PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Thank you for your understanding.

NEW BLOG. Featuring tips and pics from pet owners of the MSE Forum, we present to you Homemade pet toy ideas. Take a look

Property Auction

Hi has anyone bought but to let property from an auction before? Pros and Cons please?
«1

Replies

  • The_WalkerThe_Walker Forumite
    180 Posts
    Eighth Anniversary 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    Forumite
    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.
  • user1977user1977 Forumite
    10.6K Posts
    10,000 Posts Fifth Anniversary Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Forumite
    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?
  • edited 15 February at 11:30PM
    propertyrentalpropertyrental Forumite
    1.2K Posts
    1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Forumite
    edited 15 February at 11:30PM
    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.....


  • outlaw777outlaw777 Forumite
    864 Posts
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Forumite
    All of the above please thanks..........
  • eddddyeddddy Forumite
    15K Posts
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Forumite

    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.


  • edited 15 February at 11:39PM
    propertyrentalpropertyrental Forumite
    1.2K Posts
    1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Forumite
    edited 15 February at 11:39PM
    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
  • edited 16 February at 2:16PM
    theartfullodgertheartfullodger Forumite
    13.8K Posts
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Forumite
    edited 16 February at 2:16PM
    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.. 
  • user1977user1977 Forumite
    10.6K Posts
    10,000 Posts Fifth Anniversary Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Forumite
    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).
  • outlaw777outlaw777 Forumite
    864 Posts
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Forumite
    Yes buying in Scotland........
  • edited 16 February at 8:08PM
    theartfullodgertheartfullodger Forumite
    13.8K Posts
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Forumite
    edited 16 February at 8:08PM
Sign In or Register to comment.
Latest MSE News and Guides

Energy Price Cap change

Martin Lewis on what it means for you

MSE News

Best £1 you've ever spent?

Share your most impressive bargains

MSE Forum