Property auctions can be exciting, especially if you are the successful bidder (or if you really love fast-paced shouting). Buying in the high-pressure environment of an auction can be stressful, but if you're prepared, you'll find it a lot easier – and you just might snap up a bargain.

How do auctions work?

Bidders must register with the real estate agent or auctioneer before they can participate. Once the bidding starts, it'll continue until the highest bid is received or until the property is passed in (meaning that the vendor decides not to sell because the price isn't high enough).

If the property does pass in, the highest bidder is often invited to negotiate privately with the vendor, but they're not required to.

Be prepared

As with every aspect of the home-buying journey, the more prepared bidders are before attending an auction the greater their chances of success.

There are a few steps that can be taken that might help with preparation, including:

• obtaining a copy of any auction terms and conditions, the contract of sale and in some States, a vendor's statement, which will outline important details such as the property's size, title details, etc;
  

• seeking legal advice on auction terms, the contract of sale and to do searches and checks on the property;

• arranging a thorough building inspection and/or pest inspection;

• personally inspecting the property to ensure it meets your needs; and

• researching the surrounding area, including things like the location of schools and public transport. 

You should also try to form an idea of how much the property is worth. There are a few ways this can be done, including:

• checking the sale price of other properties in the same area via the real estate websites;

• attending the auctions of similar properties and observing what they sell for (if they sell at all); and

• having the property professionally valued. 

Of course, any figure that you come up with will be an estimate only. Ultimately, the house is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it. If you're headed to an auction, be prepared to be surprised.

Stick to your budget

Set a price limit for yourself. If you've done your financial prep work, and especially if you have pre-approval on a home loan, you should have a very good idea of what your maximum bid can be. If you're not sure how much you may be able to borrow, our Suncorp Bank borrowing capacity calculator might come in handy.

Be disciplined - don't get caught up in the excitement of the bidding and go beyond your limit. Some people will physically turn their back on the auctioneer once their price limit has been exceeded, or even walk away from the auction entirely while it's in progress. If something like this helps you to stay on budget, then go for it. Don't worry, nobody's going to think you're being rude.

Attend a few auctions as on observer, with no intent to bid. You'll start to get a feel for them, and hopefully you won't be as nervous when the big day hits.

When you're ready to bid for real, have your finance organised and deposit available to transfer. You'll need it if you're the successful bidder.

If you'd like to get the ball rolling on a loan pre-approval to help with your planning, send Suncorp Bank an enquiry today. And if you're headed to auction any time soon – good luck!

Talk to a home lending expert

Published 17 October 2023