Selling a property at auction can be one of the fastest ways to achieve a sale, but choosing the right auction platform is crucial to getting the best outcome. With traditional auctions, Modern Method of Auction (MMoA), and alternative property buying services all available, understanding your options helps you make an informed decision.
This guide compares 10 leading property auction platforms in the UK, including commission rates, timelines, and what makes each suitable for different situations. We’ve included Property Rescue (our own service) alongside established auction houses so you can compare all your options in one place.
Transparency Note: Property Rescue operates this website, and we’re included as option #1 in this comparison. We work with auction partners and offer different terms than traditional auction houses (0% seller commission). We believe our model offers excellent value for sellers needing speed and certainty, but we encourage you to review all options below to find the best fit for your specific situation and property type.
Quick Comparison: At a Glance
| Platform | Commission | Timeline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Rescue | 0% | 7-28 days | Low cost |
| Auction House | 2-2.5% + VAT | 28 days post-auction | Nationwide coverage, high volume |
| SDL Property Auctions | 2-2.5% + VAT | 28 days post-auction | Regional expertise, established buyers |
| Allsop | 2-2.5% + VAT | 28 days post-auction | High-value properties, London focus |
| Clive Emson | 2-2.5% + VAT | 28 days post-auction | South England, land & development |
| Barnett Ross | 2-2.5% + VAT | 28 days post-auction | London properties, commercial |
| Savills Auctions | 2-2.5% + VAT | 28 days post-auction | Premium properties, international buyers |
| Acuitus | 2-2.5% + VAT | 28 days post-auction | Commercial & investment properties |
| Modern Method (Various) | 3-4% + VAT | 56 days total | Mortgage buyers, extended timeline |
| EIG Property Auctions | N/A (data platform) | N/A | Research & auction property search |
Commission rates based on 2025 industry standards. Additional fees may apply (entry fees £300-500, legal pack £1,500+).
How to Choose the Right Auction Option for Your Property
Before diving into specific platforms, consider these key factors:
Traditional Auction works best when:
- Your property is in good condition or has clear investment potential
- You can wait 4-6 weeks for the auction date plus 28 days to complete
- You’re comfortable with the risk of the property not selling on the day
- You want competitive bidding to potentially achieve market value or above
Modern Method of Auction suits sellers who:
- Need more time for buyers to arrange mortgages (56 days total)
- Want the competitive bidding element but with more flexibility
- Are willing to accept potentially lower bids (buyers factor in the 2.5-5% reservation fee)
- Can afford higher commission rates (typically 3-4% + VAT)
Property buying services (like Property Rescue) are ideal when:
- Speed is your priority (complete in as little as 7 days)
- Your property needs work or has complications (probate, tenants, structural issues)
- You want certainty without auction risk (no reserve price concerns)
- You prefer to avoid commission fees and upfront costs
Red flags to watch for:
- Auctioneers who won’t clearly explain their fee structure upfront
- Pressure to accept a low reserve price “to guarantee a sale”
- Lack of transparency about buyer’s premiums or additional charges
- No clear track record or verifiable past auction results
- Vague timelines or completion terms
1. Property Rescue – 0% Commission Property Buying Service
What it is: Property Rescue is better known as a direct property buying service but we offer a secret nationwide property auction service through our auction partner. We don’t advertise this service anywhere because we want customers to focus more on our other property buying service. In fact this blog posts is the only place you’ll hear about our auction service, and I had to twist a few arms to get this published. But if you like what you read below, get in touch and we’ll email you the full brochure.
Key Benefits:
-
- No upfront fees
- 0% sales commission to sellers (compared to typical 2% to 3% with other auction houses).
- No legal pack fees if your property doesn’t sell.
- Flexible completion times (28 to 56 days).
- 100% transparent process with a dedicated team for seller support.
- TrustPilot rating of 4.8/5
- We handle all legal work and paperwork
Timeline: Standard 28-day completion post-auction.
Best for: Anyone who wants to auction a property to a huge UK audience and pay nothing upfront to get it sold.
Website: contact us directly to ask about this
2. Auction House – UK’s Largest Property Auctioneer
What it is: Auction House is the UK’s largest residential and commercial property auction company, operating more auction rooms nationwide than any other auctioneer and selling more properties annually than competitors.
