Step-by-step advice to maximise your property’s auction potential.
Are you fed up with the uncertainties of selling your property or land through an estate agent? If you are seeking a fast and reliable way to sell, get a free, no-obligation auction appraisal and discover how your property could perform at auction.
Selling your property at auction is one of the most straightforward and reliable ways to achieve a fast sale at a competitive price. Whether you’re selling a residential home, land, commercial premises or a unique property, auctions provide speed, certainty, and transparency — with most sales completing within 28 days of the auction date.
We partner with some of the UK’s leading property auctioneers, ensuring your sale is handled professionally from start to finish. From setting the right guide price to managing the legal process, you’ll be supported every step of the way.
Getting a free, no-obligation property appraisal is the first step. It gives you an honest look at your property’s market potential and helps you decide if an auction is the right fit.
Our auctioneers will help to demystify the process of selling by auction. They will chat through the process with you in more detail, answer all of your questions, and advise on the expected price that you could realistically achieve by choosing sale by auction.
Our auctioneers sell exclusively by Traditional Auction, not the Modern Method.
With Traditional Auction, once a buyer’s bid is accepted, they immediately pay a 10% deposit and are legally committed to complete within 28 days. This provides certainty, speed and a transparent process for both parties.
By contrast, the Modern Method of Auction is conditional, meaning either party can withdraw prior to exchange, and completion timescales are typically longer (often around 56 days). It also involves a buyer’s fee, which can impact buyer appetite and overall pricing.
If you are looking for a fast, secure and straightforward route to sale, Traditional Auction is generally the preferred option.
What are the advantages to the traditional method of auction?
Auctions give sellers certainty. There’s no waiting around for chains to complete, no risk of last-minute dropouts, and the whole process is transparent.
Here’s why it works so well:
- Certainty of sale – Contracts are exchanged as soon as the hammer falls.
- Fast completion – Most sales complete within 20 working days (usually 28 days including weekends).
- Secure process – Buyers pay a 10% deposit immediately and face significant penalties if they withdraw.
- Competitive bidding – The right guide price can drive offers above your expectations.
- Set timescales – You can plan your next move knowing exactly when your property will sell.
What types of property sell well at auction?
Property auctions attract a wide range of buyers, including investors, developers, landlords, builders and owner-occupiers. As a result, many different types of property can sell successfully at auction.
Properties commonly sold at auction include:
• Houses and flats requiring renovation or modernisation
• Probate and inherited properties
• Tenanted investment properties
• Land and development opportunities
• Commercial and mixed-use properties
• Properties with planning permission
• Repossessions and vacant properties
• Non-standard construction properties
• Lots with legal or structural complexities
Auction can be particularly effective where a property may be difficult to sell through traditional estate agency channels, or where a seller is seeking speed, certainty and competitive bidding.
Every property is unique, so if you're unsure whether auction is the right route, it's worth obtaining a free, no-obligation auction appraisal from an experienced auctioneer.
Many sellers researching how to sell property at auction find that competitive bidding can often push the final price well beyond the reserve. For a closer look at why, explore the benefits of selling at auction.
How much does it cost to sell a property at auction?
The cost of selling a property at auction varies depending on the auctioneer, the type of property, and the services included.
Many auctioneers offer a free, no-obligation auction appraisal and will explain their fees and marketing costs upfront. In some cases, fees may be paid by the buyer rather than the seller, although this varies between auctioneers and individual properties.
The best way to understand the likely costs is to request a free auction valuation. An auctioneer will be able to assess your property, discuss guide and reserve prices, explain the auction process, and provide a clear breakdown of any fees involved.
How quickly can my property be sold at auction?
One of the main advantages of selling at auction is speed.
Most auctioneers hold regular auctions throughout the year, often on a monthly basis. Once your property has been entered into an auction, there is typically a marketing period of several weeks before bidding takes place.
If the property sells at auction, contracts are exchanged immediately when the auction ends, and completion usually takes place within a fixed timescale, often 28 days later.
While every sale is different, many sellers find that auction provides a faster and more certain route to sale compared with the traditional property market, where transactions can take months and may still fall through before completion.
