Whether you are buying an investment property or your dream home, we believe that the process should be exciting and stress free. That is why Town & Country Property Auctions is fast, simple, and most importantly secure.
With Town & Country Property Auctions, we offer an unconditional online auction:
An unconditional online auction, which, if you are the successful bidder, provides you with 28 days from the end of the specified time period to exchange. During the 28-day reservation period, the seller is not able to accept other offers during that 28-day period. Properties that are available for sale by this method are marked as a “unconditional”.
1. Registration and Verification
Every bidder on Town & Country Property Auctions must first create an account. This is very simple, and we only ask for your email address to do so. To register, simply click the link here and complete the online form. Once you have registered, you will be able to search, download legal documents, arrange site viewings, and contact the Auctioneers and the solicitors if you have queries on the property.
We are committed to carrying out identity and anti-money laundering checks and so to bid, you will need to be authorised. Do not worry, the process is quick and easy, you will need to complete a short form, as well as provide either a passport MRZ number or driving licence number. Verification is carried out online and results are immediate. This check will leave a soft footprint on your credit report (but it should not affect your credit rating).
2. Place your Bid!
Once you are fully authorised you will be free to place a bid.
To place a bid, you will have to follow a few steps, which we have designed to be as user friendly as possible:
At the end of the specified time period - you will enter into a legal agreement with the seller and have 28 days within which to exchange. If you fail to do so, you may lose your buyer’s premium and deposit.
3. Confirm terms and submit your bid!
We encourage responsible bidding. Remember that if you are the successful bidder, you will be legally obliged to pay the full amount of the purchase price.
With that in mind, we strongly recommend that you have funds in place before placing your bid and only bid up to your limit.
How long does each auction last?
The seller has the freedom to choose how long their auction period lasts. A countdown timer is attached to each property, so bidders can see how long is left of the auction. Whenever a bid is placed in the final 5 minutes, the auction timer will reset to 5 minutes. This is to allow other parties a fair chance to place another bid. The auction will end when the countdown hits zero.
I have placed my bid. Can I bid again if my bid is exceeded?
Of course! You are free to bid as many times as you feel comfortable. You will have to go through the bidding steps, so make sure you place that bid in time!
Do you use automatic proxy bidding?
To maintain transparency, the amount that you enter to bid is the bid that is accepted and shown on the site. There is no automatic proxy bidding system in place. With this in mind, we recommend that you keep an eye on the auction to make sure you do not miss out. We have a time extension mechanism in place to give you time to put another bid in - whenever a bid is placed in the final 5 minutes, the auction timer will reset to 5 minutes. This is to allow other parties a fair chance to place another bid.
Are there minimum bidding increments?
Yes. When a bid is placed, we will automatically snap the next bid to the minimum increment - please note that the auctioneer may vary the minimum increment depending on the property, so not every property will have the same minimum increment.
Remember, whenever a bid is placed in the final 5 minutes, the auction timer will reset to 5 minutes. This is to allow other parties a fair chance to place another bid.
Can I download and print legal documents?
Yes, you are free to download and print the legal documents. We recommend you use a solicitor or conveyancer to review the legal documents, but that is entirely your decision.
How do I know the seller owns the property?
The legal pack should include an official copy from the Land Registry. This document will specify who owns the property and whether there are any charges or mortgages that need to be cleared. Your solicitor can assist you with this information.
I would like to arrange a viewing – how do I do this?
Arranging a viewing could not be easier. Block viewing times will have been arranged, so to see if it is possible to arrange a viewing please contact us. Unless we specify, please do not just turn up at the property - you might not get a chance to view it and could be left disappointed!
I have won the auction. What is next?
Congratulations! We will contact you if you are the successful bidder and will automatically charge you £5,000 (incl. VAT) (using the payment details provided) as payment towards your buyer’s premium and your deposit. Where applicable, you may be required to pay any outstanding amounts of the buyer’s premium and deposit immediately after we have issued you with legal contracts for completion. You should check the legal contract document contained as part of the legal documents for each property. You then have 28 to exchange on the property.
You should contact your solicitor immediately after winning the bid (we will also contact you and your solicitor).
