Best property auction houses in the UK

Guide price and reserve price

The guide price is the price advertised to attract bidders. It is not the price the property will sell for. The reserve price is the minimum amount you will accept, and it is agreed privately between you and the auction house before the sale. Bidding must reach or exceed the reserve for the property to be sold. The guide price is usually set below the reserve to generate interest and encourage competitive bidding.

Legal pack preparation

Before the auction, you must prepare a legal pack for prospective buyers. This includes the title register and plan, property information forms, local authority and environmental searches, an Energy Performance Certificate, and any relevant leasehold or management information. The cost of preparing this pack is typically 300 to 500 pounds and is usually borne by the seller regardless of whether the property sells.

Marketing period

The auction house markets your property for 4 to 6 weeks before auction day. Your lot appears in their printed catalogue, on their website, and on property portals. Some auctioneers also arrange viewings during this period. The quality and extent of marketing varies between auction houses, so it is worth asking what is included.

Auction day

On auction day, bidding takes place either in an auction room or online. If the bidding reaches or exceeds your reserve price, the auctioneer drops the hammer and contracts exchange immediately. The buyer pays a 10% deposit on the day. If bidding does not reach the reserve, the property is withdrawn unsold.

28-day completion

After a successful traditional auction, the buyer has 28 days to complete the purchase. During this period, the buyer arranges payment of the remaining balance and their solicitor completes the legal transfer. If the buyer fails to complete, they forfeit their deposit, but you are then left needing to find another buyer.

Buyer premium

Some auction houses charge the buyer a premium on top of the hammer price, typically around 2% to 3% plus VAT. While this is paid by the buyer rather than the seller, it effectively increases the total cost of the property for the buyer, which can suppress bidding. It is important to understand whether your chosen auction house uses a buyer premium model.

Largest UK property auctioneer

Allsop is the largest and most established property auction house in the UK, handling thousands of lots each year across residential, commercial, and mixed-use categories. They conduct regular auction events in London and online, attracting a large pool of registered bidders. Their scale means strong marketing reach and a proven track record for achieving competitive prices on a wide range of property types.

Allsop is best suited to sellers with properties that are likely to attract competitive interest from investors and developers. Their large bidder database gives your property maximum exposure at auction.

Premium and high-value properties

Savills is one of the most recognised names in UK property, and their auction division benefits from the wider Savills brand and client network. They tend to handle higher-value lots including country houses, estates, development sites, and premium residential properties. Their auctions attract well-resourced buyers looking for quality lots.

Best suited to higher-value properties and lots with strong appeal to investors and developers. The Savills brand brings credibility and reach to the auction.

Regional network across England and Wales

Network Auctions operates through a network of regional auction events, providing coverage across England and Wales. They are particularly strong in areas outside London, where local knowledge and relationships with regional buyers can be advantageous. Their auctions handle a mix of residential, investment, and land lots.

A good option for sellers with properties in regional areas who want a local auction presence combined with online reach.

Major online and room auctions

SDL Property Auctions is one of the largest auction houses in the UK, conducting both traditional room auctions and online timed auctions. They handle a wide range of property types including repossessions, investment properties, and development opportunities. Their online auction platform is well developed and allows bidders from anywhere in the country to participate.

SDL is a strong option for sellers who want access to both room auction buyers and a large online bidder base. Their use of a buyer premium model means sellers should check the net cost carefully.

Nationwide network of local auctioneers

Auction House UK operates through a nationwide network of independent local auctioneers. This model means your property is handled by someone with specific knowledge of the local market, which can be beneficial for regional properties. They conduct room auctions at regional venues across the country and handle residential, commercial, and land lots.

Well suited to properties that benefit from local market knowledge and a regional buyer base. The quality of service may vary between individual network members.

Specialist in varied property types

Pugh Auctions handles a diverse range of property types including standard residential, commercial, land, and more unusual lots that might not fit neatly into other auction catalogues. They operate both room and online auctions with nationwide coverage through regional catalogue editions. Their willingness to take on a varied portfolio makes them a useful option for properties that other auctioneers might not prioritise.

A good option for unusual or mixed-use properties that require a specialist approach. Pugh is experienced in handling lots that other auctioneers may turn away.