Buying a property at auction is a straightforward process, but it is important to understand and prepare for each step. To help you navigate the world of property auctions, follow our top tips for how to buy a property at auction.

Before the auction

Browse the auction catalogue

The Savills Auction catalogue is published two weeks before the auction. The catalogue is available online and you can sign-up for our email alerts so you are the first to know when the catalogue is ready.

View the property you wish to purchase

Once you’ve found a property you are interested in we recommend attending a viewing. A list of viewing times can be found in our online catalogue. There is no need to register, simply visit the property at the allotted time.

Conduct due diligence

All legal documentation for each property can be found on our website prior to the auction. We recommend that you ask a solicitor to check through the legal documentation before you place a bid at auction.

Check the addendums and notices

Our online details are regularly updated with any amendments and a full list of changes will be published as an addendum on our website one day prior to the auction. We recommend that you read this thoroughly before auction day as any amendments will form part of the contract.

At the auction

Register in advance and add your documentation

Bidders are required to register in advance of the sale using the registration journey on our website. This involves adding details of all bidders, buyers and deposit payers together with relevant ID being uploaded for each person.

Read more about required documentation. Please note we will require ID documents for all parties who will be entered on the contract.

Do not bid if you are uncertain

If you are uncertain about what you are buying or have doubts over the process or completing on time we would advise you not to bid at auction.

Have the deposit ready

If you are successful at bidding then you will be required to pay a 10% deposit on the property and our buyers fee (£250 inc VAT below £20,000 and £1,750 inc VAT at and above £20,000).


Register to bid

If you would like to bid at one of our auctions you can register to do so now. Read more about bidding.

View upcoming auctions Register to bid