Our FAQs are designed to provide clear, straightforward answers to help you understand our processes, services and what to expect on auction day and much more.
Do I need to pay to register? Yes, most auctions require a refundable registration deposit. It is refunded if you don't buy anything.
What must I pay on the "fall of the hammer"? If you win, you must immediately pay:
A deposit (specified per auction)
The Auctioneer’s Commission (specified per auction)
Can I get a bond (mortgage) for an auction property? Yes, but the sale is not subject to bond approval. You must ensure you are pre-approved or have the cash, because if your bond is rejected, you will still be legally liable for the full price.
When is the balance of the purchase price due? Usually within 30 days after the seller accepts the bid.
What does "As is / Voetstoots" mean? This is the most critical South African auction term. It means "as is." You buy the property with all its visible and invisible defects. The seller is generally not responsible for repairs once the hammer falls.
What is a "Reserve Price"? Most auctions have a minimum price the seller is willing to accept. If the bidding doesn't reach this, the property is "STC" (Subject to Confirmation), and the seller has a specified time to accept or reject your offer.
Who pays the outstanding rates, taxes, and levies? This would depend on the reason for the sale, but in majority of circumstances, the seller settles these. Always check the Conditions of Sale.
What if there are tenants or "illegal" occupiers in the house? In South Africa, "Huur gaat voor koop" (lease comes before sale) means you must honour existing valid lease agreements. If there are illegal occupiers, the buyer is responsible for the cost and legal process of eviction.
Can I view the property before the auction? Viewing is most definitely recommended, however in some cases there is no access, so you will need to enquire on the specific property. Viewings are always per appointment or on the actual auction day.
What documents do I need to register? Standard FICA documents are required for auction participation.
Can I bid on behalf of someone else? Yes, but you must provide a Power of Attorney or a letter of authority before the auction starts.
How do I register to bid? You must complete a registration form (online or on paper) and provide FICA documents as specified per auction.
Is there a registration fee? Yes, a refundable deposit is always required.
What if I don’t buy anything? Deposits are fully refundable.
Do I have to register to attend? For an online auction, you will have to register and be approved to be part of the auction. For an on-site auction, you can attend as an observer, depending on the rules at the site. However, you must register to participate in bidding.
Can I bid for someone else? Yes, but you must provide a proxy letter of authority and the proxy’s ID document during registration.
Can I bid on multiple items? Yes, but you are responsible for paying for all items won.
How do I register online? See our Guide to bidding for assistance.
Is my online account secure? Yes, our professional online platform is hosted by an international company and bidder data is secure.
How do I know what is for sale? We provide a catalogue or "buyer's guide" on our website or at the venue.
Can I see the items before bidding online? Yes. Even for online-only auctions, we schedule and highly recommend physical viewing.
How do I pay? Payments must be made via EFT. We do not accept credit cards
Is my bid the final price? No. Your "hammer price" usually excludes commission / fees
Is financing available? Auction sales are "non-suspensive," meaning you cannot bid subject to getting finance. You must have pre-approved finance or cash ready before the auction begins.
How do I collect my items if I win? Once full payment reflects you generally have 48 to 72 hours to collect your items from the auction site.
Can I cancel a bid? No. Clicking the bid button or placing a bid is legally binding.
What is a "Lot"? Items for sale are arranged into lots; each lot is considered a separate transaction.
What is a "Starting Bid"? The minimum amount a bidder must be willing to pay to begin the auction. This is set by the auctioneer.
What is "Vendor Bidding"? The practice where an auctioneer bids on behalf of the seller specifically to protect the reserve price. They cannot bid at or above the reserve price.
What is a "Timed Auction"? This is an automated process where lots close at a preset time.
What is "Max Bidding" or "Auto-Bidding"? You can set a maximum price you are willing to pay. The system will automatically place incremental bids on your behalf up to that amount to keep you as the high bidder.
What does "Voetstoots" mean? All items are sold "as is" in their present condition, without any warranties or guarantees from the auctioneer.
What is a "Reserve Price"? This is the minimum price the seller is willing to accept. If bidding does not reach this amount, the item may be sold STC (Subject to Confirmation), meaning the seller has a specified time to accept or reject the highest bid.
What is a "Live Online" auction? This is a real-time event where an auctioneer conducts the sale, and online bids are relayed to a physical auction floor simultaneously.
Do I have a right to quality goods? No. The CPA specifically excludes goods bought at an auction from the standard right to receive high-quality, defect-free goods. Consequently, auctioneers can legally sell goods on a voetstoots (as-is) basis, and buyers have no warranty against defects discovered later.
Is there a "cooling-off" period? No. Once the hammer falls, the sale is final.
Can I inspect items? Yes. Under Regulation 28(5), auctioneers must allow consumers a reasonable opportunity to inspect goods before the auction begins, free of charge.
Reserve Prices: Auctioneers must state in advance if a sale is subject to a reserve price.
Vendor Bidding: If the seller or auctioneer intends to bid on their own lot (to protect a reserve), they must give advance notice of this right.
FICA Registration: Regulation 26 requires every bidder to register their identity in a bidders' record before the auction starts, meeting Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) requirements.
Bidder Numbers: Only registered bidders may bid, and they must be issued a visible bidder number (or paddle).
Mock Auctions: It is illegal to conduct or participate in a "mock auction" where bids are manipulated, or goods are sold for less than the highest bid to create a false impression of value.
Conspiracy: Any agreement between bidders or the auctioneer to not bid against each other to manipulate prices is strictly prohibited.
Misrepresentation: Auctioneers are prohibited from knowingly misrepresenting the value, quality, or composition of goods. While "voetstoots" protects against unknown defects, it does not protect a seller who makes intentional or fraudulent misrepresentations.
