Property Auctions: A guide on how they work
Estimated read time: 6 Minutes
Auctions are one of the most popular ways to sell property in Australia. With the drama of the bidding contest, it’s a good idea to be prepared with an understanding of how they work before bidding.
Auctions are subject to a range of rules and regulations that vary by state. This quick guide provides an introduction to what to expect and tips on how to prepare if you plan on bidding at an auction.
Because of the public nature of the bidding process, and the need to pay the deposit and sign the contract after the winning bid, you need to be well prepared before going to bid at an auction. Here are some things to bear in mind.
Common auction terminology
Anyone looking to bid at auction should have an understanding of the jargon that goes along with it. Whilst this is not an exhaustive list, here are some of the key terms you’ll need to be across:
- Reserve price refers to the price under which the auctioneer can’t sell without the express approval of the owner. In other words, it’s a bit of a safety net for the seller. When bidding at an auction reaches the reserve price, the auctioneer will usually state that the property is ‘on the market’. Once this happens the property seller will accept the highest and final bid.
- Passing in is when a property fails to reach the seller's reserve price and it isn’t sold to the highest bidder. However, the highest bidder will get the first option to negotiate a sale with the seller.
- Vendor bid is a bid from the property’s seller or owner - usually to get things started or if the auction stalls. There are regulations and restrictions on vendor bids in different states and territories, so we suggest you visit one of the relevant government page below for more information.
How do you buy at an auction in Australia?
Auctions do not have a cooling-off period and are usually an unconditional offer, unless the buyer and owner agree on any additional clauses prior to the auction commencing. If your bid is successful, the deposit must be paid and contracts signed immediately following an auction. It’s important you go into an auction prepared to complete the sale if your bid wins. If you pull out of the sale, financial penalties will apply.
It’s always a good idea to do your research on what the current auction rules are in the state or territory where you’re planning to buy.
Here are some helpful links for you to do your research:
Understanding home loan pre-approval
A home loan pre-approval is when a lender completes an assessment of a home loan application and provides an approval up to a certain amount, which is subject to a number of conditions such as (but not limited to) the purchase of a suitable property, acceptable valuation of the property and a pest report. The pre-approval will be valid for a limited timeframe. With this information, you can start looking for properties that are within your financial range.
It's important to note that a pre-approval is not a final loan approval. Be sure to keep your lender up to date with your financial situation and discuss any conditions to the approval such as whether the property you plan to bid on is a suitable security.
Tips on bidding at an auction
Whilst there’s no sure-fire formula for success at auction, here’s some general tips that may help:
Do your research
Know your obligations
Have your finances in order
Bid confidently
Know your limits
Online auctions: What are they and how they work
eBay for houses? Not quite, however the advent of online auctions has allowed for property auctions to continue throughout COVID-19 related lockdowns given they comply with social distancing measures.
This could allow potential purchasers to see the outcome and bidding process of other comparable properties before bidding for a property.
How do you register for an online auction?
If you’re intending to bid, you’ll need to set up an account on the chosen platform ahead of time and complete an ID verification – usually requiring your driver’s licence. The details will be passed onto the agent you’ll have visited when inspecting the property.
How can you watch one?
Online auctions can be watched by anyone with a registered account on the chosen platform. Create a free account on a platform such as Realtair and search for properties in your area.
When the auction kicks off, you’ll see a livestream of the auctioneer who could either be on-site in the property or even in their office or a dedicated broadcast space. It all depends on the agency and auctioneer setup.
From thereon in the auction process is virtually identical to a physical auction with the same framework followed; vendor bids need to be announced, the auctioneer will make it known when the property is officially on the market, and you may notice the real estate agents will be speaking with serious bidders throughout the process.
The major advantage for onlookers is easily getting a summary of the bidding history throughout the auction. You’ll be able to see who made what bid, and the increments bidding increased by. This is a great way for potential purchasers to get into a rhythm of auctions and understand how the bidding process could work.
If you’re considering purchasing your first home through an auction, start with our simple home loan borrowing power tool to see how much you may be able to borrow with Pepper Money. You can also contact one of our Lending Specialists on 137 377 to find out more about your home loan options today.
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Contributor | Barry Saoud, General Manager, Mortgages and Commercial Lending
Barry joined Pepper Money in July 2021 as General Manager, Mortgages and Commercial Lending. He is responsible for the strategic direction and operating performance across product, credit, and settlements for mortgages, commercial loans, personal loans, and direct sales. Read more.
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