Auction Conveyancing Costs

The average total auction buying cost is £15,126. Tight timelines, legal pack reviews, and compressed exchange windows make auction conveyancing more expensive than a standard purchase.

✓ Updated ✓ 9 min read

The average cost for auction conveyancing when buying in the UK is £15,126, which includes £8,949 that can be passed on from the seller's own costs. Your auction conveyancing costs will vary depending on your chosen firm, the notice given, and the additional fees associated with the purchase.

⚡ Why Auction Conveyancing Costs More

Traditional auction: exchange on the day (legally binding immediately)
Modern Method of Auction (MMA): buyer pays a non-refundable reservation fee
Legal pack review must happen before you bid — not after
Compressed completion timelines (28 days for traditional; 56 days for MMA)

Auction Conveyancing Costs for Buyers

Cost Item	Amount
Auction Fees (buyer's premium)	£7,008
Entry/Registration Fee	£375
Legal Pack Review	£300
Stamp Duty (SDLT)	£4,600
Conveyancing	£1,743
Survey and Valuation	£940
Indemnity Insurance	£160
Engrossment Fee	£150

Based on the average UK property price of £292,000.

Auction Conveyancing Costs for Sellers

Cost Item	Amount
Auction Fee	£7,008
Entry Fee	£375
Legal Pack Preparation	£300
Valuation	£452
Conveyancing	£814

Compare Auction Conveyancing Quotes

Find experienced auction conveyancers · Save on legal fees

Compare Now

Traditional Auction vs Modern Method of Auction

Feature	Traditional Auction	Modern Method of Auction
Exchange	On the day of auction	Within 28 days
Completion	Within 28 days of exchange	56 days from auction
Deposit	10% on the day	Reservation fee (non-refundable)
Buyer's premium	Typically none	Often 3–5% of purchase price

What to Do Before You Bid at Auction

Instruct a conveyancer before the auction — they need to review the legal pack and flag any issues before you bid
Review the legal pack thoroughly — this includes title documents, lease (if leasehold), search results, and special conditions
Arrange a survey — you can't pull out easily after winning, so know the property's condition first
Secure finance in advance — traditional auction: you need funds or a mortgage offer in principle on the day
Understand the fees — know exactly what buyer's premium, reservation fee, and other charges apply
Set your maximum bid — including all costs so you don't overbid

⚠️ Reservation Fees in MMA Are Non-Refundable

If you're buying via the Modern Method of Auction, the reservation fee (often 3–5% of the purchase price) is typically non-refundable if you cannot proceed. Before you bid, get clear answers on what fees you pay, when they're due, and whether any are refundable.

FAQs: Auction Conveyancing

Is auction conveyancing more expensive than a normal purchase?

Yes. The compressed timelines, need for pre-auction legal pack review, and higher risk mean conveyancers typically charge a premium. Expect to pay £200–£500 more than a standard purchase of equivalent value.

Can I pull out of a traditional auction purchase after winning?

In traditional auction, you exchange contracts immediately when your bid is accepted. Pulling out after that is a breach of contract — you lose your 10% deposit and could face additional legal action. This is why the legal pack review before bidding is essential.

Do I need indemnity insurance when buying at auction?

Auction properties often have historical legal issues (missing consents, title defects) that require indemnity insurance to resolve quickly. Your conveyancer will identify whether this is needed after reviewing the legal pack. It typically costs £100–£300 but can be more for complex issues.