Key Benefits:
- Nationwide coverage – Multiple regional auction rooms across the UK
- High volume – Sells more properties than any other UK auctioneer
- National Online Auctions – eBay-style internet bidding accessible from anywhere
- Established buyer network – Large database of registered bidders and investors
- Regular auction dates – Frequent sales throughout the year
Commission: Typically 2-2.5% + VAT of the final sale price, plus entry fee (approximately £300-500 + VAT) and legal pack preparation (£1,500+).
Timeline: Properties are marketed for 4-6 weeks before auction, with completion typically 28 days after the hammer falls.
Best for: Sellers wanting maximum exposure across the UK, properties with broad appeal, and those comfortable with the traditional auction process.
Website: auctionhouse.co.uk
3. SDL Property Auctions – Regional Expertise
What it is: SDL Property Auctions conducts regular National Property Auctions featuring residential homes, land, and commercial buildings across various UK regions.
Key Benefits:
- Regional focus – Strong presence in Midlands, North, and specific regional markets
- Transparent process – Clear fee structure and auction terms
- Regular auction schedule – Monthly national auctions throughout the year
- Diverse property types – Residential, commercial, land, and development opportunities
- Established reputation – Long-standing auctioneer with proven track record
Recent 2025 auction dates: September 25th, October 29th, November 27th (220+ lots), December 17th.
Commission: Typically 2-2.5% + VAT, plus entry and legal pack fees.
Timeline: Standard 28-day completion post-auction.
Best for: Properties in the Midlands, North England, and sellers wanting regional expertise with national reach.
Website: sdlauctions.co.uk
4. Allsop – Premium London & Commercial Focus
What it is: Allsop is one of the UK’s most established and prestigious property auctioneers, known for high-value residential and commercial properties, particularly in London and the Southeast.
Key Benefits:
- Premium positioning – Attracts high-net-worth buyers and serious investors
- Strong London presence – Excellent for capital properties and commercial assets
- Separate residential and commercial auctions – Targeted buyer audiences
- High success rates – Historically achieves 80-85% success rates
- Live-streamed auctions – Professional online bidding platform
- Comprehensive catalogues – Released approximately 4 weeks before each auction
2025 Performance: Allsop’s first commercial auction of 2025 raised £45.8 million, demonstrating strong market confidence.
Commission: Typically 2-2.5% + VAT for residential; may vary for high-value commercial properties.
Timeline: Two-day residential auctions held monthly; commercial auctions every 1-2 months. Standard 28-day completion.
Best for: High-value properties, London and Southeast locations, commercial investments, and sellers wanting a prestigious auction house with international buyer reach.
Website: allsop.co.uk/auctions
5. Clive Emson – South England Specialists
What it is: Clive Emson Land & Property Auctioneers specializes in properties across southern England, with particular expertise in Kent, Cornwall, Devon, Sussex, Hampshire, and Essex.
Key Benefits:
- Regional expertise – Deep knowledge of South England property markets
- Land and development focus – Strong track record with development sites and agricultural land
- High lot volumes – Regular auctions with 145-195 lots per sale
- Established since 1989 – Over 35 years of auctioneering experience
- Online auction platform – Accessible bidding from anywhere
- Comprehensive property types – Residential, commercial, farms, and development land
2025 Auction Schedule: Monthly auctions held throughout the year (February, March, May, June, July, September, October, December) with results published online.
Commission: Typically 2-2.5% + VAT, plus standard entry and legal fees.
Timeline: Properties marketed for 4-6 weeks; 28-day completion post-auction.
Best for: Properties in southern England, land and development opportunities, farms and agricultural properties, and sellers wanting regional specialists with strong local buyer networks.
Contact: Rostrum House, Maidstone, Kent | [email protected] | 0345 850 0333
Website: cliveemson.co.uk
6. Barnett Ross – London Property Specialists
What it is: Barnett Ross is a London-focused property auctioneer and chartered surveyor firm, established in 2002, specializing in capital properties and commercial assets.
Key Benefits:
- London expertise – Deep knowledge of London property market and buyer demographics
- Chartered surveyors – Professional valuations and market insights
- Commercial focus – Strong track record with commercial and mixed-use properties
- Established buyer network – Regular London-based investors and developers
- Transparent process – Clear auction terms and professional service
Recent 2025 Results: Notable sales include a 4,500 sq ft lot with two vacant buildings and shop selling for £1.951 million (guide price £1.5 million) in May 2025.
2025 Auction Dates: October 30th, November 20th, December 16th.
Commission: Typically 2-2.5% + VAT, plus entry and legal fees.
