How does conveyancing work if you're buying at auction?

Collaborative Post | Buying a property at auction is quick, exciting—and final. Once the hammer goes down, you’re legally committed. That’s why understanding how conveyancing works in this scenario is so important. If you’re not prepared, the dream deal could turn into a costly mistake.

Photo by Roger Starnes Sr on Unsplash

What makes auction purchases different?

Traditional home purchases allow time to carry out legal checks and surveys after your offer is accepted. At auction, it’s the other way around.

When you win a bid, you're immediately bound by the contract. You’ll pay a 10% deposit on the day, with the remaining balance due—typically—within 28 days.

That short timeline makes pre-auction preparation essential.

What you need before auction day

Hire a conveyancer early
Before bidding on any property, get a conveyancing solicitor, like SAM Conveyancing, involved. Their job is to check the legal pack provided by the auctioneer. This includes:

• Title documents
• Searches
• Special conditions of sale
• Lease information (if applicable)
• Planning permissions and restrictions

Your conveyancer can flag issues like missing consents, unusual clauses, or high ground rents—things that can trip you up after purchase.

Review the legal pack thoroughly
Ask your conveyancer to look closely at:

• Boundaries: Are they clearly marked and registered?
• Covenants: Are there any restrictions on how you can use the property?
• Tenancies: Is anyone currently living in the property?
• Searches: Are there any planning issues, flood risks, or unpaid charges?

If anything’s missing, your solicitor can request the information or advise caution.

On the day of the auction

Be Financially Ready
You’ll need to:

• Pay a 10% deposit immediately (usually by banker’s draft or transfer)
• Show proof of funds for the remaining 90%
• Pay the buyer’s premium, if applicable

Have your finances fully arranged before you raise your paddle.

Bid with Confidence
Only bid once you’re satisfied with the legal review, have a firm mortgage offer (if needed), and understand all costs involved. If you win, your conveyancer gets to work straight away to meet the tight completion deadline.

After the hammer falls

Post-auction conveyancing steps
Once you've won, your conveyancer will:

1. Confirm the signed contract and deposit payment
2. Carry out final checks
3. Liaise with your mortgage lender (if needed)
4. Arrange for remaining funds to be transferred
5. Register the property with HM Land Registry

All within the agreed time frame—usually 28 days from auction day.

Don't risk a rushed deal

Buying at auction isn't just about snapping up a bargain. It’s a legal commitment with no cooling-off period. That’s why early, thorough conveyancing is so important.

Get a solicitor involved as soon as a property catches your eye, not after you’ve bought it. This way, you’re not just bidding with confidence—you’re buying wisely.

Need help understanding what’s in a legal pack or whether a property is a good bet? Get expert support before the auction clock starts ticking.


Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post.