how to buy a property at auction

Buying a property at auction is very different from the more conventional buying process. The property might be a repossessed house or flat, or could be in a state of disrepair. So, what should you consider before buying from a property auction?

Lucy Alexander, TV presenter, property developer and property auction expert, writes for Primelocation.com on how to succeed in buying a property at auction, including how to locate auction properties, the financial arrangements involved, what to expect on the day of the auction, and much more.

Be prepared

Buying a property at auction is an incredibly exciting, and potentially extremely profitable, way of buying a property. I just love the process; it avoids all of the normal lengthy purchasing procedures that you usually have to endure, with the risk of everything falling through at the eleventh hour. With an auction, as soon as that hammer falls, that's it - the property is yours. However, it isn't something to be undertaken lightly, and it definitely pays to have done some research on the process, in order to be in a position to snap up a potential bargain.

Locating a property auction

You'll firstly need to find out when and where there is an auction. You can do this by scouring the property papers and magazines, or by speaking direct to the relevant estate agents.

Finding the right property

Once you've found an auction, the next essential thing to do is to request a catalogue, as you'll need to study it thoroughly to see if there's something that takes your fancy. I have known of people that have just turned up to auctions with no knowledge of what is available and just bid on something on the spur of the moment. This may sound a very exciting and even brave thing to do, but in my opinion, whilst you might occasionally get lucky going on instinct, it is always better to be prepared.

Viewing properties

Once you've identified any properties that you're interested in, then contact the auctioneers and arrange a viewing. As when buying any property, I would advise more than one viewing as you need to be aware of every facet of the property if you are considering bidding. Very often, auction properties are in a pretty poor state, so it could be advisable to take a builder or an architect with you to ascertain what can be done to the property, and how much it is likely to cost.

It would be prudent to remember, though, that time really is of the essence. There is usually only a matter of around four weeks between the publication of the auction catalogue and the auction itself, so you have to act fast.

Research the property

Make sure that you do your research thoroughly, and compare the price and condition of the property to others that are similar, that might be on sale with local estate agents. You will very often find that the guide price of auction properties is set relatively low in order to entice bidders, so have in your mind what you think the true market value of the property is, and bid accordingly.

Legal matters

When you express an interest in a property to the auctioneers, there is usually a legal pack available for you to read. It is essential that you digest this thoroughly, and if you're not sure about anything, have your solicitor check it out. It could contain covenants or certain legalities which could have potential implications on the value of the property. It might even pay to carry out property and land searches of your own if you have any concerns and if you have the time.

Arranging your finances

You will also need to make your financial arrangements prior to auction. You must have a ten percent deposit with you on auction day, and you must come up with the remaining ninety percent within twenty eight days. If you need a mortgage, it is prudent to have discussed all of the financial implications with a bank or building society, and have arranged a mortgage in principle. I have known of people that have paid their ten percent and lost the lot because they couldn't come up with the rest of the balance in time.

Preparing for the property auction

When the time comes for the actual auction, be prepared. The whole process can be quite daunting, and I often say to people that they should go on a dummy run and experience an auction as a spectator before going to one to actually bid. You don't actually have to be there in person, as you can bid by telephone. I have to say, though, that I prefer to feel the buzz of the auction room and to be able to look around and assess the competition.

The property auction

When you arrive at the auction, you'll need to register - make sure that you bring identification and enough funds for your ten percent. Auction houses can be pretty crowded affairs, so get there early if you want a seat! When the time comes to bid, make sure that you can be seen by the auctioneer and that he is aware of when you're bidding - don't risk any of the casual scratching of the nose type bidding that you see in the movies!

Bidding

As the bidding increases, so will your heart rate, believe me. This is where you have to make sure that you don't get carried away. Try to have a figure in your head that you don't want to go over. It can be very tempting to go over budget, particularly if you've invested a lot of time and effort prior to auction, but try not to go silly. If you don't trust yourself, then you can get someone else to go and do the bidding for you.

If you are bidding on a property and it fails to meet its reserve price, this doesn't necessarily mean that this is the end of the matter. The auctioneers can still act as agents and are able to do a deal between yourselves and the vendors, if a price can be agreed at the end of the lot. This is often a good way to pick up a bargain, as a vendor might have been chancing their arm with their reserve price, but could be willing to do a deal after the auction. Likewise, it isn't unheard of for a deal to be tied up prior to auction, so it may be worthwhile checking this possibility out with the auctioneers.

Get yourself a bargain!

Ultimately, whilst it can take time to do your homework prior to auction, and it is admittedly pretty nerve-racking actually taking part, I believe that nothing beats buying a property at auction. I have recently purchased a house at auction myself, which I am currently renovating before it becomes our family home.

The thrill and euphoria at having a bid accepted, and knowing that it is a legally binding deal, is just fantastic, and if you've done your research correctly, then you might just end up getting yourself a bargain in the process.

Search for property for sale at auction

If you're keen to take Lucy's advice into buying a property at auction yourself, start by searching for auction property on Primelocation.com by typing 'auction' into the keyword search box, or by speaking directly to the relevant estate agents.

The content provided in the Primelocation.com guides is for information only. In all cases, independent and professional advice should be sought before buying, selling, letting or renting property, or buying financial services products.