Guides and FAQs
How buying and selling at auction works
For sellers
Selling at auction
Auction gives you a committed buyer and a clear timescale. It suits inherited homes, tenanted flats, properties needing work, land and commercial units.
Get a free valuation- 1Valuation and guide priceWe assess your property and agree a guide price and a confidential reserve with you.
- 2Legal pack and marketingYour solicitor prepares the legal pack while we arrange photos and list the property here and on Rightmove.
- 3Offers and biddingBuyers can make an offer straight away or bid online. We bring every offer to you and you decide.
- 4Sold and completedThe buyer pays a deposit when the sale is agreed, and the solicitors take it through to completion.
For buyers
Buying at auction
Every lot has its documents available up front, so you know what you are buying before you commit.
Browse current lots- 1Find a propertySearch the current lots and join the buyer list to hear about new ones first.
- 2Do your homeworkRead the legal pack and Home Report, take advice from your solicitor and line up your funds.
- 3Offer now or bidSubmit an offer from the property page, or register, verify your ID and bid online until the timer ends.
- 4Secure the propertyIf your offer or bid is accepted, you pay the deposit and buyer's fee and your solicitor completes the purchase.
Frequently asked questions
What is a guide price?
The guide price shows where we expect interest to start. It is not the final selling price, which is set by the offers and bids received.
What is a reserve price?
The reserve is the lowest price the seller will accept. It is agreed with the seller and kept confidential.
Can I make an offer before the auction ends?
Yes. Use the Offer Now button on any property. We put your offer to the seller and, if they accept, the property is sold to you without waiting for the auction to finish.
What do I pay if my offer or bid is accepted?
A deposit and a buyer's fee become payable. The amounts for each property are shown to you before you submit an offer or bid, and in the buyer information document.
How long do I have to complete the purchase?
[COMPLETION TIMESCALE: state the number of days and where it is set out.]
Can I buy with a mortgage?
[FINANCE ANSWER: confirm whether mortgage buyers are accepted and what they should arrange first.]
What does it cost to sell with Gavel?
[SELLER COSTS ANSWER: your wording, or "We will explain all costs clearly at your valuation."]
How quickly can my property be listed?
[LISTING TIMESCALE: typical time from valuation to going live.]