If you do not exchange on or before the expiry of the 28-day period, you will forfeit the entirety of the buyer’s premium and deposit.
What is the Buyer’s Premium and Deposit payable?
An unconditional lot means that a Buyer’s Premium is applied upon the fall of the hammer, and the Purchaser shall pay a:
Please remember, the £5,000 (incl. VAT) we charge you on your successful bid is off set against the buyer’s premium and deposit, as detailed in the legal contract.
Are there any other fees to pay?
Also be aware that for some properties, you may be required to pay VAT on top of the purchase price. This will generally be for commercial properties and the legal pack and/or the sale memorandum will refer to this.
Selling at auction enables you to obtain a swift sale with no sale fee. Sounds too good to be true! Here are the reasons why so many clients are now selling property utilising this method of sale.
HIGH PROFILE MARKETING
Properties are marketed both locally and nationally to create the greatest amount of interest.
Included in the marketing campaign is regional newspaper advertising, national internet and website portal advertising, an erected 'Auction For Sale Board' and property listing within the Town & Country Property Auctions brochure and website.
OPEN HOUSE
Your property can have a specially promoted Open House event attended by a member of the Town & Country Property Auctions team.
NO SALE FEE
We provide a unique approach using a method called a Buyer's premium. The purchaser is responsible to pay the Buyer's Premium (commission) for the sale of the property.
NO UPFRONT LEGAL FEES OR HOME REPORT FEE
If you use our partner firms, we allow you to defer the payment of your legal fees and home report fees until your property is sold (conditions apply).
BEST PRICE
Competition is good, gathering all potential purchasers together in the same place at the same time creates this, so you can be rest assured the price achieved is the best you could possibly obtain by private treaty.
NO RE-NEGOTIATION
Once a pre-auction offer is accepted or the hammer falls you have exchanged contracts at the agreed price so there is no re-negotiating to take survey findings into account and no gazundering. (A legal pack is required for all potential purchases to review prior to committing to purchasing a property).
NO FALL THROUGH
Once the hammer falls your buyer is legally committed to purchase and cannot change their mind without the penalty of losing their deposit.
SPEED
A pre-auction offer or the auction hammer falling on the designated lot commits the purchaser to complete the sale within the 28 days unless agreed otherwise. This timescale is legal and binding. Clients are attracted to the promptness of a swift completion of a sale.
There are many different types of property that sell well at Auction, and if you have one that falls into any of these categories you should consider the Auction route.
PROPERTIES FOR IMPROVEMENT
Properties in need of updating make ideal Auction Lots. They are in great demand from refurbishment specialists and private buyers, keen to undertake a project for their own occupation or for resale. They also appeal to buy-to-let investors who carry out the improvements then retain the properties as part of a property portfolio.
TENANTED PROPERTIES
Residential houses and flats with tenants in residence sell well at Auction. If the best buyer for your property is another landlord, and it usually will be, auction is the right route. We would encourage investors and landlords to bid competitively, you won't need to serve notice on your tenants, and rental income continues to be received right up to legal completion.
RESIDENTIAL INVESTMENTS
Houses in multiple occupation and blocks of flats are regularly sold at auction as investments. Here it is the rent level that determines the sale price, just as much as the building itself. Sellers will benefit from the high marketing profile and competitive bidding arena offered by Town and Country Property Auctions, plus the certainty of a sale when the hammer comes down.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSITIONS
Derelict or disused farm buildings, empty commercial premises, buildings with potential for conversion or change of use can all sell well at Auction. In some locations a change to residential use can significantly add to the value of a property, in other situations there may be space for additional dwellings or to substantially enlarge the property. Auction is regularly chosen as the effective channel for such disposals.
BUILDING LAND
There is no better way of ensuring that a seller achieves the best price for a building plot or parcel of development land than to offer it for sale by Auction. Builders will be able to consult with architects and planners in readiness to bid up to their maximum in the Auction room. The trade is often surprised by the high prices achieved for land sales in the Auction room, which is great news for the sellers.
MIXED USE PROPERTIES
Properties that have twin uses or a variety of potential future uses are ideal for sale by Auction. Retail shops with accommodation above appeal to investors as well as owner-occupiers. Further conversion work can often be undertaken, and the property tailored to suit the purchaser's special requirements.
