What is Modern Method of Auction?

Also known as a ‘conditional’ auction, selling a house via Modern Method of Auction lengthens the amount of time between the close of the auction (exchange of contracts) and completion of the sale.

In most cases, as with traditional auctions, much of the conveyancing process is undertaken before the modern auction bidding starts.

Usually undertaken online, once the virtual hammer has fallen, the winning bidder pays a non-refundable reservation or holding fee. This charge tends to vary between different modern auction service providers (see below).

This provides the buyer with a period of exclusivity, typically 4 weeks (28 days).

Within this time, the modern auction buyer must exchange contracts, on which date a 10% deposit needs to be paid (unless otherwise agreed).

Then, the buyer has a further 28 days to complete on the sale (where the full purchase price is paid).

As with traditional auctions, if completion doesn’t happen after the exchange of contracts, the buyer could lose both the non-refundable and 10% deposit paid. The auction house may also impose financial alongside abortive legal costs.

These processes combined, in most cases, mean that modern method of auction sales are much more secure.

Is the Modern Method of Auction the Future of House Sales?

Growing in popularity as more people use the internet to purchase properties, modern auctioneers are spearheading a new phase of the home sales market.

Crucially, more people also now see that modern method auctions are not exclusively for ‘motivated’ sellers (i.e. those who need to sell quickly).

More Buyers…

Suitable for sellers with no onward chain, Modern Method of Auction (or MMoA) widens the ‘pool’ of potential buyers.

With the extra 28 days, they can organise mortgage finance and avoid taking on expensive short-term loans (such as auction funding or bridging).

Creating a safe environment for retail buyers to bid on desirable properties means that modern method auctions are becoming the go-to place to get top prices securely.

Indeed, with the traditional auction model, 28 days isn’t enough time for most buyers to exchange and complete.

This is especially true for commercial property and land sales, where the due diligence requirements are significantly more detailed (see below).

In our experience, many modern auction bidders are actually cash buyers only which makes things even easier!

Bad Press Against Modern Method of Auction

In the wake of the 2007-08 recession, modern auctions’ presence in the home sales industry began to grow rapidly.

Beyond the usual industry tit-for-tat, one of the main criticisms is that buyers incur extra stamp duty liability…

Many modern method auctioneers attract sellers by offering ‘no fees’ and making their money on the non-refundable fee, due once the hammer falls.

Whilst at face value this is an excellent incentive for sellers. Not only does it mean that buyers will offer lower prices, but they will also have an extra tax to pay to the HM Revenues & Customs.

The buyer fee is classified as ‘chargeable consideration’ for a property (or land) transaction. Therefore, the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) calculation will be based on the agreed auction purchase price plus the fee.

For instance, if a property sells at auction for £200,000 with a buyer’s fee of 5% the stamp duty will be payable on £210,000.

Many buyers have subsequently complained that they were not warned about this extra cost. This has led to the involvement of consumer groups and even Trading Standards.

In response, most modern method auctioneers now make sure the extra stamp duty liability is explicitly stated on their websites. Buyers are also advised to instruct a suitably qualified conveyancer before bidding.

Some modern auctioneers adopt the typical estate agency fee structure of only charging the seller. Others split the fee between the buyer and seller.

How Does Modern Method of Auction Work?

Modern Method of Auction (or MMoA) is not reinventing the wheel in terms of buying and selling properties.

What it does bring is the ability to ‘lock-in’ buyers. If they were to pull out of the sale after the hammer falls, they will lose the reservation fee.

As a result, home sellers increasingly use this type of service as it’s a great way to overcome the many archaic processes of a ‘normal’ house sale, without compromising on getting a good price.

Many modern method auctioneers partner with estate agents across the country or are agents themselves that have bolted-on MMoA as part of their service.

However, as highlighted below, there are a couple of key differences with an estate agency sale.

As with traditional auctions, much of the legal ‘leg work’ happens before the auction.

This is because buyers commit themselves to the sale when the virtual hammer falls. It makes sense for them to want to know the ins and outs before bidding.

There are also financial obligations to be made once the hammer falls which do not exist with conventional estate agency home sales.

Although it may seem like a lot of hassle, it all serves to make the whole process much more secure.

