Selling a House at Auction in the UK — How It Works (and a Faster Way)

No. Springbok Properties is a regulated UK property buyer, not an auction house. We do not list, market, or auction properties. Instead, we buy directly using our own funds, with over 19,000 successful transactions since 2012. If you are considering an auction, this guide explains how auctions work so you can compare both options honestly.

At a traditional auction, contracts exchange the moment the hammer falls and the buyer must complete within around 28 days, which limits bidding to cash buyers. The Modern Method of Auction runs online: the winning bidder pays a non-refundable reservation fee and then has up to 56 days to complete, so mortgage buyers can take part. Both routes involve seller fees and neither guarantees a sale if the reserve price is not met.

Auctions genuinely suit properties likely to attract competitive bidding from cash investors: development land and building plots, unmortgageable residential buildings, and commercial or mixed-use investments. For most ordinary residential homes, a direct sale is usually faster and more certain, and it avoids seller fees. Remember that auction fees generally still apply even if your property does not sell.

Nothing. There is no commission, no listing fee, and no legal costs — we cover conveyancing in full. This compares with typical auction costs of 2–3% plus VAT in commission, along with entry fees and the cost of preparing a legal pack, which sellers usually pay whether or not the property sells.

Cash Sale™ means Springbok buys your property directly using our own cash funds, with no mortgage lender and no chain. Completion typically takes 7 to 21 days, and you choose the date that suits you. It is designed for sellers who value a guaranteed, fast completion above all else, in any condition and any situation.

Fast Cash™ is designed for sellers who need to move out within days. You can vacate in as little as 3 days, and Springbok takes over maintenance and holding costs from day one. It suits situations such as immediate repossession risk, urgent relocation, or a financial emergency that needs resolving straight away, with zero fees and a fully managed process.

Fixed Price™ is for sellers who want close to full market value — up to 95% — while keeping speed and certainty. The buyer pays a mandatory reservation deposit, which protects you against the fall-throughs common with estate agent sales and auctions. The price is agreed in writing upfront, completion typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, and all legal costs are covered.

Yes. Springbok Properties is a member of the National Association of Property Buyers (NAPB), registered with The Property Ombudsman, and ICO regulated. We hold a 4.4 out of 5 Trustpilot rating from over 11,700 independent reviews, and have completed more than 19,000 sales since 2012.