COMMERCIAL INVESTMENTS
Retail shops, offices, industrial units, garage blocks and parking areas. An ever-increasing number of commercial investments are being sold by Town & Country Property Auctions. It doesn't matter whether they are vacant or tenanted, with lease renewal soon needed or with a long way to run. We have a large number of investor clients who will consider all types of commercial investment.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES
There are always some rare entries, sought after property and prime locations that need to be sold in a competitive bidding environment. Unexpectedly high prices have regularly been achieved by this route, resulting in an outcome that cannot be challenged by any unsuccessful bidder.
AMENITY LAND AND OTHER PROPERTY
We have sold paddocks, meadows, fields, moorings, city amenity land and also other unusual land parcels. If its property or land that is surplus to requirements, the likelihood is that we could find a buyer at Auction. If it has a value, and is worth marketing, it is worth considering selling by Auction.
Think of a property auction and you may think of developers snapping up a bargain on a TV show like Homes Under the Hammer. But savvy sellers are learning that there is much more to selling at auction, and it's not all cut-price properties. In fact, the smallest flats to large mansions are all selling through the modern method of auction.
This is how it works and why you should consider selling through the modern method of auction...
Why auction?
Three reasons: Maximum price, speed and security.
If the buyer has to pay a fee, will I get full price for my property?
Yes. Selling at auction always means you will get the true value of any property. Yes, the buyer is paying your fees but that does NOT mean you will get less for your property, you are simply saving a sales fee.
What type of properties are sold at auction?
Everything and anything. We have sold terraced, bungalows, unique properties, family detached houses, penthouse apartments, commercial units, businesses, new build properties and plots on behalf of builders.
Can I control what my property sells for?
Yes, you have complete control when setting the reserve price.
Who buys at auction?
Purchasers must be in a proceedable position in order to purchase a property at auction. This ensures to our vendors that the purchasers' position has been vetted ensuring a quick completion date for our vendors. We have all type of purchasers buying at auction from first time buyers, investors, buy to let & residential with a database of potential purchasers.
Is the buyer committed to buy once a bid is accepted?
Yes. Once accepted, a deposit is taken.
What about conversion rate – i.e. what is the probability of selling?
You can NEVER under sell at auction. The trick is setting an aggressive start bid to generate multiple viewings over a set time span. Then, at auction, purchasers bid against each other either in person by proxy, phone, or internet.
Why do people sell at auction?
Because of job relocation, emigration, matrimonial issues, death, outgrown the house, or simple frustration with the open market. Selling at auction maximises your price and offers speed and security. Anyone and everyone can sell at auction.
Who are your clients?
Anyone who wants to reach the largest audience in the shortest time to achieve the best price. Vacant property rates make commercial property a significant source of business now.
How is price determined?
By agreement with the seller, a reserve is set which can be altered only with the seller's consent.
How do you arrange viewings?
We will make arrangements with local agents for access if necessary or conduct open days and viewings ourselves, as every property and vendor is different and should be treated as such.
How will you advertise?
We intend to use PR as much as advertising. We work in partnership and advertise with selected publications that carry press releases about us and our properties. We do not waste money on needless confetti announcements, preferring to target specific key influences and send them relevant information, over the internet and by catalogue.
Is there a cooling-off period from marketing the property?
No – when you sign the agreement you agree to us marketing the property straight away.
HOW DO I BID ON A PROPERTY?
In Person - Come along to the auction
Proxy Bid - If you can't attend the auction we can bid on your behalf
On the Phone - We can telephone you from the auction room and bid on your behalf
Online Bidding - Bid any time on our website
WHAT IS A GUIDE PRICE AND A RESERVE PRICE?
A Guide Price is simply the price the bidding should start at or thereabouts. The Reserve Price is the undisclosed amount the Seller would accept for the Property. The Reserve ensures the Property cannot be sold for less than the Seller is prepared to accept. Please note in some cases bids may be considered below the starting price.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
Here at Town & Country Property Auctions we provide a unique approach to selling at auction. Using a method called Buyer's Premium our commission is paid by the purchasers. We will tailor our packages to suit your needs. This will be discussed with you at our appraisal by one of our qualified representatives.