Timeline: Standard 28-day completion after auction.
Best for: London properties, commercial and mixed-use assets, sellers wanting specialist London market knowledge and access to capital-based investors.
Website: barnettross.co.uk
7. Savills Auctions – International Prestige
What it is: Savills is a globally recognized property services firm offering prestigious property auctions, particularly for high-value residential and commercial properties with international buyer appeal.
Key Benefits:
- Global brand recognition – Attracts international buyers and investors
- Premium properties – Specializes in high-value and unique properties
- Professional marketing – Extensive marketing reach through Savills’ global network
- Expert valuations – Access to Savills’ research and market intelligence
- Frequent London auctions – Regular sales throughout the year
2025 Auction Schedule: Frequent London-focused auctions (January 26th, 27th, 28th; February 10th, 24th; March 17th, 31st, and continuing throughout the year).
Commission: Typically 2-2.5% + VAT; may vary for exceptional properties.
Timeline: Entry deadlines typically 4 weeks before auction; 28-day completion.
Best for: Premium and unique properties, international buyer appeal, high-value London and regional properties, and sellers wanting the prestige and global reach of the Savills brand.
Website: auctions.savills.co.uk
8. Acuitus – Commercial Property Specialists
What it is: Acuitus is a leading UK commercial property auction house based in Southwark, London, focusing on investment properties and commercial assets sold via traditional auction methods.
Key Benefits:
- Commercial expertise – Specialists in commercial, investment, and mixed-use properties
- Investor focus – Attracts serious commercial property investors
- Strong 2025 performance – Achieved £51.8 million raised at October sale with 85% success rate
- Income-producing assets – Particularly strong for properties with existing tenants and income streams
- Value-add opportunities – Attracts buyers looking for development and improvement potential
- Property alerts – Buyers can set up alerts by location, type, and price criteria
2025 Highlights: Acuitus reported record-breaking trends in commercial property auctions, with strong investor appetite for income-producing assets amid easing debt costs. Their largest 2025 catalogue featured 71 lots in October.
Commission: Typically 2-2.5% + VAT for commercial properties.
Timeline: Standard 28-day completion; regular auction dates throughout the year.
Best for: Commercial properties, investment assets with tenants, mixed-use properties, and sellers wanting specialist commercial auction expertise and access to serious investors.
Website: acuitus.co.uk
9. Modern Method of Auction (Various Platforms)
What it is: Modern Method of Auction (MMoA) is an online auction process offered by various estate agents and auction platforms that combines competitive bidding with extended timelines, allowing buyers 28 days to exchange contracts after winning and another 28 days to complete (56 days total).
Key Benefits:
- Mortgage-friendly – Buyers have time to arrange financing (unlike traditional auctions requiring cash/finance in place)
- Extended timeline – 56 days total gives more flexibility than traditional 28-day completion
- Competitive bidding – Still benefits from auction competition
- Wider buyer pool – Accessible to buyers who need mortgages
- Non-refundable reservation fee – Buyer pays 2.5-5% reservation fee (typically £6,000+ inc. VAT), reducing fall-through risk
How it works:
- Property marketed online for 28-30 days with guide price and confidential reserve
- Buyers register with ID verification and bid online in real-time
- Highest bidder wins and pays non-refundable reservation fee immediately (counts toward stamp duty)
- Buyer has 28 days to exchange contracts and pay 10% deposit
- Completion follows within another 28 days (total ~56 days)
- If buyer defaults, they forfeit the reservation fee; seller keeps it and can relist
Commission: Typically 3-4% + VAT with minimum fees around £5,000 + VAT – significantly higher than traditional auctions. These higher rates reflect the “premium service” model and substantial referral fees paid to estate agents (typically 30-50% of the auctioneer’s commission).
Timeline: Approximately 56 days total from winning bid to completion.
Best for: Sellers who need the certainty of auction but want to attract mortgage buyers, properties that appeal to owner-occupiers rather than just investors, and situations where the extended timeline isn’t a problem.
Considerations:
- Higher fees – Commission rates are 50-100% higher than traditional auctions
- Lower bids – Buyers often bid lower to account for the reservation fee they must pay
- Buyer risk – Buyers risk losing the reservation fee if they can’t complete
- Less urgency – The 56-day timeline reduces the “speed” benefit of auctions
According to the Homeowners Alliance, sellers should carefully consider whether the extended timeline and higher fees are worth the potential to attract mortgage buyers.