Sellers can also relax once the bidding is done, safe in the knowledge that there’s very little chance of things falling apart.

Below, we highlight some of the key processes involved with this kind of property sale:

Property Valuation for Modern Auction

Professional auctioneers will use HM Land Registry data and RICS-approved Red Book guidelines to give you an accurate and non-speculative property valuation estimate.This may coincide with an agent from the auction visiting the property to confirm the process and answer any questions you may have.

They will typically look at the condition, size, market conditions amongst a range of micro and macro factors.

Much will also depend on the type of property. For example, the valuation criteria would likely change if it’s tenanted, unhabitable / unmortgageable, has land attached, repossessed, commercial or mixed-use.

Please visit our own house valuation blog post where you can check things for yourself. Feel free to also request one of our bespoke auction valuation reports.

Suggested Guide and Reserve Prices

Based on the above, auctioneer will discuss pricing your property in order to get the best outcome.The reserve price is the minimum figure you would be willing to sell at. If the bidding does not reach this figure, the property will be unsold (and typically put back on the next auction). Buyers at auction do not know the figure.

The guide price is often based on what the property is worth in its current condition (as outlined above). Other auctioneers may suggest a ‘price to entice‘ strategy in order to create a competitive bidding environment which, in turn, will drive the price upwards.

The slight variation with modern method auctions is that auctioneers will typically propose moving forward with slightly higher guides and reserves.

This is because modern method auction buyers are less time-pressed relative to traditional auctions (where the winning buyer must exchange at the end of the bidding process). They have more time to be able to organise finances and can therefore pay more.

Modern Auction Legal Pack

Different to open market sales in England and Wales, sellers instruct a conveyancer to prepare a series of legal documents (see below).Although this is not compulsory, we would strongly recommend having a legal pack in place before listing.

It ultimately provides more transparency and minimises the risk of buyers ‘low balling’ on your property (or worse, not bidding at all).

Photography, Floorplans + EPC

As with an estate agency sale, the modern method auctioneers will organise this for you.Check out our 101 tips on how to sell your home quickly where we go into the various steps you can take to present your property in the best way.

Auction Listing + Marketing

This is where modern auctions are miles better. With many traditional auctions, you often end up waiting for the next slot. Equally, every property that’s marketed is on an equal pegging to the other – i.e. there’s no risk of your property being buried in an auction catalogue.

As a bare minimum, the auctioneer should market your property on Rightmove, Zoopla and Prime Location (see where Property Solvers advertise here). The modern auctioneer should also have a strong presence on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

RICS Survey

As with the legal pack, some sellers choose to get their own survey against the property.It’s not compulsory but can be a good way to keep things transparent with buyers and can result in more confident bidding.

Viewings and Open Days

The modern auctioneer will either request a set of keys, install a secure key box or organise convenient times to conduct viewings.More frequently, the auctioneer will host open mornings or afternoons. With multiple viewers attending, it’s a great way to create a ‘buzz’ around your property – especially when buyers clearly see that there’s competition.

Modern Auction Bidder Registration

Before allowing the potential buyers to bid, the modern method auctioneer will undertake a series of processes:This typically includes:

Email / mobile number verification;
Identification checks (passport / drivers licence + proof of residential address);
Acceptance of auction terms and conditions (usually aligned with the RICS Common Auction Conditions);
Extra checks if the bidder is from overseas or deemed ‘politically exposed’;
Bidder security (involves placing a hold on a debit or credit card for the reservation fee).

Modern Method of Auction Bidding

Bidding periods can vary from a few days to a few hours (and even less).Other modern method auctioneers run ‘Zoom-style’ live events that attempt to broadly replicate traditional auctions – i.e. a filmed auctioneer calls for bids from a rostrum.

Typically, interested buyers bid in line with pre-determined increment levels using the bid increase (+) and decrease (–) buttons on the auctioneer’s platform. Once the amount is set, there is usually a ‘Place Bid’ button. The bidders will also be notified as to when the auction is drawing to a close.

On many platforms, it’s also possible to proxy bid. Similar to eBay, this is essentially where the bidders set a maximum amount and the system will automatically bid on their behalf. Note that this will only happen if other bidders drive the price upwards.

Please see our own auction test listing for an example.

