Property auction solicitors

Helping you navigate the legal complexities of buying a property at auction

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Why use specialised property auction solicitors?

Property auctions can offer the opportunity to buy a property quickly. However, it can come with some unique legal challenges. Whether you’re a buyer or seller, having experienced auction solicitors on your side is essential to make the process run as smoothly as possible. Auctions can be fast paced and binding, so understanding the legalities before you commit is important. Having a trusted solicitor for auction property on board will help you avoid any costly mistakes.

At Goughs, our highly experienced property auction solicitors understand the legal aspects involved in buying a property at auction. With extensive experience guiding clients through the auction conveyancing process, we know that no two transactions are the same.That’s why we take a personal approach, ensuring you feel informed, protected, and confident every step of the way.

Key Contact

Louis Mancini

Associate Solicitor

Things to consider before buying a property at auction

If you’re looking to buy a property at auction, there are a few things you should consider beforehand.

The type of property
The auction legal pack
What the property will be used for
Why the property was put up for auction
How long the property has been up for sale
If you will have the funds readily available

A property auction solicitor can help advice on all the areas above as well as handling the legal due diligence required before and after the auction has taken place. They help with the auction conveyancing process, reviewing contracts, advise on any potential risks, ensure that all documents are in order, and also arrange surveys and property searches.

What is the auction conveyancing process?

The auction conveyancing process carried out by auction solicitors includes all of the legal steps involved when buying a property at auction. It differs from traditional property sales because of the quick environment of auctions, and the legally binding contracts involved. The auction conveyancing process includes:

Preparing the legal pack

Before the auction, the seller’s auction conveyancing solicitors prepare a detailed legal pack which includes important documents such as title deeds and leases. Buyers should obtain this pack as soon as possible to allow their solicitors enough time to review the documents, carry out any searches and identify any potential risks or restrictions on the property.

Reviewing the legal documents

Next, your solicitor will examine the legal pack to ensure that you understand the terms and identify any issues. They will explain any legal terms, highlight any issues that may affect the value, and advise on whether the property is a suitable investment.

Bidding at auction

Once all of the legal checks are complete, the buyer is ready to bid. If the bid is successful, the auction contract becomes legally binding immediately, and the process quickly moves to completion.

Post-auction completion

After the auction the buyer is usually given 28 days to complete the purchase, but this can vary depending on the auction’s special conditions Your auction conveyancing solicitors will manage this stage, handling the transfer of ownership, arranging payment of the deposit, and registering with the land registry.

Handling unexpected issues

If any unexpected issues arise, such as title disputes or delays, your property auction solicitors will provide guidance and negotiate solutions to ensure completion proceeds as smoothly as possible.

Speak to a solicitor

If you’re buying or selling at auction and need expert legal guidance, our specialist property auction solicitors are here to help. Whether you’re reviewing a legal pack, preparing to bid, or dealing with post-auction completion, we provide clear, reliable advice at every stage of the process. Get in touch by phone, email, or visit one of our seven offices to discuss your auction conveyancing needs.

Call us

With seven offices around the South West of England, we have multiple offices you can call.

Select the office to call

Email us

If you would like to drop us an email you can on info@goughs.co.uk

Visit us

With offices in Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes, Melksham and Trowbridge, you can pop in and see us. View office locations.

The risks of buying at auction without property auction solicitors

Although there are some advantages to buying a property at auction without auction solicitors, it can come with some big risks that you should be aware of. These include:

Not being able to sell the property on
You might not get what you were expecting
Not being able to get a mortgage on the property
Not being able to use the property for your intended purpose
If you fail to complete after exchange, the seller may bring a breach of contract claim against you, and you could lose your deposit and be liable for additional losses.

What our auction solicitors can do for you

Our experienced property auction solicitors understand the often complex nature of buying at an auction, and we’re here to make sure you go into the process fully informed. For both seasoned property investors and first time buyers, working with expert solicitors for auctions is key to avoiding mistakes and completing your purchase with confidence.

Don’t risk failing at an auction

Our expert property auction solictors will be there at every step

Property auction FAQs

What happens prior to a property auction?

Once you’ve found a property you’re interested in at auction, it’s important to attend a viewing to assess its condition, as properties are sold as seen. Legal documents for each lot are usually made available in advance by the auctioneer. At Goughs, we strongly recommend having one of our experienced auction conveyancing solicitors review these thoroughly and check for any hidden issues. Be sure to also read the auction addendum, published shortly before the auction.

How do I register for an auction and what ways can I bid at a property auction?

To take part in a property auction, you’ll need to register in advance.. At Goughs, our property auction solicitors can help guide you through the registration process and ensure you’re legally prepared before placing a bid.

What types of property are available at auction?

Properties aren’t limited to just houses or flats. You’ll often find a wide range of unique properties and lots available. From garages and plots of lands to commercial spaces, auctions offer an opportunity to secure both traditional and quirky properties. Our auction solicitors here at Goughs can help assess the legal details of any type of lot, no matter how unusual.

What is in an auction legal pack?

An auction legal pack can vary from auction to auction, and it can also run into hundreds of pages. Prepared by the seller’s auction solicitor, the pack is normally available a few weeks before the property auction. It usually contains the following:

Lease if applicable
Title deeds if any
Property searches
Fixtures and fitting form if applicable
Special conditions of sale
Energy performance certificate (EPC) if applicable
Office copy entries from the land registry

Our clients rate us as excellent

Corsham

Well-managed transaction handled promptly and professionally. We have used Goughs before, will use again and would not hesitate to recommend

Sue Jenkins

Nadine has been excellent throughout, keeping us regularly informed of all progress and we liked her very practical approach to things. The support staff at Goughs have also been excellent throughout, hence, instructing Goughs on 4 property matters. Nothing too much trouble and all requests were dealt with very swiftly

More Google reviews

Devizes

I have used Goughs solicitors for conveyancing on more than one occasion. Extremely efficient and professional and wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them