Property Auctions

Buyers and sellers alike are attracted to the speed, simplicity, transparency and security of selling land and property by auction. Legal packs prepared in advance enable the exchange of contracts at the fall of the hammer, and completion follows on a specified date (usually 28 days), thus avoiding the often protracted waiting period during the conveyancing process. The bidding happens in real time, taking place openly, transparently, and competitively.

Auction is a method of sale long favoured by executors but is certainly becoming more commonplace within the residential, commercial, agricultural and even development sectors of the market. 

Our auctions are keenly followed by investment buyers, drawn to a wealth of competitively priced properties and established, income-generating opportunities that are difficult to find elsewhere. Auctions are an excellent place for those interested in value-add and change-of-use opportunities, which often result in attractive returns.

We have sold property on behalf of public bodies, executors, trusts and charities, housing associations, leading banks and building societies, local authorities, property companies and private individuals, all drawn to the speed and efficiency of this increasingly popular method of sale.

Symonds & Sampson’s auctions are not to be confused with those becoming more commonplace – many of which are essentially ‘best bids’ scenarios with no more than agreement of figure at closure, rather than exchange of contracts and a legally binding contract in place. (See a recent article explaining the difference here). 

In recent months, we have sold property across 8 counties, from Cornwall to Berkshire & Oxford. Prices achieved have been particularly strong for agricultural land, where competitive bidding from both local farmers and buyers from further afield ensured that a fair price was paid.

Our auctions are held at select venues across the region and often draw a large audience. But they are also live-streamed, allowing participation for those who cannot attend in person, who can bid online, by telephone, or by proxy. In March 2025, we even sold a property to a bidder joining the auction from Australia!
 
In recent years, we have sold property across nine counties, from Cornwall to Shropshire, Berkshire & Oxford. Prices achieved have been particularly strong for agricultural land, where competitive bidding from both local farmers and buyers from further afield ensured fair prices were paid.