Modern Auction Close + Payment of Non-Refundable Reservation Fee

The fall of the electronic happens at the specified time and the winning bidder has an exclusive ‘right to exchange contracts’ within the prescribed timeframe. This is usually set at 28 days (20 business days).It’s during this period that the buyer may book a survey and secure mortgage finance.

At this point, the auctioneer also takes payment for the non-refundable buyer’s fee and draw up the Sales Memorandum. The seller cannot sell to another buyer during this period.

Note that this reservation fee does not go towards the total purchase price. Also, the buyer can only get a refund of the reservation fee if the seller deliberately scuppers the sale.

Exchange of Contracts

At the end of this period, contracts will be exchanged.Unless otherwise agreed, the buyer will pay a 10% deposit into the conveyancer’s client account.

Completion

The buyer then has a further 28 days between exchange and completion.Failure to do so could potentially mean loss of the entire deposit paid to the conveyancer plus more severe abortive costs. It’s for this reason that very few sales fall through by this stage.

It’s worth noting that some auctioneers (including Property Solvers auction service) offer both the modern and traditional method.

The latter being a more time-pressured sale where buyers effectively exchange contacts when the virtual hammer falls. At this juncture, they must typically pay 10% of the purchase price and have 28 days to complete.

What if the Modern Auction Buyer Does Not Pay the Reservation Fee?

This is unlikely to happen as, in most cases, the modern method auctioneer will register the bidder’s credit or debit card and place a hold on funds without charging. This is also known as a ‘payment shadow’.

Once the virtual hammer falls, the winning bidder’s card will be automatically debited. The losing bidders will have their payments released.

Note that if the property sale falls through due to the vendor’s inaction, the buyer can claim back the reservation fee in full.

If the reverse happens (i.e. the buyer fails to move things forward adequately), the fee will not be refunded.

…And if Exchange of Contracts Doesn’t Happen After a Modern Auction?

If the buyer does not exchange contracts after 28 days of the auction’s close, the non-refundable deposit will be lost. The buyer is also likely to incur abortive legal fees.

It will be at the seller’s discretion as to whether to provide extra time. The seller is well within his/her rights to put the property back on the auction market and/or approach previous bidders.

What About Pre and Post Auction Offers?

Pre-auction offers are entirely possible and can sometimes make sense if the seller is happy with the price. The sale can then proceed under auction conditions to provide the same level of security.

If the property doesn’t sell, most modern auctioneers extend the timeframe. Buyers can still make offers which, if acceptable to the seller, can also move forward under modern auction conditions.

Modern Method of Auction – Good or Bad Idea

Since its emergence, as with anything that attempts to alter the status quo, Modern Method of Auction has received its fair share of criticism.

Below we point out the main arguments for and against selling your house in this way:

Some Advantages of Using Modern Method of Auction to Sell

It’s a quicker and easier way to sell your house relative to using an estate agency. Once the online hammer has fallen, the chances of the sale falling apart are very slim;
With more time given to buyers to complete the sale, the chances of getting the full market value of the property are higher. Here at Property Solvers, we generally achieve between 90 and 100% for our clients;
You can list your property immediately rather than having to wait for the next ‘slot’ with a traditional auction house. Sellers can often wait for 2 to 3 months before the auction event (followed by another 28-56 days for the sale to complete);
As everything is online, you’re likely to attract both domestic and international buyers in a way that’s not possible with traditional auctions;
You can still open up your property to pre-auction offers (and sell under guaranteed auction conditions);
Online auctions are becoming the status quo in a post-coronavirus world;
Flexible and convenient – as the seller, you can decide when to market the property and when the auction should close;
Buyers can easily participate from the comfort of home or using their devices. This makes the whole process simple and less intimidating;
Although property is clearly a ‘high-ticket’ purchase, with more people accustomed to paying for goods and services online, it’s natural that auctions would follow suit;
Buyers are under pressure to perform and have little opportunity to play games or delay things. If they do, there’s a risk that they will lose both the reservation fee and, quite possibly, the deposit paid at exchange.

