Why Buy Through LSH Property Auctions?
Transparent bidding
Every bid is visible in real time, giving you complete clarity throughout the auction process.
Fast and secure transactions
Exchange happens immediately when the auction ends, giving buyers speed and certainty.
Access properties nationwide
Explore investment, commercial and development opportunities across the UK and Ireland.
Bid from anywhere
Take part in auctions online via desktop, tablet or mobile.
Getting Approved To Bid
If you intend to bid at one of our auctions, two key steps must be completed before approval to bid:
- Submitting a Holding Deposit
- Passing Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks
Responsibility: Bidder
Deadline: As soon as possible
What you need to do- Finalise your personal details and accept the bidder T&Cs via the registration link.
- You’ll also be asked for your solicitor’s details – if none yet, enter “TBC”.
- We recommend having a solicitor review the legal pack prior to bidding.
Responsibility: Bidder
Deadline: Opens 6 days before the auction
What you need to do- Enter a valid credit/debit card where a refundable £5,000 hold will be placed (£1,000 for lots with a guide price under £20,000).
- If successful, this becomes part of your deposit; if not, it’s released after the auction (may take up to 30 days to appear).
- We recommend submitting early to allow enough time for checks.
Responsibility: Bidder & Auctioneer
Deadline: By 2:00pm the day before the auction
What you need to do- Once your holding deposit is processed, we’ll send you a secure link via text/email to download our KYC “Know Your Customer” app.
- You’ll be asked to submit: 1 photo ID, 2 proof of address, and 1 selfie.
- Please ensure good lighting.
- Let us know if you’re buying personally or through a company.
Responsibility: Auctioneer
Deadline: Usually within 24 hours
What you need to do- Once checks are complete, you’ll receive approval by email.
- All information is securely handled in line with GDPR.
- Please be patient if additional info is requested.
Responsibility: Bidder
Deadline: From 1:00pm on the day of the auction
What you need to do- You’ll be able to bid via your Auction Passport account.
- Bidding typically increases in £1,000 increments.
- You can enter a maximum bid, and the system will bid at this level on your behalf.
- If a bid is placed in the final 60 seconds, the timer resets for another 60 seconds. Don’t leave bids to the last moment – internet delays may prevent last-second bids being accepted.
Buying at Auction:
A Step-by-Step Guide
Buying property at auction can be a straightforward and rewarding process, especially when you're well prepared. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to do before auction day:
To take part in the auction, you’ll need to register in advance. Visit our How to Register to Bid page for a step-by-step guide. Registration includes providing ID and setting up your bidder security.
We strongly recommend viewing the property before bidding. Viewing details are listed on each lot page. If you're unsure about the condition or structure, it’s wise to arrange a survey through a qualified professional.
Legal packs are available to download from the lot page. These documents form part of the contract, so it’s essential to read them carefully. LSH Auctions cannot provide legal advice, please consult your solicitor for guidance.
Sometimes details about a property change before the auction. These updates are listed in the addendum, which forms part of the legal contract. You can find it on the lot page. If you’ve added a lot to your watchlist, you’ll be notified of any changes automatically.
All properties are sold under specific terms, including:
- Online Auctioneer Terms
- RICS Common Auction Conditions
- Special Conditions of Sale or Articles of Roup (for Scottish properties)
These documents may also outline additional costs payable by the buyer. Always seek legal advice and ensure your solicitor reviews the full terms.
You’ll need to pay a bidder security when registering. If you’re successful, this will go toward your 10% deposit. The remaining balance is due within the completion period (usually 20 working days).
Bidder Security Amounts:
Commercial Auctions:
- £1,000 per lot for properties where the guide is under £20,000
- £5,000 per lot for properties where the guide is over £20,000
LSH Auctions Buyer’s Fee:
- £500 + VAT per lot for properties where the sale price is under £20,000
- £1,500 + VAT per lot for properties where the sale price is over £20,000
There may be variations to this, please ensure you read the specific lot information.
If you’re using finance, speak to your lender early. Most lenders will require a valuation before making a formal offer. Make sure your lender can meet the auction completion deadline, usually 20 working days, but always check the Special Conditions of Sale.
Some sellers may consider offers before auction day. If you’re interested, submit your offer in writing to the contact listed on the lot page. If accepted, you’ll need to pay the 10% deposit and buyer’s fee immediately and be ready to exchange contracts.
Lots can be withdrawn or sold prior to auction. Always check the website the day before to confirm the property is still available.
FAQ for Buyers
Viewing
Yes, viewings are available prior to the auction.
Viewings can be arranged by contacting the auction team or the agent listed in the property details.
Registering to Bid
Yes, registration is required before each auction.
Registration typically opens 6 days before the auction date.
The deadline will be 2pm on the day before the auction.
Yes, you can bid on multiple lots, but you must register for each one.
Bidder security is a refundable deposit paid to confirm your intent to bid. Payment details will be provided during registration.
Yes, the bidder security is refunded if you do not purchase a property.
If you encounter issues with online identity verification, please contact the auction team for alternative arrangements.
Bidding on Auction Day
Yes, our team is available to support you throughout the auction via phone or email.
Bidding typically opens at 1pm and finishes at 2pm unless bidding activity continues past 2pm. In that case, once there is 1 full minute of no activity, bidding will close.
Simply log in to your account on our auction platform and navigate to the lot(s) you’re interested in.
Yes, you can bid on multiple lots, provided you’ve registered for each and paid any required bidder security.
Each lot has a countdown timer showing how long bidding remains open. Keep an eye on this to ensure you don’t miss your opportunity.
If you’re outbid just before the auction closes, you may not have time to respond. We recommend placing your maximum bid early or monitoring the lot closely during the final minutes. The auction is timed to close at 2pm, however, if there is bidding activity within 1 minute of this time, bidding will continue for a further minute until such time bidding activity ends.
Once a maximum bid is placed, it cannot be changed or withdrawn. You can place an instant bid if time allows, but your maximum bid will still apply.
Unfortunately, registration must be completed before the auction begins as registration closes at 2pm the day before the auction. Late registrations may not be accepted.
You’ll receive confirmation on-screen immediately after the auction closes, and a formal email from us will follow with next steps.
A binding contract is formed. You’ll be required to pay the deposit and buyers administration fee and complete the purchase within the specified timeframe (usually 20 working days).
No. Once the auction ends and you are the highest bidder, a legally binding contract is in place. Withdrawal may result in financial and legal penalties.
Unfortunately, registration must be completed before the auction begins as registration closes at 2pm the day before the auction. Late registrations may not be accepted.
After the Auction
If a property remains unsold after the auction, it will usually be listed as "unsold or available" on our website. You can contact the auction team directly to express your interest and submit a post-auction offer. We will also follow up with previously interested parties to invite best bids.
Bidder security is typically refunded within 3 to 5 working days after the auction. The exact timing may vary depending on your payment method and bank processing times.
Yes, if you do not purchase a property, your bidder security will be refunded in full.
Ready To Start Bidding?
Browse current auction listings and register today to take part in upcoming auctions.