If you’re looking to sell your property quickly, efficiently, and with certainty, auction might be the perfect solution. At Town and Country Property Auctions, we help homeowners, landlords, and investors sell quickly, securely, and for the best possible price.

Whether this is your first time selling or you’re a seasoned investor, understanding how the auction process works—and the benefits it offers—can make all the difference. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key steps, advantages, and expert tips to help you navigate your property sale with confidence.

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Why Choose to Sell at Auction?

Selling your property at auction comes with a range of powerful advantages—offering speed, transparency, and security that traditional sales often can’t match. Here’s why an auction could be the smart move for your next sale:

Speed and Certainty of Sale

• The sale is typically completed within 28 days. Extended completion times of 56 days are available if needed.
• The auction process offers a fixed and transparent timeline, so you’ll know exactly when the sale will take place and when you’ll receive the funds.

Competitive Bidding That Drives True Market Value

• Auctions create a competitive environment where buyers bid against each other to maximise your chances of achieving the best price.
• Access to a wide pool of buyers—from first-time buyers to professional investors.

No Chain

• The sale is not dependent on the buyer’s ability to sell another property, reducing delays and uncertainties common in traditional sales.
• Most auction buyers have ready-to-go finances—whether it’s cash, a mortgage in principle, or auction-specific funding—so you can move forward with confidence.

Complete Transparency

• Auctions are a transparent process where buyers see exactly what they’re bidding on.
• A detailed legal pack, prepared by a solicitor, is made available upfront, providing buyers with all the information they need and building confidence throughout the process.

Wide Market Exposure

• We market your property extensively on property portals like Rightmove, and also across our own website which has Nationwide reach.
• Our bi-monthly National Auctions showcase your property in a comprehensive auction catalogue, reaching a wide pool of potential buyers through targeted local marketing campaigns.
• Our local teams are deeply connected to the communities they serve, providing insights and tailored support throughout the auction process.

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How the Selling Process Works at Town and Country Property Auctions

Selling at auction with Town and Country Property Auctions is simple and stress-free. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

Step 1: Property Valuation

• Our experienced team will evaluate your property’s market value, taking into account recent sales and current market trends, so you have a clear and realistic understanding of its worth.

Step 2: Setting the Auction Date and Terms

• Once your valuation is complete, we’ll agree on an auction date and the sale terms.
• We’ll sort out all the necessary paperwork to list your propertyand arranging the EPCs, ensuring you’re ready to list.

Step 3: Marketing Your Property

• We’ll showcase your property across key online platforms like Rightmove, run social media campaigns, and email market to our extensive network of buyers.
• Our local teams will work closely with you to discuss the best local marketing campaigns tailored to your property.
• Plus, we can place a prominent “For Sale” board at your property to attract attention from local buyers and boost visibility within your community.

Step 4: Conducting Viewings, Dealing with Offers, and Handling Enquiries

• We’ll arrange viewings for potential buyers, either by appointment or through an open house, giving them the chance to explore your property and ask any questions.
• Our team will manage all enquiries and offers, ensuring every interested buyer has the information they need to make an informed decision. We’ll work closely with you to evaluate offers and provide expert advice to help you secure the best deal.
• If you receive a pre-auction offer that meets your expectations, you have the option to accept it, securing the sale under the same terms as the auction.

Step 5: The Auction Day

• On auction day, prospective buyers will complete the registration process to participate.
• Your property will be listed on our online platform, ready for bidding. The highest bid that meets or exceeds the reserve price will secure the property, and contracts are exchanged instantly.

Step 6: Completion and Payment

• Completion typically occurs within 28 days (or adjusted based on your needs).
• On completion day, your solicitor will handle the transfer of funds, ensuring everything is processed smoothly.

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Key Tips for a Successful Auction Sale

Selling at auction can be an exciting and effective way to sell your property. To make sure you get the best possible outcome, here are a few key tips to keep in mind:

1. Set a Realistic Reserve Price
   • Your reserve price is the minimum amount you’re willing to accept. It’s crucial to set it based on current market trends and realistic expectations to attract serious bids.
2. Market Your Property Effectively
   • A well-marketed property will attract more serious bidders. Our strategies include social media, property portals, and local marketing to give your property the attention it deserves.
3. Prepare a Legal Pack
   • Having all the necessary documents ready in advance—like title deeds, EPCs, and other legal information—helps build buyer confidence and ensures the process runs smoothly without delays.

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What Happens After the Auction?

Once your property is successfully sold at auction, here’s what to expect next:

1. The Sale is Official

• When the virtual gavel falls and the highest bid meets the reserve price, the sale is legally binding.

2. Exchange of Contracts

• The buyer will pay a deposit (usually 5% of the final sale price), and contracts are exchanged. This process is legally binding, meaning neither party can back out.

3. Completion of the Sale

• Completion typically occurs 28 days after the auction, at which point the buyer pays the remaining balance. Ownership of the property is transferred, and funds are deposited directly into your account.

4. Payment of Proceeds

• After completion, you’ll receive the full payment (minus any fees, legal costs, or outstanding mortgages).

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What to Do if Your Property Doesn’t Sell

If your property doesn’t sell at auction, don’t worry! There are still plenty of options available:

1. Consider Re-listing

• Our auctions are held monthly in most locations, so if the reserve price isn’t reached, we can assist you in adjusting the price and re-listing the property for the next auction.

2. Negotiate with Interested Parties

• Often, the highest bidders may still be keen to negotiate a sale after the auction ends.

3. Enter Our Buy It Now Auction

• Available to our nationwide buyers at a “Buy It Now” price for a set, agreed-upon time. The first buyer to select “Buy It Now” will secure the property.

4. Review Your Strategy

• Evaluate your strategy and determine if any adjustments are necessary—such as adjusting the reserve price or enhancing marketing.

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Final Thoughts: Why Choose Auction for Your Property Sale

Selling at auction is a fast, transparent, and secure way to sell your property. With the expert support of Town and Country Property Auctions, you can trust that your property will receive maximum exposure, helping you secure the best outcome.

Ready to Sell?

Get in touch with Town and Country Property Auctions today for a free, no-obligation property valuation, and let us guide you seamlessly through the auction process.

• Author: Lloyd Marsden
• Categories: Selling