Stage 5: Bidding & Auction Outcomes
Your property is now in a live auction, where registered buyers can place bids.
Stage overview
Your property is now in a live auction, where registered buyers can place bids. Buyers compete in a transparent bidding process, helping to achieve the best possible outcome. Your Auction Specialist will keep you updated throughout and guide you through the result.
In this stage, you’ll:
See your property enter the live auction
Receive updates as bidding progresses
Find out the auction outcome
Prepare for the next stage
What's happening
Buyers are actively bidding and your Auction Specialist is monitoring progress.
• Auction cycles typically last 2–14 days
• Buyers register and bid online
Possible outcomes:
• Sale agreed (at or above the agreed Reserve Price
• Property moves to reservation process
Below Reserve Price
• You can accept the highest bid or relist
No bids
• Next steps discussed with your Auction Specialist
You can accept a bid at any stage of the marketing process. Some bidders may place bids prior to the auction starting.
What to expect
You’ll hear more from your Auction Specialist during this stage.
• Increased contact
• Support with decisions
How you can help
Being open to feedback and guidance will help you make informed decisions.
• Stay engaged and available
• Consider feedback carefully
• Be open to recommendations
When to contact us
We’ll guide you, but you can contact us at any point:
• If you have questions about bids or offers
Bidding & Auction Outcomes FAQ's
You can watch the auction live and your Auction Specialist will monitor bidding activity throughout the auction and keep you informed of any important developments. They’ll also be on hand to answer questions and discuss your options as the auction progresses.
Yes. Bids are displayed online during the auction.
If a sale is agreed, the buyer signs a reservation agreement, pays their Reservation Fee and completes their compliance checks.
No. If the Reserve Price has not been met, you can decide whether to accept the offer.
If bidding ends below your Reservation Price, your Auction Specialist will discuss the available options with you. Depending on the circumstances, you may still choose to negotiate with the highest bidder or continue marketing the property.
No. Any retained Reservation Fee is used to cover auction, marketing and associated costs and is not paid to the seller.
Once the buyer has signed the Reservation Agreement, they are expected to proceed with the purchase. If they decide not to continue during the reservation period, they may lose their Reservation Fee, subject to the terms of the agreement.
Auction lengths vary but typically run from a few days to around two weeks.
Ready for stage 6?
Once the auction ends and a buyer is secured, the sale moves into the progression stage. Your Auction Specialist will confirm the outcome, explain the next steps and help move the transaction towards completion.
Next stage: Stage 6: Sale agreed & progression
Stage 2: Auction Pack preparation
This stage focuses on preparing the legal information buyers need before they can bid.
ViewStage 3: ID & AML checks
We’re legally required to verify your identity and confirm you have the legal right to sell the property.
ViewStage 4: Marketing & viewings
This stage is focused on building interest, arranging viewings, and preparing for the auction.
ViewStage 5: Bidding & auction outcomes
Where your property is now in a live auction and where registered buyers can place bids.
ViewStage 6: Sale Agreed & progression
Where the focus shifts to confirming the sale and ensuring both parties are committed before legal work begins.
ViewStage 7: Conveyancing & completion
This is the final stage, where legal ownership of the property is transferred to the buyer.
View