This is the biggest risk. Your lender will require a valuation after you’ve won. If the surveyor values the property lower than your winning bid (a "down-valuation"), you must bridge that financial gap yourself or risk losing your . 4. Property Condition Matters

If you’re planning to bid, here is your essential roadmap: 1. Secure an Agreement in Principle (AIP)

You’ll need to pay 10% immediately on the day.

Buying with a mortgage is doable, but preparation is everything. If the bank stalls, you lose your deposit and the house.

Do not step into the auction room without an AIP. Because of the tight 28-day completion window, you need to know exactly what a lender is willing to give you before you raise your hand. 2. Consult a "Lending-Specific" Solicitor

The short answer is , but it’s a high-speed race against the clock. Unlike a traditional sale, the hammer falling at an auction is a legally binding contract. You typically have only 28 days to provide the full balance.