Sellers Guide

At Dawsons, we understand one of the toughest decisions when selling your home is determining the most appropriate method of sale to maximise your return, fit with your timescales as speed may well be the determining factor, together with having a committed buyer.

Welcome to Dawsons Auction House: Your Expert Guide to Property Auctions

Buying or selling a property at auction can feel daunting at first, but with the right knowledge and support, it becomes an exciting and highly rewarding process. Whether you’re purchasing your dream investment or looking to sell quickly, auctions provide a fast, secure, and efficient route to successful property transactions.

At Dawsons, we specialise in delivering exceptional results through a streamlined auction process. Our comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps required to ensure a smooth and successful experience, no matter your goals.

Why Choose Auction?

Selling a property doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. Auctions offer a dynamic alternative for those seeking:

  • Speed: Properties sold at auction typically exchange contracts on the day and complete within 28 days.
  • Certainty: Competitive bidding and reserve prices ensure you achieve fair market value.
  • Flexibility: Auctions cater to a range of property types and seller needs, from private owners to corporate bodies.

Whether you're a private investor, housing association, or acting on behalf of a charity or public body, we provide tailored solutions for quick property disposals.

Properties Sold at Dawsons Auctions

We handle a diverse portfolio of properties, including:

  • Land and paddocks
  • Properties in need of refurbishment or conversion
  • Structurally damaged or derelict buildings
  • Residential and commercial investments
  • Development land and building plots
  • Sales by executors, charities, government bodies, banks, and corporations

Why Dawsons?

Dawsons Auction House is Swansea’s longest-established auction team, consistently achieving remarkable results since our founding in 1991. We are proud to be ‘back in the room’ for in-person auctions while maintaining a fantastic 100% sales success rate on our online platform. With this momentum, our goal is simple: to secure the best possible price for your property by attracting competitive bidding and ensuring strong attendance at our auctions.

With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, Dawsons is the trusted choice for all your auction needs. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time seller, our expertise ensures a seamless journey from start to finish.

Whatever your circumstances, auctions offer speed, certainty, and competitive outcomes. Discover how Dawsons can make your auction experience successful and stress-free. Contact our team today to get started!

Is Auction the Right Choice for You?

Auctioning a property isn’t just for niche sellers—it’s a versatile option that works for a wide range of circumstances and property types. But how do you know if it’s the right path for you?

What Types of Properties Are Best Suited for Auction?

While almost any property can be sold at auction, certain properties are particularly well-suited for this method:

  • Unique or standout homes with charm or character
  • Fixer-uppers requiring work or renovation
  • Inherited properties needing a quick, hassle-free sale
  • Development opportunities, such as land or building plots
  • Residential or commercial investments
  • Properties with structural issues or in need of conversion

When Auction is the Perfect Solution

Need a Quick Sale?

If you’re looking to sell fast—whether due to a new job, life change, or a dream home on the horizon—auctions deliver results in weeks, giving you complete control over the timeline.

Tired of Uncertainty?

Unlike the open market, where deals can collapse at the eleventh hour, auctions provide certainty. When the gavel falls, the sale is final—no delays, no dropouts.

Selling Without a Chain?

If you’re chain-free, auctions offer a smooth, straightforward process. Buyers are pre-qualified with finances in place, ensuring a hassle-free transaction.

Inheriting a Property?

Managing an inherited property can be overwhelming. Auctions streamline the sale, avoiding long, drawn-out processes and helping you move forward quickly.

Have a Unique or Standout Property?

Homes with distinctive features or character often perform exceptionally well at auction. Competitive bidding frequently pushes prices beyond expectations.

Selling a Fixer-Upper?

No need to spend time or money on renovations. Auctions attract buyers seeking a project, allowing you to sell as-is without the effort.

What Makes a Property Perfect for Auction?

Struggling to Attract Buyers?
If your property has been on the market too long with little interest, an auction can inject fresh energy and connect you with serious buyers.

