How Sellers Can Prepare for Property Auction Day
What Should Sellers Do Before Property Auction Day?
Auction day is the final stage of a much longer campaign. Understanding the key decisions, conversations and practical steps beforehand can help sellers feel more prepared when the auction begins.
The Short Answer
Before auction day, sellers should make sure they understand the auction process, have discussed their expectations with the selling agent and auctioneer, and know what decisions may need to be made before or during the auction.
Good preparation is not about predicting exactly what will happen. It is about making sure you understand the process and are ready for the different outcomes that may occur.
What Should You Discuss Before the Auction?
Your Auction Strategy
Speak with your agent about how the campaign has performed, buyer interest, feedback from inspections and what they expect on auction day.
Your Reserve Price
Discuss when and how the reserve will be set and make sure you understand how it may affect the auction. Requirements can differ depending on where the property is located.
Possible Auction Outcomes
Ask your agent what may happen if bidding exceeds expectations, does not reach the reserve or if negotiations are required after the auction.
How You Will Communicate
Know who will speak with you during the auction and how any decisions will be communicated if your input is required while bidding is underway.
Ask About Buyer Interest Before Auction Day
Your selling agent should be able to give you an overview of buyer activity during the campaign.
This may include inspection activity, enquiries, contract requests, bidder registrations and general feedback from interested buyers.
No one can guarantee how many people will bid or what price an auction will reach, but understanding the level of engagement can help you have a more informed conversation with your agent before auction day.
Understand the Role of the Reserve Price
A reserve price is an important part of many property auctions. It generally represents the minimum price at which the seller has authorised the property to be sold at auction.
How and when a reserve is set, recorded, disclosed or changed can depend on the laws and auction rules applying where the property is located.
Your selling agent and auctioneer should explain the process that applies to your property before the auction begins.
What Happens on Auction Day?
Before bidding begins, the auction team will generally prepare the property or venue, confirm bidder registrations and make sure the auctioneer has the information required to conduct the sale.
Depending on how the auction is being run, bidders may participate in person, online or through another approved method offered by the agency.
Once the auction begins, the auctioneer controls the bidding and communicates what is happening to participants. Your agent may remain in contact with you if a decision or discussion is required during the auction.
Can Buyers Participate Without Being at the Property?
Depending on the auction setup, buyers may be able to participate remotely rather than attending the property or auction venue.
Auctions supported by technology such as Auctions Live may offer digital bidder registration, livestream viewing, online bidding or telephone participation through an agency representative where those options are enabled.
This can help a campaign remain accessible to interested buyers who are interstate, overseas or otherwise unable to attend in person.
Useful Questions to Ask Your Agent Before Auction Day
- How has buyer interest developed during the campaign?
- How many potential bidders have shown serious interest?
- What do I need to decide before the auction begins?
- How and when will the reserve price be confirmed?
- Who will communicate with me during the auction?
- What happens if bidding does not reach the reserve?
- What happens immediately after the auction?
- Can registered buyers participate online or remotely?
What if the Property Does Not Sell Under the Hammer?
Not every auction results in a sale during the live bidding.
If the property does not sell during the auction, the agent may discuss the next steps with you and interested buyers. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve further negotiation or a change in the sale strategy.
It is useful to discuss this possibility with your agent before auction day so you understand how the campaign may continue if the property is not sold during the auction itself.
Common Questions from Property Sellers
Do I need to be at the auction?
This can depend on how the auction is being conducted and the arrangements made with your agent. Ask your agent where they recommend you be and how they will communicate with you during the auction.
When should I set my reserve price?
The timing and requirements can vary depending on the property and jurisdiction. Your agent or auctioneer should explain the process that applies to your auction.
Can buyers bid online at my auction?
Some agencies offer online bidding and other remote participation methods. Ask your agent which options are being offered for your property.
What happens if my property does not reach the reserve?
The outcome depends on the auction and applicable requirements. Your agent may discuss further negotiations or the next stage of the sale campaign with you.
General Information Disclaimer
This article provides general information only and does not take into account the laws, regulations, auction requirements or property practices that may apply in a particular country, state or territory.
Requirements can vary depending on the property, location and circumstances. Sellers should seek appropriate professional advice and confirm any specific requirements with the relevant real estate agent, auctioneer, legal adviser or other qualified professional before acting.
Posted 14th September, 2026