Some Disadvantages of Using Modern Method of Auction to Sell

Although some operators pass the fees on to buyers, the costs of using a modern auctioneer are higher relative to an estate agency sale. This is largely because of the extra work required (see below);
With such large sums of money being transferred, there are some concerns over online security. These are often unwarranted as most transfers of money will be undertaken through conveyancers (in the same way as traditional auctions);
As a seller, you’ll still have to allow people to view your property. Although many auctioneers minimise the level of disruption by running open days (with multiple viewings), it may be better to use a We Buy Any House service if you’re after a completely private sale;
Although the speed of sale is much quicker than using an estate agency, you still may have to wait some time for the sale to complete (relative to traditional auctions and quick sale companies). We would urge you to work with a modern auctioneer that will not delay in listing your property;
There are a number of modern method auctioneers that only market properties on their own portals. Even though such exposure is welcome, always make sure your property will appear on Rightmove, Zoopla and Prime Location as a minimum;
Some modern auction clients criticise the hidden fees only mentioned in the small print. Reputable modern auctioneers, however, are completely transparent;
Some modern auctioneers – particularly those associated with estate agencies – can sometimes over-estimate the value of properties to win business. This places a risk on sellers if auction bidding does not meet the reserve price;
In house repossession scenarios, there may not be enough time for the sale to complete. Again, selling fast for cash can often be a better solution here.

Modern Method of Auction Sales Fees

Much of your decision to use a modern method of auction will come down to what it’s going to cost you.

It may be tempting to use an online estate agency that may entice you with lower fees.

It’s important to remember, however, that online estate agencies mostly specialise in listing properties rather than providing everything that it takes to get a great outcome from the sale.

This is indeed reflected in the fact that many high street agents end up using modern auctions to sell their properties.

But Are Modern Method of Auction Fees Worth It?

Unless you use an auctioneer that only charges the buyer, you may have noticed that using a modern auction is more costly than an estate agency sale.

Whilst questions remain as to whether such fees are warranted, there are a number of reasons as to why paying a little more can make sense…

**Legal Contracts Are Drafted + Conveyancing Work Undertaken Before Selling Your House at Modern Auction**

The security offered through a modern auction sale is backed by much of the legal work being completed prior to the auction.

More Work Required Compared to a Standard Estate Agency Sale (With Shorter Timeframes for Viewings, Handling Prospective Buyer Enquiries and Preparing for Auction)

The auctioneer often has to double down on the amount of work required and liaise with conveyancers to ensure the legal pack is prepared correctly.

Modern Online Auctions Need a Responsive Sales Team to Manage the Sale Property

Auctioneers need to handle the sales process much more attentively. For example, buyer enquiries must be handled quickly – especially given the time-sensitive nature of this type of sale.

Potential Buyers Are Checked Prior to the Competitive Bidding Process

Every potential buyer must be fully vetted before the auction. This consists of identification, anti-money laundering (AML) and proof of fund checks. This is for security purposes and means that not just anyone can jump into the auction and bid.

Checks Are Similar to Traditional / Guaranteed Auction

Modern auctioneers have extra legal and financial responsibilities when it comes to running a secure online platform. For example, having cyber-security and anti-fraud software in place is a must. Ultimately, therefore, the seller is in a much more secure position

Marketing Modern Auction Properties Can Often Cost More

Subscriptions to portals to advertise properties are not cheap – particularly with services like Rightmove, Zoopla and Prime Location. The platforms that run modern auctions are often expensive to run.

With the auction bidding process being quite ‘hands-on’, the auction house will need to make sure there are no hiccups (and respond to any enquiries from both the buyer and seller).

Post-Sale Processes Are Fully Handled by the Auction House (Ranging from Taking the Deposit on Exchange Through to Completion)

Once the auction is concluded, the modern auctioneer must draft a sales memorandum and circulate it amongst the conveyancers. They will also need to make sure that everything moves in the right direction to meet the correct deadlines.

Modern Method of Auction Fee Structures

The fee structure will vary according to the auction house service you use:

Buyer Pays

Some auctioneers charge the buyer a fee only. This is sometimes called the ‘reservation fee’. Although this may seem like an excellent deal for the seller, what often happens is that buyers will factor this cost into their purchase price.

If a property is priced incorrectly, there is a risk that buyers will steer clear of placing bids after looking at their net costs.

As mentioned above, buyers will also have to pay stamp duty on the net purchase price – i.e. the cost of the property plus the reservation fee. At anything between 4-5%, the extra expense may have an off-putting effect.

