Buyers guide
You’ll only find the most popular properties on The Bidding Platform.
Why Buyers Love The Bidding Platform
We partner with the nations estate agents to showcase only the most sought-after properties. Our transparent, secure ‘Timed Sale’ platform lets you bid 24/7 from anywhere using any device bringing fairness, security and confidence to your buying journey.
Fair & Transparent Bidding
We record every bid to ensure full transparency. Only offers above the guide price are visible to other buyers.
Seller Commitment
Once your bid wins, you pay a Reservation Fee & sign an Agreement committing the seller to your purchase. This reduces fall-throughs and gazumping.
No Last-Minute Surprises
The Timed Sale format eliminates high-pressure bidding. If someone bids in the last two minutes, the timer extends, giving every buyer a fair chance to respond.
24/7 Convenience
A flexible and accessible experience. Bid from any device, anytime with no pressure, giving you space to make informed decisions.
Step-by-Step: How to Buy with Confidence
We partner with the nations estate agents to showcase only the most sought-after properties. Our transparent, secure ‘Timed Sale’ platform lets you bid 24/7 from anywhere using any device bringing fairness, security and confidence to your buying journey.
1. Find a property
We feature only high-demand, sought after properties, thoughtfully selected, no compromises. Each listing includes detailed information and a downloadable Legal Pack.
2. Register to Bid
Create an account and accept our Terms and Conditions. Once approved, you’ll unlock bidding access and real time updates.
3. Do Your Due Diligence
Arrange a viewing with the agent, review the Legal Pack with a solicitor, and ensure the home meets your expectations.
4. Check Your Finances
Make sure you’re ready – cash buyers should have proof of funds and mortgage buyers should secure an agreement in principle; our Specialists can help if you need a recommendation.
5. Place Your Bid
Buyers can place a bid as soon as a property goes live. The guide price reflects the property’s true market value, and bidding remains open at any time — before or during the live Timed Sale. Every bid is registered, and if one is placed in the final two minutes, the clock resets to ensure all buyers have a fair opportunity.
6. Win & Secure the Property
If you’re the highest bidder when the sale ends you will need to Complete ID and AML checks, pay the non-refundable Reservation Fee within 2 hours and sign the Reservation Agreement.
7. Appoint a Conveyancer
Begin the legal transfer process. Your conveyancer will handle document checks and liaise with the sellers solicitor, and guide you to completion.
8. Complete the Purchase
With everything in place, contracts are exchanged and your new home is yours. Time to celebrate!
What Is the Reservation Fee?
Once you win a bid, you’ll pay a non-refundable Reservation Fee to secure the property and lock in the seller’s commitment. Here’s how it works:
- Paid within 2 hours of bid approval & secures exclusive rights to the property
- Amount = 4.5% (inc. VAT) of the final purchase price (Min. £6,600 inc. VAT)
- Paid in addition to the property price, and included in Stamp Duty calculations
This fee covers the marketing agent and platform costs. It’s your assurance that the seller won’t consider other offers during the reservation period. View our reservation fee guide here.
Legal Pack: Your Due Diligence
Before bidding, we recommend all buyers review the Legal Pack with a solicitor. Each pack typically includes:
- Title Deeds & Land Registry
- Special Conditions of Sale
- Local Authority Searches & Property Info Forms
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
A thorough review ensures clarity and confidence. If you need a legal referral, we can connect you with a trusted conveyancer. View our legal pack guide here.
Buying FAQs
Yes, contact our Partner Agent marketing the property to arrange a viewing.
Yes, you need to create an account and register before placing a bid. Once registered, you’ll be given access to watch properties, place bids, receive updates, and view important documents related to the property.
Buyers can place bids from the moment a property is launched. Only when a property enters the live Timed Sale will a countdown clock appear, indicating that the bidding window is approaching its close and giving buyers a final opportunity to submit their best offer.
Yes, the bidding process is fully transparent once the guide price has been met. You’ll be able to see all competing bids in real time, so you can make informed decisions throughout the process. This open approach builds trust and ensures a level playing field for all buyers.
A Reservation Agreement is a signed commitment between buyer and seller that secures the property for you during the Reservation Period. It prevents the seller from accepting other offers and shows you’re serious about completing the purchase, giving both sides confidence to move forward.
Before bidding, review all documents and ensure you’re ready to proceed. Bids are binding, and if you win but don’t complete the purchase, you’ll be liable for fees outlined in The Bidding Platform Terms. If you need to withdraw a bid before the sale ends, contact your Specialist as soon as possible.
HMRC count the Reservation Fee as part of the purchase price which affects your Stamp Duty and is considered part of the total purchase price. In all circumstances we would recommend discussing this with your chosen Conveyancer prior to committing to a bid.
The Reservation Fee is held by Rare & Desirable. It confirms your commitment to the purchase. It is later used to cover The Bidding Platform Fees for the seller, paying the marketing Agent and Rare & Desirable who work in partnership to provide the Timed Sale.