Our property auction team provide experienced and comprehensive legal support for buying or selling properties at auction.
Buying or Selling at Auction
Auction solicitors in London
Key reasons you need experienced and specialist lawyers
- Binding Contract – if you are successful with a bid you will at that point have legally exchanged contracts to buy the property and will be bound to complete. Failure to complete on the contractual date will result in you losing your deposit and may also result in additional costs because of the breach.
- Auction Conditions and answers to enquiries – with properties marketed for auction, the sellers tend to be more reluctant to answer pre-contract enquiries or vary the standard property sale conditions which generally apply. You may be more reliant on your own physical inspection and survey.
- Completion timeframe – the completion date for the purchase is usually within 28 days of the auction, which means buyers will need to either have the completion funds and stamp duty when exchanging or will need to move very quickly to arrange finance, generally via bridging lenders. Most standard mortgage lenders will not move this quickly.
What we do to help you buy property at auction
- Pre – Auction – If you are the buyer. Buying property is a major investment and can also be a major liability. You should be making a fully informed purchase when buying at auction, Involve us as early as possible before the auction date, to allow for proper investigation. We will review the auction pack to identify potential risks and provide expert legal advice
- If you are the seller – we will, in conjunction with the auctioneers, prepare the auction pack, including special conditions and title.
- Post auction work – if you have agreed a sale at auction, whether as buyer or seller, we will deal with the necessary formalities to complete and the post completion work such as paying stamp duty and registration at the Land Registry. For buyers raising finance from a bridging loan, we will carry out the necessary legal work to satisfy the lenders.
Associated Services
Frequently asked questions
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Property & Housing Disputes
Property and housing disputes can quickly become stressful and disruptive, particularly when living arrangements are involved.
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Lease Extensions
Helping you extend your lease.
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When to Extend a Lease
Advising you on the latest policies – and how they impact leaseholders.
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Buying a Leasehold Property
Guiding you through the process of buying a leasehold property.
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Register of Overseas Entities Owning UK Real Estate
Helping overseas entities navigate the UK real estate market.
Team
Key contacts
Tania Austin
Partner and Head of Property
Tania Austin
Partner and Head of Property
Tania is partner and head of the property department. A highly experienced solicitor whose extensive experience and expertise extends to all types of property . Having acted for many years for a wide range of owners, occupiers, investors, developers, high net worth clients and family offices, her breadth of knowledge across all aspects of property law and the interrelation between areas is invaluable. Tania is highly regarded by both her clients and her peers and much in demand for her pro-active and practical attitude and advice.
Rima Shah
Partner - Residential Property
Rima Shah
Partner - Residential Property
Rima joined the firm in September 2024 as a Partner in the property department. Rima advises on all aspects of residential property transactions and provides clear advice and guidance in order to ensure matters progress effectively and smoothly. Rima looks after the needs of her clients and ensures they are kept informed and updated throughout the conveyancing process.
Sarita Ghere
Partner – Residential Property
Sarita Ghere
Partner – Residential Property
Sarita has a wealth of experience in all aspects of residential property and acting for a varied client base, from first time buyers to seasoned property investors.
David Kain
Consultant – Residential and Commercial Property
David Kain
Consultant – Residential and Commercial Property
With over 20 years in real estate, David is a highly experienced conveyancer who routinely deals with complex property transactions.
Roland Jones
Consultant - Residential Property and Private Client
Roland Jones
Consultant - Residential Property and Private Client
Roland’s practice, developed in the Covent Garden area over 30 years before joining us in 2020, covers residential property transactions, including sales and purchases of houses and flats and lease extensions, the preparation of Wills, and the administration of deceased estates.
Sandra O’Donovan
Consultant - Residential Property
Sandra O’Donovan
Consultant - Residential Property
Sandra joined the firm from CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP and has extensive experience in the residential real estate sector. Before CMS, Sandra gained a wealth of experience at Hogan Lovells (formerly Lovell White Durrant), Dawsons LLP and Olswang LLP, Solicitors.
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