Sale Fallen Through?
Avoid the heartbreak of buyers pulling out. Auctions secure sales instantly, with no risk of backing out after the gavel drops.

Homes Needing Work
Properties in need of updates or repairs shine at auctions. Many buyers specifically seek out these opportunities, so you can skip the upgrades and sell hassle-free.

Why Choose Auction?

  1. No Renovations Required – Sell as-is, saving time and money.
  2. Fresh Start – Ideal for properties that struggled to sell or had sales fall through.
  3. Fast and Secure Sales – Clear buyer commitments minimise risks and delays.

Our Auction Process

Step 1: Free Property Appraisal
Our experts offer a free, no-obligation appraisal using market insights to guide your decision and set a competitive value.

Step 2: Strategic Pricing

  • Reserve Price: The minimum amount you’ll accept, ensuring peace of mind.
  • Guide Price: An enticing figure to spark interest and bidding competition.

Step 3: Flexible Auction Formats

  • Live Auction Events: With an auctioneer and options for phone, or proxy bidding.
  • Timed Online Auctions: Open for several weeks, allowing bids anytime, anywhere.

Step 4: Pre-Auction Prep

  • Legal Pack Preparation: Your solicitor prepares essential documents. We can recommend trusted professionals if needed.
  • Targeted Marketing Campaign: Professional photography, floor plans, and descriptions showcased on major property portals and social media to maximise visibility. Block viewings drive excitement and competitive bidding.

What Takes Place on Auction Day?

Live Auctions: Real-Time Excitement

During a Live Auction, it’s an exciting experience. Properties are presented in sequence, beginning with Lot 1.

Here’s what happens:

  • Initial Bidding: The auctioneer typically begins with a lower bid to spark interest. Don’t fret—your reserve price ensures you won’t sell for less than your minimum.
  • Ways to Bid:

Phone Bidding: Team members liaise live with phone bidders.

Proxy Bidding: Buyers authorise the auctioneer to bid on their behalf up to a pre-set limit.

Once your reserve is met, your property is effectively sold. Every additional bid after that just boosts your final price. As bidding slows, the auctioneer gives a "last call" before declaring "going once, going twice," and finally concluding the sale.

In an unconditional auction, the hammer fall signifies an automatic contract exchange, making the agreement legally binding for both parties. The buyer must pay the deposit immediately, and completion usually occurs within 28 days unless otherwise arranged. Should the buyer withdraw, their deposit is retained by you.

Timed Auctions: Flexible Online Sales

Timed Auctions operate online, allowing potential buyers to place bids at any time until the auction closes. Here’s how it works:

  • Single Focus: Unlike live events, a Timed Auction spotlights one property at a time.
  • Reserve Assurance: Your property won’t sell for less than the agreed reserve price.
  • Live Tracking: You can monitor bids as they come in through our website.

Activity often intensifies near the deadline. If a bid arrives in the last 30 seconds, the timer extends by another 30 seconds to give everyone a fair shot. This cycle continues until no further bids are made.

At the end of a Timed Unconditional Auction, contracts are exchanged automatically, and the winning bidder pays their deposit and fees immediately, locking in the sale.

Post-Auction Steps

After your property is sold, we handle the formalities. We finalise the paperwork, manage the contract exchange, and forward all documents to your solicitor to prepare for completion.

We’re here to provide a smooth, transparent, and dynamic experience with one aim: achieving the highest possible value for your property. Let us guide you through a seamless auction process that puts your property front and centre, attracting the right buyers, and driving competitive offers.


Interested in selling through auction? Reach out to our experienced team today!

Our dedicated Auction Team offers a vast amount of knowledge, excellent customer service tailored to meet your needs and expectations and cover all areas from Port Talbot through to Carmarthen.

Give our auction department a call or email to book a FREE valuation or please call if you would like any additional information regarding the Auction process.

Call Us on 01792 478903 | Email Us

Prefer to chat in-person? Visit our Auction Department at 11 Walter Road, Swansea SA1 5NF