Step-by-step guide to selling your property at auction
1. Instruction & Setting a Guide Price
Your auctioneer will assess your property’s market potential and recommend a guide price to attract interest. This is not the final sale price — the aim is to encourage competitive bidding that drives the price upward.
You’ll also agree on fees and a reserve price (the minimum you’re willing to accept), which remains confidential. At this stage, you’ll sign the Auction Agreement and provide proof of ID and address, to meet Anti-Money Laundering regulations.
2. Marketing Your Property
Your auctioneer will:
- Photograph and measure your property.
- Write a professional description.
- List it on their own site, UK Auction List, and other major property portals.
- Circulate details to potential buyers, investors, and developers.
3. Preparing the Legal Pack
Your solicitor will prepare a legal pack containing:
- Title deeds.
- Local searches.
- Planning permissions.
- Tenancy agreements (if applicable).
- Any other relevant documents.
This pack is available for buyers to review before they bid.
4. Organising Viewings
Viewing times are arranged and promoted to give buyers the opportunity to inspect the property in person.
5. Handling Pre-Auction Offers
Any offers made before auction day will be passed on to you. You’re not obliged to accept unless contracts have been exchanged.
6. Auction Day
The auctioneer will run bidding in the room, online, or by phone. If the top bid meets or exceeds your reserve price, the sale is legally binding. The buyer pays a 10% deposit immediately, with the balance due on completion.
7. If the Reserve Price Isn’t Met
Unsold lots can still sell after the auction. Your property will be marked as Available to Buy and marketed for up to six weeks post-auction, often leading to a sale in the days following the event.
Useful Guides for Selling at Auction
Below, you'll find a few blogs we've written about selling at auction. Worthwhile reading if you have a spare 10 minutes.
Marketing Strategies for Selling Properties at Auction
How to Prepare Your Property for Auction
Can You Withdraw a Property Before Auction?
Selling Tenanted Properties at Auction: Key Considerations
The Importance of Timing When Selling at Auction
Pros and Cons of Selling Your Home at Auction
Moving home
We work with Really Moving to make the next stage easier, from conveyancing and surveys to removals, so you can keep things moving once your property is sold.
Thinking of selling a property at auction?
Property auctions are often associated with renovation projects and investment opportunities, but many different types of property can achieve excellent results at auction. Below are answers to some of the most common questions asked by sellers considering the auction route.
FAQs
How do I start selling my property at auction?
Visit our selling property at auction information hub, and we’ll connect you with a trusted partner auctioneer.
Do you sell the property directly?
No. For over 20 years as have introduced sellers to auctioneers who handle the sale.
How quickly can a sale be completed?
Most complete within 28 days of the auction date.
Can I set a minimum sale price?
Yes. This is called the reserve price and is agreed upon before the listing goes live.
What types of property can I sell at auction?
Everything from residential homes to commercial buildings, land, probate and investment properties.
Will my property be advertised nationally?
Yes, it will be on the auctioneer’s site and displayed on UK Auction List and other major property portals.
Do I need a legal pack?
Yes. Your solicitor will prepare this so buyers can review details before bidding.
Can I accept an offer before the auction?
Yes, though you’re not obliged to unless contracts have been exchanged.
What happens if my property doesn’t sell?
You can keep it listed as ‘Available to Buy’ or accept a post-auction offer.
Why use UK Auction List instead of contacting auctioneers directly?
For over 20 years, we have partnered with some of the top performing property auctioneers across the UK, to ensure the auction process is as smooth and rewarding as possible for you, the seller. We save time and boost exposure by connecting your property with experienced auctioneers and nationwide buyers.
Ready to sell?
Selling by auction doesn’t need to be daunting — our partner auctioneers will guide you through every step. Start with a free, no-obligation property appraisal to see if auction is right for you.
From city flats to countryside homes, we connect sellers with auctioneers who know how to get results. From your first valuation through to auction day, you’ll have a clear plan and access to buyers who are ready to bid. If you want to learn more about how to sell property at auction, our team and guides can help you understand every stage before you commit. Auctions are also a prime hunting ground for your next buy-to-let property, offering a steady stream of investment opportunities with rental potential.
You can check out further insights on our Benefits of Selling at Auction page.