WHAT IS THE BUYER'S PREMIUM?
All buyer's premium properties are clearly indicated throughout the catalogue with the commission being paid by the buyer.
A legal pack will be needed which Town & Country Property Auctions can arrange with recommended Solicitors.
UNCONDITIONAL LOTS - BUYER'S PREMIUM APPLIES
Upon the fall of the hammer, the Purchaser shall pay a deposit and a buyer's premium and contracts are exchanged. The purchaser is legally bound to buy, and the vendor is legally bound to sell the Property/Lot. The auction conditions require a full legal completion 28 days following the auction (unless otherwise stated).
We are an award-winning creative marketing agency, pioneering affordable and cutting-edge marketing solutions for the Scottish property industry.
We help your property to stand out online, with innovative products proven to boost buyer interest, helping you maximise the value of your property and to achieve your sales goals.
Whether you are selling a one-bedroom flat, a cottage, castle, or a complex re-development opportunity, we have a marketing solution to suit your needs.
As pioneers of virtual technology, we ensure that every property can be presented in a way that will maximise its sale potential. Together with our “hands-free” management service, we also deliver this via a seamless and hassle-free process.
Using our state-of-the-art Matterport technology, we recreate the interior and exterior of a property in hyper-realistic 3 dimensions. Buyers have online access to view, at any time, from the comfort of their own homes, can browse, at their leisure, viewing from all angles, zooming in for closer inspections and even taking measurements. These 3D Virtual tours can be a proven, effective “online viewing”, for expanding market reach, and creating confident and informed bidders.
Added features for sellers include analytics capabilities (vital for tracking interest), plus, additional cost-effective marketing assets, including a dolls house overview and high-resolution photographs.
Selling a property that is incomplete, partially developed, or decoratively tired? Allow your buyers to truly see its full potential.
Working with our professional photographs of existing rooms and spaces, we create photo-realistic visualisations, adding virtual soft furnishings and finishing interior touches, turning an empty or tired space into a sumptuously furnished room, show off alternative layouts, and even carry out a full virtual renovation. Have a look at our online demo to see how this incredibly versatile and cost-effective marketing tool can take your marketing to a whole new level.
We are a multi-award-winning creative marketing agency, leading the Scottish property industry with the largest in-house catalogue of innovative marketing solutions. Our in-house team of 50+ creative professionals boast extensive property marketing expertise and a reputation built on outstanding customer service. With all this at your fingertips, you will benefit from:
View our website for more details on our products and services and contact us to discuss your individual requirements.
Catax are experts in specialist areas of tax relief, with more than ten years of experience, we have identified over a quarter of a billion pounds in tax benefit for our clients to date. If you are planning on selling or purchasing a commercial property or if you have spent money over the last two years on contaminated land projects, you may be entitled to some additional types of tax relief.
That's where Catax can help support you.
Catax help individuals and businesses who may not be aware of the hidden value in their commercial property. This type of expenditure typically includes elements such as air conditioning, wiring, heating, lighting and security systems. All UK taxpayers that own commercial property, personally or within a Ltd Company, may be eligible to claim Capital Allowances tax relief.
Land and property owners, and some leaseholders, can claim for expenditure incurred on removing or treating contaminants in the land or property. This includes pollutants such as asbestos, radon and Japanese Knotweed. You can also claim for bringing land that has been derelict for a long time back into use through Remediation of Contaminated Land tax relief.
The eligibility and value of these claims depend on multiple criteria, and assessing this is complicated, which is where Catax come in.
We break down the claims process for you, so all you need to do is provide us with some details and we'll take care of the rest. There are no complicated forms to fill out, no legal language to unpick and no tax law to get your head around.
We are trusted partners with many of the UK's top accountants, solicitors, the Law Society, ICAEW and IFA amongst other industry bodies. So far we've helped thousands of businesses claim back money from HMRC.
We offer expert advice and a range of services to cover all your property needs.
We are very enthusiastic, and we committed to going the extra mile to help my clients. We are very energetic, and this feeds off onto others who can see how passionate we are about with our job.
