A reserve price is the price stated as the lowest acceptable figure by the seller. This figure is confidential between the seller and auctioneer.

No, not always. The guide is an indication given by the auctioneer. Where the guide price is a bracket figure, the reserve cannot exceed the top end of the bracket price. If the guide price is a single figure, then the reserve can be up to 10% in excess of this.

After the auction has ended one of our team will contact you to advise you of the result.

Yes, and these vary depending on the method of sale associated with the property and the country in which you are purchasing. These differences are listed below. Please also note that the reservation fee does not contribute towards the purchase price, and that any further additional costs, which are payable in addition to the purchase price, will be included within the Special Conditions that are attached to the Contract.

To make sure you are fully aware of all associated costs, we strongly advise that all prospective purchasers inspect the legal pack thoroughly themselves and request a legal representative review it too.

Unconditional: On the fall of the hammer, the successful bidder will be legally bound to purchase the property. The successful bidder must immediately exchange contracts and pay the applicable deposit and Buyer’s Fee stated on the property description, both of which are non-refundable. The deposit contributes to the purchase price. The Buyer’s Fee does not contribute to the purchase price. Completion must take place usually within 30 days, unless the Special Conditions of Sale within the legal pack state otherwise.

Conditional: On the fall of the hammer, the successful bidder will enter into a reservation agreement with the seller. This agreement confers an exclusivity period of 60-days on the successful bidder, in which to exchange contracts and complete the purchase. The non-refundable Reservation Fee will be payable to us immediately on the fall of the hammer, the amount of which will be stated on the property description. This fee does not contribute to the purchase price. The deposit will be payable later on exchange of contracts via your solicitor. You must make every effort to exchange contracts of sale and complete the purchase within the 60-day exclusivity period, unless the Special Conditions of Sale within the legal pack state otherwise.

There are a number of options when selling by auction which can include paying no fees at all and having the buyer an additional fee instead. This is often an attractive option when you are selling due to a bereavement or a divorce and you have limited cash prior to the auction to fund the sale. Alternatively as a seller you can pay an initial fee and commission price for the sale of the property, meaning the buyer doesn’t have to pay anything extra, maximising the final sale price of the property

Regardless of which auction route is selected, there are solicitor fees to prepare the legal pack for your property, which typically costs around £350 to £500. After your home is sold, you will also need to instruct a solicitor for the conveyancing of the property, which can cost anywhere from £450 to £750.

Yes, if a reserve price is not met during the bidding process, then the lot will not sell. We continue to market our unsold properties after the auction and if a post-auction sale is agreed it will be carried out under auction conditions.