Free trial, review auction packs in 10min. Thereafter just £30. Review a pack now.
The UK property auction market is booming. With completion times averaging just 28 days
(compared to the 3-6 months for traditional sales), more investors and homebuyers are turning to
auctions to secure quick deals.
Whether you are looking for a renovation project ("fixer-upper"), a commercial investment, or a plot of
land, knowing where to look is half the battle. Technology has transformed the sector, with many "local"
auctions now operating as national live-streams.
Below, we have rated the top auction houses across England, Scotland, and Wales based on
success rates, volume of
lots, and user experience.
#1 Market Leader
Allsop
The undisputed heavyweight of UK auctions. Known for high-quality stock and a transparent process for
both residential and commercial lots.
Success Rate
~88%
Fees
Buyer's Fee (£2k-£10k) usually included in bidder security.
KYC
Digital (Thirdfort) + Source of Funds check.
Visit Website
Best for Premium
Savills Auctions
Specializes in premium residential and development land. High success rates for high-value stock,
often attracting serious developers.
Success Rate
~74% (2024)
Fees
£250-£1,250 Admin Fee + 10% Deposit (min £2k).
KYC
Strict. 2 forms of ID required to bid.
Visit Website
Regional Expert
Auction House UK
Perfect for "near me" searches. A network of local branches offering deep market knowledge for
specific counties.
Volume
Thousands of lots annually across 40+ auctions.
Fees
Admin Fee (£600-£1.5k) or 1-5% + VAT.
KYC
Standard ID + Proof of Address + Source of Funds.
Visit Website
Online Leader
iamsold
Pioneers of the "Modern Method of Auction". Partnered with estate agents for online-only bidding with
longer completion times.
Completion
56 Days (Modern Method).
Fees
Reservation Fee ~4.5% (Min £6,600 inc VAT). Non-refundable.
KYC
Digital IDV (Credas/Thirdfort).
Visit Website
Midlands & North
Bond Wolfe
Dominant in the Midlands. Their live-streamed auctions are energetic and feature hundreds of
reasonably priced lots.
Success Rate
>90% (Consistent).
Fees
Admin Fee + 10% Deposit on fall of hammer.
KYC
Digital (Credas). Photo ID + Proof of Address.
Visit Website
London Residential
Barnard Marcus
A staple of the London scene. Essential catalogue for flats or terraces in the capital and Home
Counties.
Fees
~£1,500+ VAT Contract Fee + 10% Deposit (min £3.5k).
Structure
Traditional Ballroom / Live Stream.
KYC
Digital (Credas) or Manual. Corp docs needed for Ltds.
Visit Website
🏠 Residential
Why Buy: High demand for rentals and flips. Auctions offer "fixer-uppers" at
below-market value, allowing for equity creation through refurbishment.
Watch out for: Short leases (under 80 years) and
structural issues that make properties unmortgageable.
🏢 Mixed-Use
Why Buy: Diversified income. Often a shop with a flat above. Investors like the
spread of risk—if the shop is empty, the flat still pays rent.
Watch out for: Complex management. You need to manage
both commercial and residential tenant laws.
🏭 Commercial
Why Buy: High yields and FRI Leases (Full Repairing and Insuring), meaning the
tenant pays for all repairs and insurance. Very "hands-off".
Watch out for: VAT. If the property is "elected for
VAT", you must pay 20% on top of the purchase price.
🌳 Land
Why Buy: The ultimate "blank canvas". Buying land without planning permission is
cheap; getting permission adds massive value.
Watch out for: "Hope Value" being priced in. Ensure
you check for easements, public footpaths, and flooding.
💸 Buyer's Premium
Almost all auctions now charge a "Buyer's Premium" or "Admin Fee" on top of the hammer price. This
can range from £600 to 2% + VAT of the purchase price. Always check the legal pack for this
figure.
⚠️ VAT Trap
On commercial properties, check if the seller has "Opted to Tax". If they have, you must pay 20% VAT
on the purchase price. On a £200k shop, that's an extra £40,000 you need to find immediately.
💼 The 10% Deposit
On the fall of the hammer, you must pay a 10% deposit (usually subject to a minimum of
£3,000-£5,000). This is non-refundable. If you change your mind, you lose it.
🔥 Insurance
Crucial: In most auction contracts, the property becomes your risk from the
moment the hammer falls, not on completion. You must have buildings insurance ready to activate
immediately.
📈 Success Rate
The percentage of properties listed in a catalogue that actually sell. A high rate (e.g., 90%)
suggests the auction house prices properties realistically and attracts serious buyers.
🏷️ Guide Price
An indication of the seller's minimum expectation. It is not the selling price. The
final price can be significantly higher.
🔒 Reserve Price
The secret minimum price the seller will accept. If bidding doesn't reach this figure, the property
is withdrawn and not sold.
📝 Special Conditions
Extra clauses in the contract that can hide additional fees (like seller's legal costs) or
responsibilities. Always check these!