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 are listed below – please note the reservation fee does not contribute towards the purchase price. 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. Therefore all prospective purchasers must inspect the legal packs thoroughly. We also strongly advise prospective purchasers to request a legal representative reviews the pack for every lot that you may wish to bid on, so that you are fully aware of any additional costs, if applicable.

England and Wales

Unconditional with Fixed Fee: 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 a 10% deposit (subject to a minimum of £5,000), along with a non-refundable Buyer’s Fee. The Buyer’s Fee is £1,074, and completion must take place within 20 business days, unless the Special Conditions of Sale state otherwise.  

Unconditional with Variable Fee: On the fall of the hammer, the successful bidder will be legally bound to purchase the property. The successful bidder must immediately exchange contracts, pay a 5% deposit (subject to a minimum of £5,000) along with a non-refundable Buyer’s Fee of either 4.8% of the final sale price of the property up to and including £250,000, or 3.6% if the final sale price is over £250,000. The Buyer’s Fee is subject to a minimum of £6,000. Completion must take place usually within 20 business days unless the Special Conditions of Sale state otherwise.  

Conditional with Reservation Fee: On the fall of the hammer, the successful bidder will enter into a Reservation Agreement with the seller and be granted an exclusivity period of 40 business days to purchase the property (unless the Special Conditions of Sale specify a different timescale). The successful bidder must use the exclusivity period to proceed to exchange of contracts and complete the purchase. On the fall of the hammer, the successful bidder must immediately pay a non-refundable Reservation Fee of 4.8% of the final sale price of the property up to and including £250,000, or 3.6% if the final sale price is over £250,000. The Reservation Fee is subject to a minimum of £6,000. 

Scotland

Unconditional with Fixed Fee: On the fall of the hammer, the successful bidder will be legally bound to purchase the property. The successful bidder must immediately exchange contracts, pay a 10% deposit (subject to a minimum of £5,000) along with a non-refundable Buyer’s Fee. The Buyer’s Fee is £1,074, and completion must take place within 20 business days, unless the Special Conditions of Sale state otherwise.  

Unconditional with Variable Fee: On the fall of the hammer, the successful bidder will be legally bound to purchase the property. The successful bidder must immediately exchange contracts, pay a 5% deposit (subject to a minimum of £5,000) along with a non-refundable Buyer’s Fee of 3.6% of the final sale price of the property, subject to a minimum of £4,000. Completion must take place usually within 20 business days unless the Special Conditions of Sale state otherwise.  

Conditional with Reservation Fee: On the fall of the hammer, the successful bidder will enter into a Reservation Agreement with the seller and be granted an exclusivity period of 40 business days to purchase the property (unless the Special Conditions of Sale specify a different timescale). The successful bidder must use the exclusivity period to proceed to exchange of contracts and complete the purchase. On the fall of the hammer, the successful bidder must immediately pay a non-refundable Reservation Fee of 3.6% of the final sale price of the property, subject to a minimum of £4,000. 

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.