Seller Pays

Inherited from the traditional estate agency model, the vendor will pay the fee and buyers will only have to pay for the property itself, legal costs and stamp duty (based on the property price).

Most modern method property auctioneers avoid using this fee structure. More often than not, it means there’s no financial commitment on the part of the buyer.

Buyer and Seller Pays

The buyer and the seller are charged individual fees. The buyer usually pays at the close of the auction and the seller pays upon completion.

We find this creates an even playing field believe this fee structure will be the predominant way of working for many modern auctioneers moving forward.

Modern Method of Auction Legal Packs

As with traditional auctions, it’s advisable to prepare the legal pack prior to marketing the property. We rarely recommend moving forward without one (unless you’re in a particular rush).

Although it can prolong the process, it will position your property much more strongly.

For a start, buyers will often be sceptical and think that some of the details are not being revealed. As a result, they will bid low (or not at all) to avoid taking any risks.

We find that transparent auction sales, where all the specifics are presented without any ambiguity, get the best outcomes.

What Does the Modern Method of Auction Legal Pack Contain?

The auction legal pack is a set of documents produced by your conveyancer / conveyancing solicitor. These may include:

Title Register and Plan from HM Land Registry

You may have a copy of these documents already, but often conveyancers will download fresh copies (for a relatively small fee).Most Title Registers will confirm ownership, the price paid /value stated information if sold since April 2000, details of the first sale (to see when the property was built). It will also show rights of way or restrictions on the land and charges (such as mortgages and other secured debts) against the property.

Note that Title Registers that haven’t been updated for a long time may need complementary documentation compiled (by the conveyancer).

The Title Plan is a scaled graphic representation of the position of the land surrounding the property and its boundaries. It may also highlight easements, covenants, areas of land removed from the title and other information.

Modern Auction Terms & Conditions of Sale

Published on the modern auctioneer’s website / auction, the terms and conditions highlight how the auction will be run, roles, responsibilities and such like.Most modern auctioneers follow the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Common Auction Conditions (4th edition). Check out our own terms and conditions for Modern Method (conditional) auctions.

Conveyancing Searches

Normally undertaken by the buyer’s conveyancer, searches contain a range of information related to the surrounding area.They form an essential part of the auction legal pack and your conveyancer will make a series of requests to local authority and other public bodies.

The main searches include Local Authority (which takes the longest), Environmental, Flood Risk, Water, Drainage, Boundaries, Commons Registration, Land Charges, Chancel Repair, Canal and River, Mining and Solar panel confirmations.

Buyers will look at these documents to make sure there is nothing out of the ordinary. However, some will take out specific ‘no search’ indemnity insurance policies to protect against any risks particularly as it’s common to hear of delays for searches to arrive in good time.

Special Conditions of Sale

The Special Conditions of Sale is a separate document that clearly states any contractual variations on the transaction that the buyer should be aware of.These may include:

Any extensions to the period between payment of the reservation fee and exchange of contracts and/or completion (often the case with commercial property and land sales);
Additional sales commissions payable to property dealers or asset management companies;
Any of the seller’s legal fees or disbursements payable upon exchange or completion;
Issues on the Title that can only be resolved post-completion;
If the property has been inherited and is still going through probate, any associated financial conditions that could affect the buyer post-completion should be highlighted;
Any Land Registry restrictions (RX1) that are still in place (these will need to be cancelled prior to exchange of contracts, unless agreed otherwise);
Any unusual charges against the property or surrounding land that will remain against the property post-completion.

Property Information Form (TA6)

A Law Society form – completed for any house sale – that contains a range of information regarding boundaries, party walls, disputes / complaints, notices / proposals, alterations / planning / building control, guarantees / warranties, insurance, environmental matters, rights / informal arrangements, parking, other charges, occupiers and services. Download a specimen here.

Fixture & Contents Form (TA10)

Another Law Society form completed by the seller that identifies what will and will not be included as part of the sale.This includes basic fittings, appliances across the property (particularly in the kitchen and bathroom), carpets, curtains / curtain rails / blinds, light fittings / switches, fitted units, outdoor items and television receivers. There’s also a question regarding fuel supply. Download a specimen here.

