If you think property auctions are only for professional property developers or investors think again. They can be a great place to pick up a family home.
In 2017, some £3,190 million worth of UK residential property was sold at auction, accounting for 21,024 properties.
Even though this is just a drop in the ocean compared to the 99,800 residential properties bought through regular channels in December 2017 alone, buying at auction gives you the chance to pick up your dream home (or a fixer-upper) at a good price and makes the buying process much quicker.
Before you take your place in an auction it’s important to decide on your price limit. You should base this on the price that similar properties in the same area have recently sold for – and of course your own budget. Remember to factor in any additional costs, like mortgage fees and any stamp duty that may be due.
If you’re not a cash buyer it’s wise to get a mortgage decision in principle before you raise your hand, as winning bids are legally binding as soon as the gavel goes down. If you win, you have to pay a 10% deposit on the day and you usually have a further 28 days to pay the remaining 90%.
Before you bid on a property in auction you should go and view it – the same way as you would if you were buying through an estate agent.
You should also take the opportunity to employ a Surveyor or someone similar to carry out a Homebuyers Report or Full Structural Survey. You won’t get the cost of the survey back if you’re out-bid in the auction but that’s preferable to ending up with a large investment in something that requires a lot more work – and money – than you bargained for.
Our next property auction is taking place on Tuesday 24th April at the AJ Bell Stadium. We have a fantastic line-up of 70+ residential and commercial properties going under the gavel next Tuesday! Registration starts at 12pm and we will start offering properties from 1pm.
For more information about buying or selling at auction please contact our team on 0161 443 4740 or email [email protected].
