Is Buying at Auction Too Risky?

In the UK, TV programmes including Homes Under the Hammer have made buying property at auction seem very accessible to the general public. It is definitely a route that aspiring property investors should consider, but it is not without its pitfalls. For every investor that snags a bargain, there are probably four or five who make only modest returns from their purchase or who inadvertently purchase a ‘money pit’.

As property investors, buying properties at auction can present great opportunities to build and diversify your portfolio. Take note, the auction process increases the pressure associated with buying a house by putting you in the same room as your competitors. There is a way to safely navigate yourself though the  process and emerge the other side with an excellent addition to your property portfolio.  Follow my tips below you and you will be more likely to make the right choices at a property auction.

Buying at Auction: Tips

Research

Weeks before the property auction date, request a copy of the auction catalogue and pick properties that that you are potentially interested in buying. Put together a shortlist  and arrange to go and view all of your contenders ideally with a builder. When you’re viewing these properties, ensure that you take a lot of pictures of the properties and their surrounding environment. Make a note to remember if the road was busy, for example.  Organise your viewing notes in a structured way so that they can easily be retrieved later. Finally, when you decide on your chosen property have a survey done.

Budget

At least a couple of weeks before the auction, plan a meticulous budget to work out how much you will have to invest; ensure that you factor in auction costs. Give your calculations context by working out the GDV of your project. You can read more about that here, How to Maximise the GDV of a Residential Property

Mental Preparation

This is probably not a step that you will see in everyone’s advice for a property auction.  Take time to mentally prepare yourself for the eventuality that you are not able to buy a property because the price becomes higher than your budget. Prepare to be disappointed and remember that there will be other auctions and other properties.

Don’t get Carried Away

Ensure that you take all the required documentation and particulars to the auction on the day. My main tip for the auction day itself is to not get carried away by the competitive, high pressure environment. Stick to your budget and remain focused and dispassionate; that is my preferred strategy . When you do that, buying at auction is not too risky.

If you have liked this post you will also like,  Who Should Be in Your Power Team? 

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This is blog post number 16.