Leasehold Information (TA7)

If you’re selling a leasehold property, you will need to supply specific details using this form. The questions essentially confirm the details of the lease documentation.Note that you will also have to supply copies of the lease, supplemental deeds, contact details / correspondence from the landlord / management company, service charge / ground rent confirmations, invoices, statements, payment confirmation, notices, consents, complaints, alterations and enfranchisement. Download a specimen here.

Leasehold Property Enquiries (LPE1)

The freeholder or freehold managing agent completes this form. It contains key information regarding transfer / registration / Ground Rents, Service Charges, building insurance, maintenance, fire safety certificates, any deeds of covenant / certificates of compliance, licences to assign, restrictions, permissions, disputes / enfranchisement amongst other finer details. See a specimen here.

Leasehold Management Pack

Sent with the LPE1 form, this typically contains the following:

Insurance policy documents;
Health and safety policies;
Service charge estimates and accounts (independently audited);
Fire risk assessment;
Asbestos survey (or confirmation of no presence of asbestos);
Forfeiture documentation (if applicable);
Deeds of Variation (if applicable);
Deed of Covenant (if applicable);
Certificate of Compliance (if applicable);
Licence to Assign (if applicable);
Any permission(s) to alter the property;
Notices served on the lessee (if applicable).

Buyers Leasehold Information Summary (LPE2)

This one-page document summarises the contents of the LPE1 form and management pack (sent to the seller’s conveyancer). The costs ground rent, service charges and insurance premium costs will all be stated alongside details of the sinking or reserve fund. The management company may also include bank statements. See a specimen here.

Tenancy-Related Information

If you’re selling a tenanted property (with tenants in situ), modern method auction bidders will want to see all the necessary information.This would typically include:

The current Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreement or licences in place;
If you’re selling a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO), it’s better to show the individual room tenancies;
Related to the above, remember to include any HMO licence agreements where applicable (issued by the local authority);
Information about the occupants at the property. This can include who pays the rent and if there is a head tenant or specific family member that pays the rent;
Any evidence of voids and/or arrears (alongside any resolution);
Confirmation of any notices served in the past;
Proof that the deposit has been correctly transferred into the appropriate custodial scheme (Deposit Protection Service, Tenancy Deposit Scheme or MyDeposits). In most cases, the conveyancer will transfer these funds directly to the buyer (who will need to place it back into one of these schemes);
An up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate (EPC);
Evidence of the mandatory completion of the annual gas checks (CP12);
A minimum ‘satisfactory’ Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR);
Evidence of a working smoke / carbon monoxide alarm;
Proof of Right to Rent checks;
Evidence that the tenant has received a copy of the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) ‘How to Rent’ Guide

Preferable but not essential…

Confirmation that any furniture sold with the property is fire retardant;
Confirmation that there are no other health and/or safety hazards;
Credit referencing reports (Experian, Equifax, Call Credit);
Character references from employers and/or previous landlords;
There is no evidence of outstanding works or tenant complaints;
A detailed inventory report from when the tenant first moved into the property;
Evidence of a Legionnaire’s disease risk assessment.

Please note that the above is an exhaustive list that, in reality, is not always provided at auction sales.

We would recommend focusing on gathering as much as you can (the last 7 ticks above are not completely necessary).

If you do not (or cannot) supply the majority of the above, buyers may make cautious bids due to the perceived risk that could be involved when buying the property.

Commercial Property Sale Details

Modern method auction is increasingly becoming a better option to sell a commercial property.The often complex nature of these types of sales tends to limit the buyer’s market to professional investors.

Indeed, you’ll often find that commercial property buyers regularly check out the auction portals for opportunities

By and large, they tend to adopt a more technical approach and will often request detailed information.

Much of what is necessary to provide can be supplied through conveyancers in the legal pack. You may also need to consult with an accountant in relation to any tax-related issues.

