Property Auction 15 February at 10:49PM in House buying, renting & selling 11 replies 1.6K views

outlaw777

Hi has anyone bought but to let property from an auction before? Pros and Cons please?

The_Walker

I'll give you other side of the story, the sellers side. We sold our flat at auction because our freeholder refused to complete paperwork, and thus prevented a buyer getting a mortgage. That freeholder also refused to pay his share of repair bills etc for the overall building. So when a property goes up for auction, think about the reasons for it.

If our buyers never sell they'll never have our problem with the paperwork, but when repairs become necessary they will certainly have issues getting him to pay. If I could do it all over again, I wouldn't have ever bought that property. 

And that's what auctions are all about. The seller can't back out without losing a lot of money, and is often unaware of the problems with the property, whatever they may be.

Buyer beware.

user1977

outlaw777 said:

Hi has anyone bought but to let property from an auction before? Pros and Cons please?

That's quite a broad question - which part of it are you inexperienced in? Being a landlord? Buying at auction? Buying property at all? Are you looking at buying a property which is already tenanted, or something which is vacant?

propertyrental

Is your question about buying a buy to let property, or buying a property at auction? Because that's 2 different questions with different pros and cons!

I'll guess you're thinking of buying at auction so will answer that. What you later do with the property is a separate matter.

* Before going to an auction to bid, go to one or two not to bid. Get a feel for auctions.
* read the auction pack. 3 times at least.
* unless you are very legally savvy, get your solicitor to read the auction pack and report to you. Before the auction.
* unless you are paying cash (and have the cash - all of it - accessible) apply for a mortgage before you bid. If you bid, win and then your lender declines to lend on that property, you're ****ed!
* don't bid till you're satisfied the building is sound. Either rely on your own building knowledge, take a builder friend round, or pay for a survey - all before the auction. If you bid, win and then discover the property is falling down or needs a new roof, you're ****ed!
* remember why properties are put into auctions. Usually there's a legal issue with the title or lease; or tenants who can't be shifted (eg not on AST), or structural issues; or some other reason the property is not on the 'normal' market.
* research the market. Have a clear understanding of general market prices for the type and location of the property you plan to bid on. Then set yourself a price limit
* during the bidding, remember your price limit and stop bidding at it!

All the above can mean paying out £ before the auction, on a property you might get outbid on.

Pros? if you do your homework, understand the risks, and strike it lucky bidding on the day, you might snap up a bargain. But remember that auction 'guide prices' often bear little resemblance to selling prices.....

outlaw777

All of the above please thanks..........

eddddy

It sounds like you might be fairly inexperienced at buying property - so buying at auction might not be the best option for you.

But if you're keen  to find out more, maybe start by googling 'buying at auction' or something similar.

You'll find results like these:
https://www.zoopla.co.uk/discover/buying/8-step-guide-to-buying-a-property-at-auction/
https://www.propertymark.co.uk/professional-standards/consumer-guides/buying-selling-houses/buying-property-at-auction.html
https://www.unbiased.co.uk/discover/mortgages-property/buying-a-home/buying-a-house-at-auction-the-pros-and-cons

Then, if there are specific things you don't understand, you can ask about them here.

propertyrental

outlaw777 said:

All of the above please thanks..........

Too broad a question really, for a site like this Narrow down what you're hoping to do and how. Be specific.

If you really want to learn "all of it" then start by going on a relevant training course or buy:

https://www.waterstones.com/book/successful-property-letting-revised-and-updated/david-lawrenson/9781472143822

https://www.waterstones.com/book/john-howards-inside-guide-to-buying-and-selling-property-at-auction/john-howard/9781916333000

theartfullodger

outlaw777 said:

Hi has anyone bought but to let property from an auction before? Pros and Cons please?

Quite a few people have bought property at auction before: (Think you knew that..)

(Do not do this children...) In Spring 2000 , having merely driven past a house having seen details in an agent's window, I went to an auction &, not having planned to,  stuck my hand up: And got the house.  Currently on the market for more than 6 times buying price.  Turned out OK, but might well not have.  But I could afford the gamble. Life ain't fair.
.

Suggest anyone considering buying at auction carefully reads all paperwork, views place slowly at least twice, ideally with someone who can advise on likely necessary repair costs etc etc.. 

user1977

And if you do come back and want specific advice, you might want to clarify what country you're thinking of buying in (given your past threads referring to Scotland).

outlaw777

Yes buying in Scotland........

theartfullodger

outlaw777 said:

Yes buying in Scotland........

You are aware of ????...............
https://www.theglasgowlawpractice.co.uk/latest-news/conveyancing-a-estate-agency/purchase-of-properties-especially-flats-etc-at-auction-in-scotland.html

I bought at auction in Scotland