Buying Repossessed Properties at Auctions

Copyright (c) 2008 Parmdeep Vadesha

Every year, thousands of UK properties and homes are sold below their real market value. Most of these are made through property auctions, where homebuyers can have savings of 10% to 40%. For a lot of first-time buyers, repossessed properties are becoming an increasingly affordable option to land a bargain.

Repossessions are expected to rise to approximately 40,000 this year, which is 45% more than last year's total of 27,100. While the increase could have a harmful effect on the property market in general, the occurrence offers aspiring homebuyers an opportunity to acquire housing within their means.

Types of Properties Offered at Auctions

Property auctions offer thousands of homes available at any given time. While a lot of these are being sold at prices lower than their market value, it is important to note that there are possible issues and concerns when dealing with auctions. It is likewise essential to understand where the biggest bargains are offered.

Household Repossessions

Auctions offer aspiring buyers repossessions, which can often be acquired at bargain prices. Many mortgage lenders, local authorities and housing associations put up their repossessed properties for sale at typically more affordable prices to ensure that they are sold quickly.

Investment Properties

These properties are valued based on the return on investment that they provide. They usually consist of individual office or shop investments to blocks of flats.

Rundown Properties

Auctions also offer properties that are difficult to sell in their present state. Buyers who are able to acquire such property in an excellent location at an affordable price can restore and resell it on substantial profits. These type of properties are usually classified as: dilapidated or in dilapidated areas; subject to severe disrepair, local authority notices, or closing orders; offered with vague legal titles; sold without access; sold with major fencing, paving, drainage or other responsibilities similar to these; sold subject to covenants or constraints, preventing normal use; and exceptional properties, which refer to those with historical backgrounds and areas that obstruct major development plans.

When purchasing at auctions, buyers should take note of the following tips:

* Never buy a property before you have sold yours, or before the completion has occurred. This advice is particularly useful for buyers who are depending on the sale to buy at auction.

* Never buy a property without having had a survey performed. The survey will not only help the buyer avoid the possibility of dealing with building problems. It will also help them determine their mortgage limit and the amount of deposit they would need.

* Establish a maximum value on the property. Buyers should never get carried away and should stick with the price limit they have initially set.

Before deciding to make a purchase from auctions, it's fundamental that buyers understand the way auctions work. Once they fully comprehend the method, they can confidently make the decision to buy.