This may include (but is not limited to):

Commercial property leases, rental receivables, proof of income stream stability and other associated documentation;
Information on termination dates, break clauses, rent reviews, transfer or charging restrictions, service charges, ground rents, business license / rates schedules, no evidence of criminal activity on premises, insurance provisions, forfeiture (termination) rights;
Good covenant strength. This includes financial status (solvency) and creditworthiness of occupational tenants (through independently audited accounts / financial assessments / payment records / net cash flow breakdowns);
Guarantor information – including Authorised Guaranteed Agreements (AGAs) and any confirmation of sureties;
Proof of compliance with covenants / consents / permits / easements / rights of way;
Title checks (ownership, boundaries, 1st/2nd/3rd charges, encumbrances);
Confirmation of no defects on title;

Remember, commercial property buyers are going to want more information relative to residential buyers…

Confirmation of type of lease – such as full repairing and insuring (FRI);
Maintenance / defect resolution costs and any major works undertaken;
Current ownership structure (personal, company or trust);
Profit and loss of any existing companies or special purpose vehicles (via balance sheet provision);
Any evidence of comparable commercial rents at other similar properties in the local area;
Demand for the specific type of commercial property. For example, retail property is currently decreasing in popularity compared to industrial and warehouse space. At the same time, there are many buyers who are exploring opportunities to convert commercial properties into residential under Permitted Development Rights (PDRs);
Vacancy rates for the last 5 to 10 years;
Any evidence of local cap rates / local commercial property valuations;
Local planning and redevelopment proposals – particularly transport, schools, hospitals and other core infrastructure;
Conveyancing enquiry responses;
Condition of the property (the auctioneer will take photos and floorplans but most buyers will want a closer look);
Planning and building regulation documentation (including any lapsed permissions / change of use applications);
Evidence of enforcement notices / actions;
Surveys (building, structural, site, mechanical, electrical, measurement, environmental/ ground / rights of light);
Insurance policies in place (+ payment confirmations / any claims made in recent years);
Current or pending legislation that could affect the property (including the Land and Tenant Act, Law of Property Act, Climate Change Act, Energy Act);
Current or pending regulation that could affect the property (health & safety, fire / asbestos risk);
Tax liabilities – particularly related to VAT;
Whether the sale will be a transfer of ongoing concern and potential capital allowances.

Land Sale Details

Similar to commercial property, land buyers usually request to see a range of details. Indeed, many of the due diligence processes overlap.In terms of what you should supply, the following is a good starting point:

Size of plot, boundaries and details regarding any existing buildings;
Any evidence of hazardous land use;
Previous planning consent details (recent or lapsed);
Proof of compliance with covenants / consents / permits / easements / rights of way;
Title checks (ownership, boundaries, 1st/2nd/3rd charges, encumbrances);
Confirmation that ground conditions are favourable for development / redevelopment;
Related to the above, confirmation that there’s no evidence of mining or contamination;
Drainage and flood surveys (check flood risk here);
Any archaeological or ecological surveys;
Connection to utilities – gas, electricity, water, sewage disposal (typically via a service consultancy report);
Any reviews of mineral, oil and gas rights;
Access – i.e that the property is not landlocked or there no other issues;
Cross-reference acreage of the plot against HM Land Registry data
Insurance-related documents.

How Much Does an Auction Legal Pack Cost?

In terms of total conveyancing costs, you should not expect too much extra compared to selling on the open market.

However, in most cases, you will need to pay for the legal pack up-front. This is because it’s better to provide information to buyers in advance.

Many conveyancers may also usually charge more for auction sales as they often have to deal with extra enquiries before the bidding starts.

As with anything, you get what you pay for. We would suggest staying away from online conveyancers who frequently compromise quality of service

Property Solvers Auction Services

Here at Property Solvers, we offer both modern and traditional property auctions. This is in addition to the sell house fast and estate agency services we offer.

You may be interested in reading about how we work and our frequently asked auction questions.

Please also feel free to call us anytime. Our freephone number 0800 044 3733 is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. You can also leave your details via our enquiry form or email us at [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I use the Modern Method of Auction as opposed to an estate agency?

With 1 in 3 estate agency sales falling through, using the Modern Method of Auction enables you to get the security that comes with selling through a traditional auction house. What’s more, you will not need to compromise on getting a good price for your property.

Enabling buyers to access finance often means that the prices achieved at modern auctions are higher compared to the traditional way of selling.

Modern Method of Auction (MMoA)

Modern method auctions are a great way to combine the prices achieved through estate agents with the security of selling property at auction. Please leave your details below: