BUYING AT AUCTION
Buying at auction: conveyancing after the hammer
Buying at auction requires immediate legal action once the hammer falls. Our buying at auction conveyancing service focuses on meeting strict completion deadlines, reviewing the auction legal pack and progressing the transaction quickly to protect your position.
Auctions move differently to normal conveyancing
Buying at auction differs significantly from standard conveyancing. Contracts exchange immediately at the auction, and completion deadlines are legally binding. Our role is to act quickly, review documentation thoroughly and coordinate all parties within tight timeframes.
When buying at auction, exchange happens immediately, meaning delays can result in penalties or loss of deposit. Our experience in buying at auction transactions allows us to move quickly within auction timeframes.
If you are buying at auction, early instruction gives you the best chance of a smooth and timely completion.
Residential vs Commercial
Residential auction purchases
Common risks include short leases, access issues, planning irregularities and restrictive covenants.
Commercial auction purchases
Additional considerations may include VAT treatment, lease structures, tenant obligations and title restrictions.
What to Send Immediately
If you are buying at auction, send the following documents as soon as possible:
Memorandum of Sale & Auctioneer Details
Confirms the agreed purchase price, buyer and seller details, and key auction information so we can begin acting immediately.
Auction Legal Pack & Addendums
Includes the contract, title documents, special conditions and any updates issued before or during the auction.
ID / AML Documents
Required to verify your identity and comply with anti-money laundering regulations before we can proceed.
Funding Position (Cash, Mortgage, Bridging)
Clarifies how the purchase will be funded so we can coordinate with lenders or bridging providers without delay.
Property Address & Target Completion Date
Confirms the exact property details and the contractual completion deadline set by the auction.
Our post-auction process
01
Before bidding
Review the legal pack and understand the risks.
02
Auction day
Contracts are exchanged when the hammer falls.
03
After the hammer
Strict deadlines apply — delays can be costly.
04
Completion
The transaction is finalised within the auction timeframe.
Common Issues We Handle
We regularly assist clients buying at auction where documentation is incomplete or deadlines are tight.
Completion interest clauses and strict deadlines
Buyer pays seller fees / auction admin fees
Tenancies and occupation complications
Missing documentation and practical risk decisions
Leasehold management information delays
Title defects and restrictions
Clear Updates at Key Stages
We update you at key points and tell you what’s happening, what we’re waiting for, and what the next action is. Auction work needs momentum — and we keep that momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I’ve won at auction — how quickly can you start?
We begin work immediately for clients buying at auction. Early instruction helps ensure deadlines are met.
2. What happens after the hammer?
When buying at auction, exchange occurs instantly and the completion deadline becomes legally binding.
3. What if I can’t complete on time?
If you are buying at auction and fail to complete, you may lose your deposit and face additional penalties.
4. Can you work with my mortgage lender or bridging provider?
Yes. We regularly work with mortgage lenders, bridging finance providers, and brokers to keep funding aligned with auction deadlines.
5. Do you handle commercial auction purchases?
Yes. We act on both residential and commercial auction purchases and are familiar with leases, tenancies, VAT clauses, and commercial-specific risks.
6. What if the pack has missing documents?
This is common. We’ll explain what’s missing, why it matters, and what practical options you have — so you can decide how to proceed.
7. Are your fees fixed?
We offer clear fixed-fee options. The scope is confirmed at the outset, and any additional work is explained before it’s carried out.
8. What disbursements will I have to pay?
Disbursements are third-party costs such as searches, Land Registry fees, or managing agent fees (for leasehold properties). We’ll explain what’s likely to apply.
9. Do you deal with leasehold auction flats?
Yes. We regularly handle leasehold auction purchases and review lease terms, management information, and any risks that could affect completion.
10. Do you act UK-wide?
Yes. We act for auction buyers across England and Wales using a streamlined, online process.
11. Can you act if I didn’t do a pack review before bidding?
Yes. We can still act after the auction, but the focus shifts to managing risk and meeting the completion deadline rather than pre-bid advice.
12. What do you need from me today?
The memorandum of sale, the auction legal pack (and any addendums), your ID documents, and details of how the purchase will be funded.
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