Our objectives are to do whatever we can to satisfy our clients' needs whilst providing a highly ethical and professional service.
We have a proven track record in finding prime property both on and off market and the experience to negotiate the right price and value for my clients.
We are particularly successful within the areas of retail and commercial investments.
Whilst our main strengths lie in the Commercial sector, we also offer support to a wide range of clients such as landlords, private investors, tenants and property developers to sourcing properties to their requirement.
EPCFORYOU are one of the UKs leading Energy Survey companies and LIL 100 winners of Best Energy Efficiency company in 2019. We have professionally qualified assessors covering the United Kingdom to provide Energy Performance Certificates, Display Energy Certificates, Asbestos surveys and TM44 Air conditioning surveys for both the residential and commercial property sector.
EPCFORYOU are an established and trusted partner in the energy efficiency supply chain for numerous blue chip clients such as CBRE & SERCO as well as many landlords and property sellers. We prioritise a high standard of customer service, provide expert & experienced surveyors and a company fair pricing policy with a best price guarantee.
Customer reviews are available online and show numerous satisfied customers who have used EPCFORYOU and would recommend to others who are selling a property. All surveys are produced by qualified and accredited surveyors who are routinely audited in order to maintain the accuracy of all energy certificates for the purposes of sales or lets. Be it an Energy Performance Certificate for a studio flat or a Section 13 survey for a Hospital we will treat every survey and customer with the same importance and attention.
We have a sister company in Scotland – Home Report For You – who provide Home Reports which is for Scottish home sellers only. In Scotland Home Reports are legally required to sell residential property and include; Property condition report, Seller Questionnaire, EPC and a valuation. See website for more details.
If you are selling or leasing property in the UK then you will need an EPC or similar so contact EPCFORYOU. to see if we can help and get you the relevant legally required energy certificates to be able to market your commercial or residential property for nationwide sale.
PRIORITY SCOTLAND has a targeted methodology:- to ensure the policyholder is at the centre of the claim...to be the priority, if you will.
In stressful and unnerving times there can be many unclear roads to go down when it comes to a claim. We are here to ensure honesty, integrity and clarity in everything we do.
We are wholly independent to all insurers and their agents.
Expertise is a priority to your claim being managed successfully and your property being restored and reinstated correctly.
This is an emotive period where we build a relationship that can bring your property back to life. There is no charge to you for our services when the mandate is signed...other than your excess.
What is a mandate? (In layman's terms)
A mandate is a piece of paper where you give us the reigns so we can act on your behalf to your insurance company.
Why sign a mandate? (After a fair representation of its meaning)
It reduces stress, anxiety, uncertainty and confrontation. We are your point of contact for expertise, ensuring you receive what you are entitled to and we pass on what YOU want to your insurers.
We also manage the reinstatement of your property.
We manage claims that have started and take over complicated claims that have already begun.
This management takes the pain away from your claim where we manage communication to all those parties involved, from the loss adjusters to the tradesmen or we can fight for what you are entitled to with your insurance company and let you manage the handy work. We accommodate whatever road you want to go down.
Where you have a property with which you are the sole owner and challenges come your way, we are there to stand with you. We can look at your policy, we can advise you throughout your claim and we can fight for you.
You and your property are our priority.
“Hi Liam and Blair, I, too, would like to add my comments and review of the service you provided. It was a pleasure having such a dedicated team to deal with. You made the purchasing of our property at auction as smooth a transition as possible. All tasks or negotiations, I requested you to carry out on my behalf were dealt with in a swift and professional manner. Your honesty and hard work is a credit to the company. Thank you again for all your hard work.”
“I must apologise for not contacting you earlier to sincerely thank you for your 5 star plus service. The customer care and attention you gave on behalf of Town and Country was way beyond what I was expecting, you helped sort out a solicitor, and liaised with the seller which was invaluable. In todays world where the general attitude is ( the computer says no ) it was a genuine pleasure to deal with a people’s person. Kind regards Bob, and Thank You.”
“Blair, Bob and Liam, Sincere thanks for your hard work, determination and kindness. You did in 4 months what…..could not do in two years. A pleasure to deal with you.”
