it’s in need of any renovations or repair work. 

While auctions are fast-paced, you still need to find the time to view the property and undertake due diligence in advance, so when you find a lot you’re interested in, request to view the property at auction. 

After all, if your bid is successful, you’ll be legally bound to the sale, so it’s essential that you know what you’re getting before you even put a bid in. This allows you to properly assess whether the property is right for you in the first place. 

How to view a property at auction 

There are generally two ways to view a property at auction: in-person viewings and virtual video tours.

An in-person viewing is always the preferred option, as it allows you to inspect the inside and outside of the property, assess its condition, view key features, and take photos or measurements where needed.

However, in some cases an in-person viewing may not be possible. This can be due to factors such as the property being tenanted, being in poor or unsafe condition, or where the lot is land rather than a traditional residential property. In these situations, a virtual video tour may be provided instead.

Where in-person viewings aren’t available, virtual video tours are uploaded to our YouTube channel, allowing you to view the property at a time that suits you and gain a better understanding of the lot before bidding.

When you find an auction property you’re interested in, contact the auction house marketing the lot to arrange a viewing and confirm what options are available.

What to expect when viewing a property at auction 

A viewing for a property at auction can feel a little different than an estate agent viewing. You’ll meet a representative of the auction house at the property. Take the time to view the inside and outside of the property. It may be helpful to make notes about certain factors that are important to your purchase, repair work that needs to be done or potential renovations you’d want to do. 

You can also ask any questions you have about the property or auction itself. For certain things, the auction house’s representative may need to go back and ask the seller about them, but it’s good to ask any questions you have early on in hopes you can get a full response ahead of the auction. 

When walking around the property or plot, take photos and measurements as needed as well. This can help give you information to refer back to afterwards and help you consider whether you want to bid on the property and if so, how much.  
What to watch out for on the viewing 

When viewing a property at auction, there are a number of things you need to keep an eye out for. For starters, it’s essential to think about what you need and are looking for from the property and how it matches up to that. 

Any known issues should be mentioned in the legal pack. However, it’s important to undertake your own due diligence and check for anything the seller and auctioneer might be unaware of. Below are some of the things you need to keep an eye out for when viewing any property at auction: 

• Assess quality of renovations  
• Find out age of boiler, electrics, plumbing, windows, etc
• Be aware of signs of damp, mould and subsidence  
• Examine the roof, chimney and guttering for damage
• Look out for any infestations and asbestos
• Check for plumbing and electrical issues 

What to do after viewing a property at auction 

If you’re still interested in the property after your first viewing, you might want to book a second viewing with a surveyor or builder if you haven’t done this already. It’s important to also undertake more research on the local area and the property itself. Investigate the legal pack further, and if you haven’t already, instruct a solicitor to look at it as well. 

If after undertaking all of your research and due diligence and you’re still interested in bidding on the property, think about what you’d be willing to pay for it. You also need to consider what you can afford to buy the property for either through cash or finance and factor in buying costs and any refurbishment work or repairs. 

Get started on your property search 

If you’re interested in buying a property at auction, it’s essential to view the property at least once before bidding on it. To get started with your property search, check out our properties currently for sale, and book a viewing ahead of our Live Streamed and Multi-Lot Timed Auctions. 

At BTG Eddisons Property Auctions, we are trusted by buyers and sellers alike and can provide personalised advice and support every step of the way. Get in touch with our team if you have any questions about buying or viewing a property at auction.