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Residential Property Auctions

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Home/ Property Auction Solicitors

Thinking of buying or selling at auction? We’ll help you get it right

 Property auctions can offer speed, certainty, and competitive pricing - whether you're a seller looking for a quick sale or a buyer seeking a unique opportunity. 

 

At Porter Dodson, we support clients through both traditional and modern methods of auction, ensuring the legal process is handled smoothly from start to finish.

How we help

Whether you're selling or buying, we’ll:

  • Work closely with your estate agent
  • Prepare a comprehensive auction legal pack, including:
    • Special conditions of sale
    • Property searches
    • Replies to enquiries
    • Planning documents and certificates
    • Draft transfer deed
  • Upload the pack to the agent’s website for prospective buyers
  • Attend the auction on your behalf to answer last-minute legal queries
  • Handle all post-auction legal formalities and complete the transaction

 

 

Traditional vs modern method of auction 

 

Traditional auction
  • Held in person, typically monthly
  • Properties sold to the highest bidder on the day
  • Exchange of contracts happens immediately
  • Buyer must complete within 28 days
  • Often attracts cash buyers or investors (e.g. for renovation or repossession properties)

Pros:
  • Fast, final, and legally binding
  • Certainty for sellers
Cons:
  • Less accessible for mortgage buyers
  • Can be intimidating for first-time buyers

 

 

 

Modern method of auction

  • Online auction format
  • Properties marketed in advance by estate agents
  • Buyers can view and make offers before bidding
  • Buyer has 56 days to complete, allowing time to arrange a mortgage

Pros:
  • More accessible to a wider range of buyers
  • Greater flexibility for mortgage arrangements
  • Competitive bidding can drive up sale price
Cons:
  • Entry fees may apply (up to £1,000)
  • Slightly less binding than traditional auctions - buyers may withdraw more easily

 

Why Choose Porter Dodson?

  • Specialist auction experience across both traditional and modern formats
  • Clear, practical advice at every stage
  • Responsive support on auction day and beyond
  • Offices across Somerset, Devon and Dorset, with remote support available nationwide
Michelle Wilson - Colour - High Res - 018_425

For legal advice on residential property auctions

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quotes

Steve Dunkerton made the sale of our rental property so stress free. He communicated quickly and efficiently, and took time to meet with us to explain things that we didn't understand. The fee was reasonable, and office staff whom we encountered were friendly and helpful.

Yvonne

Louise was exceptional, always available and easily able to give good sound advice. Went to great lengths to find things out and report back in detail, turned a difficult transaction with many potential problems into a calm experience, greatly appreciated, thank you.

Sarah

Excellent support during a very complex and long sale and purchase due to various unavoidable situations. The original fee quotes were adhered to regardless of work involved, I would highly recommend Porter Dodson, especially Kirstie Headon who had the patience of a saint, and Rosie Kirby, who responded to all my panic and stress so well.

Lisa

Excellent support during a very complex and long sale and purchase due to various unavoidable situations. The original fee quotes were adhered to regardless of work involved, I would highly recommend Porter Dodson, especially Kirstie Headon who had the patience of a saint, and Rosie Kirby, who responded to all my panic and stress so well.

Lisa

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