“So lucky to have found Blair and the team in Glasgow. Initially I wondered if they were too good to be true as not all auction houses are as trustworthy and as transparent as these guys. I needn’t have worried, Town and Country have been brilliant the whole way through. When you bring your house to auction it’s because there may be issues on the open market. Town and Country don’t try to take advantage of that when you are already facing issues. They helped us from start to finish, carried out many viewings, took photos and a video tour of the house. They marketed and sold the property, absolutely ensuring we got the best price. For free. I have no hesitation in recommending Blair, Bob and the team. They are totally trustworthy and the work they do absolutely deserves 5 stars. Probably sound like am gushing but I honestly can’t thank them enough.”
"I approached T&C Auctions as a potential bidder/buyer. Unfortunately my bid was not successful, but everything up until that point was superb. Liam was extremely attentive; always available to respond to my queries and demonstrating an excellent knowledge of the property. The viewing agent was extremely polite, and informative. T&C clearly did what was necessary to get the best price for the seller, demonstrated by the property smashing the guide price. It's just a shame I wasn't able to buy it! Highly recommended."
"I had occasion to deal with Town and Country Property Auctions, Scotland and found the whole process to be seamless. The initial contact, explanations, feedback, guidance and technical assistance were all first class. Highly recommended."
"Great company! Would highly recommend! Ran by people who have a genuine interest in providing customer service in all aspects of selling and buying property"
"I have been dealing with Liam and the team from Town & Country Property auctions from their inception in Scotland and cannot recommend them too highly. They deliver a 1st class service each and every time."
"Hi Liam, Thank you very much for the time you have just spent talking to me. Unlike others I have spoken with recently regarding property auctions, you took your time to explain clearly and precisely the process which I found to be very interesting and enlightening.
You came across very professional and very knowledgeable by clearly explaining the auction process, it's fees, how your advertising works and with who etc. This has given me a much better insight into how auctions work, but more importantly made me want to work with you and your company because I trust you. Even though you are based in Scotland and I'm in England my preference by far would be to work with you moving forward…..Thanks again for the information"
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your team for the professional way you conducted your side of the sale, many thanks"
"Selling the property at auction was the best choice for the owner, and it was sold with Liam Kidd and Town & Country Property Auctions. The property sold at first time of asking at the auction, and for far more than the original guide price. Both vendor and purchaser are extremely happy with the outcome. I would like to thank Liam Kidd for his persistence as this was not a simple case, and for keeping me constantly updated and in the loop at all times. I would recommend Town & Country Property Auctions as I will be using them and Liam again in the near future"
"Big thanks to Town & Country Property Auctions Scotland for their efforts in selling our house in North Uist. Particular thanks goes to Liam Kidd and Blair Adams along with Murdo Macleod – Empty Homes Officer for their efforts. Successful sale achieved on the 19th Feb 2020, at first time of asking. This was not an easy sale and all credit to them"
"Town & Country Property Auctions have been very efficient in the progress of 16 Balemore, North Uist. Liam Kidd, whom we were primarily dealing with, was particularly effective in our decision making on proceeding with the house purchase, and kept us updated at all times, Nothing seemed too difficult for him!"
"Fantastic service, highly recommend. Sold my property quickly through auction for free. Thanks to all the team!"
"After they sold the incredible Carmelite Monastery last year for way above the guide price, there was only one auction company for me. I have been very impressed with my dealings so far, and highly recommend anyone looking to use Town and Country Property Auctions Scotland, especially Liam and Blair"
"Just bought my first property through T&C Property Auctions. T&C have been very easy to deal with. Excellent communication between T&C and my lawyer has made the purchase straight forward. Highly Recommend"
"Transparency on all property listings, no small print in the contracts, no hidden extras, no selling fee...what more can you ask for"
"Hello Liam and Blair, Nico and I just wanted to say what an absolute pleasure it has been not only meeting with you both, but also your truly professional diligent manner, in which you have always been there for us throughout this whole process, including your weekends and working so hard and have succeeded where others have failed to sell our property. Nothing was ever a bother to you both and kept us informed of all interest in our property. We are so absolutely thrilled to finally get on with the rest of our lives thanks to you both, to which we will always be grateful, I will always recommend you and your company if anyone is ever selling their house"
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