5 Success Strategies for making money when buying property at auction
Publish Date: 12 December 2017
By Beth Fox
Further reading
Think your winning bid is all you'll have to pay at auction?
How EIG gives you the best chance of securing the right property at auction
5 Strategies for making money when buying property at Auction
Key Insights from industry expert David Sandeman
Auctions have always been seen as the place where great deals can be purchased, but how do you maximise your chance of getting one of the great deals and not spend it all chasing 'no hoper's'?
1. Auction House Location
Look for auction properties being offered by an auction house well outside their area especially if they are a regional auctioneer, they probably won’t have a big following in in that area, and if they don't, you will have less competition bidding on the lot. Search upcoming auctions
2. Unusual Property Type
Look for a lot type not normally offered by that auctioneer, if they are say predominately a commercial auctioneer and they have a residential lot (outside their area even better) then again, they might have less interest in the lot than a residential auctioneer located in the town.
3. Offers Pror to Auction
If you see a property you like the look of, try an offer prior to auction. It will normally have to at least be at 'guide plus'. If accepted you will be under pressure to attend the auctioneer's office to exchange contracts. Before you do that, you will need to be completely comfortable with the legal and physical condition of the property and happy to exchange and whilst doing this due diligence, the vendor could change their mind for whatever reason, so don’t delay.
The benefit of buying prior is that if you are successful you would have carried out your due diligence and secured the property at a price that is good for you with the certainty of not being outbid at the auction.
4. Withdrawn Lots
On average about 8% of all lots are withdrawn, this could be because the vendor no longer needs to sell it or the legal documents are not available or it was offered vacant and the tenant has not left, or a million and one other reasons. If you see a property you like (and our site will advise you of them) and it is withdrawn ask the auctioneer why and register your interest. It may be the reasons it was withdrawn will be sorted out soon, but not before the auction and the auctioneer may well call you when the issue is resolved to offer it to you without the competition of a later auction.
5. Unsold lots
Currently 25% of all lots don't sell at auctions. So lets consider the vendors position: He put it to auction so is probably a motivated vendor. He didn't sell it prior, and he didn't sell it in the room. Where is he going to go? If you show interest in it he will definitely want to have a discussion with you via the auctioneer about you buying it, try an offer based on the Guide Price, you can always go up. Search unsold lots
The best way forward
Firstly, you need access to eigpropertyauctions.co.uk, as this is the only site with information on virtually every lot coming to auction and the price achieved for those already offered. In a nutshell, without the knowledge you will get from our website you will be in the dark. You will not have full visibility of what is coming up for sale and you will not know what similar properties have sold for.
With access to our site you will have the full picture!
Experience your FREE no obligation EIG trial now, call us to get started: 01737 226150
Essential Information Group - News and Information
Keep up to date with our latest news, case studies and what's going on in the property auction industry on our blog.
Buying at auction
20/03/2025
Why the Property Auction Market is Booming Due to Stamp Duty Changes
The UK property auction market is experiencing a surge in activity in March 2025, driven primarily by impending changes to stamp duty regulations
Buying at auction
27/02/2025
Who Can Benefit from Buying a Property at a UK Property Auction?
Buying a property at a UK property auction can be advantageous for various buyers depending on their financial situation and goals. Auctions often offer unique opportunities, discounted properties, and a fast purchase process. Here’s who can benefit the most.
Buying at auction
24/02/2025
Bridging Loans Explained: A Guide for Property Auction Buyers
A bridging loan is a short-term financing solution, typically lasting up to 12 months. It provides immediate funds to bridge the gap between purchasing a property and securing long-term financing.