Platforms offering MMoA: Many estate agents and online platforms now offer Modern Method of Auction. Research specific providers carefully and compare their fee structures.
Understanding Auction Fees: What You’ll Really Pay
When comparing auction options, it’s crucial to understand the full cost, not just the commission rate. Here’s what sellers typically pay:
Traditional Auction Costs:
- Auctioneer’s Commission: 2-2.5% + VAT of final sale price
- Example: £200,000 sale = £4,000-£5,000 + VAT (£4,800-£6,000 total)
- Entry/Catalogue Fee: £300-£500 + VAT
- Charged upfront or deducted from sale proceeds
- Covers marketing and catalogue inclusion
- Legal Pack Preparation: £1,500+ (paid to your solicitor)
- Required before auction
- Includes title documents, searches, and legal information
- Minimum Fees: Most auctioneers charge minimum fees of £1,500+ for low-value properties
Total typical cost for £200,000 property: £6,600-£8,000+
Modern Method of Auction Costs:
- Auctioneer’s Commission: 3-4% + VAT (minimum £5,000 + VAT)
- Example: £200,000 sale = £6,000-£8,000 + VAT (£7,200-£9,600 total)
- Entry Fee: Similar to traditional (£300-£500 + VAT)
- Legal Pack: £1,500+
Total typical cost for £200,000 property: £9,000-£12,000+
Note: Buyers also pay a non-refundable reservation fee of 2.5-5% (£5,000-£10,000 on a £200,000 property), which may affect their bidding behavior.
In Property Rescue’s secret auction, the buyers pay the fees. Not the seller.
2025 UK Property Auction Market Insights
The UK property auction market experienced significant growth in 2025, according to data from Essential Information Group:
Key Statistics:
- Record volume: 41,628 lots offered in 2025 (highest on record)
- Strong sales: 28,975 lots sold, generating £5.9 billion
- Residential growth: Nearly 6% more residential lots offered, 3.2% more sold, 9% capital increase
- London surge: Q4 2025 saw London lots offered up 25.9%, funds raised up 37.5%
- Year-end momentum: December 2025 residential lots up 15.5% YoY, raising £495.5 million (+28.4% YoY)
What this means for sellers:
- Strong buyer demand: Increased competition can drive better prices
- Investor confidence: Easing debt costs and positive market sentiment
- Regional variations: London and Southeast showing particularly strong performance
- Commercial opportunities: Investment properties with income streams in high demand
Looking ahead to the remainder of 2026: Industry experts predict continued growth, potentially exceeding 30,000 lots sold, driven by investor appetite for income-producing assets and value-add opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between traditional auction and Modern Method of Auction?
Traditional auctions are legally binding the moment the hammer falls, with completion typically required within 28 days. Buyers must have financing in place beforehand. Modern Method of Auction gives buyers 28 days after winning to exchange contracts (paying a non-refundable reservation fee immediately) and another 28 days to complete, making it accessible to mortgage buyers but with higher fees.
Q: What happens if my property doesn’t sell at auction?
If bidding doesn’t reach your reserve price, the property remains unsold. You’ll typically still owe the entry fee (£300-500) and legal pack costs (£1,500+), but not the commission. You can then relist at a future auction (paying entry fees again), try a different sales method, or accept post-auction offers if any buyers express interest.
Q: How is the reserve price set?
The reserve price is the minimum you’ll accept and is agreed between you and the auctioneer before the auction. It’s typically set at or slightly below the lower end of the guide price. Setting it too high risks the property not selling; too low risks underselling. Experienced auctioneers will advise based on market conditions and buyer interest.
Q: Can I sell a property with tenants at auction?
Yes, properties with tenants are commonly sold at auction and often attract investor buyers. The tenancy details must be clearly disclosed in the legal pack, including rent amounts, tenancy agreements, and any arrears. Investment properties with good tenants can actually be more attractive to buyers seeking immediate rental income.
Q: What condition does my property need to be in for auction?
Traditional auctions accept properties in any condition – in fact, properties needing renovation often perform well as they attract investor buyers. However, you’ll still pay full commission and fees regardless of condition.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about UK property auction options as of 2025. Commission rates, fees, and auction dates are subject to change. Always verify current rates and terms directly with auction houses before proceeding. Property Rescue offers are based on individual property assessments and market conditions. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.
