From Hammer to Exit — A Real Auction Finance Success Story

The Background​

Winning at auction is exciting — but for many investors, the real challenge starts the moment the hammer falls.

You’ve got 28 days to complete, a deposit already down, and one big question: can you secure the finance in time?

Here’s how Auction Finance UK helped a real client go from auction win to profitable exit — on time, on budget, and with zero stress.

The Background

Our client, James, is a property investor from Sheffield who regularly buys undervalued homes at auction.

At a late-summer auction, he spotted a 2-bedroom terrace in need of renovation — guide price £92,000.

He won the bid at £101,000. The property had no kitchen, minimal heating, and was classed as unmortgageable.

With the auctioneer’s 28-day completion deadline ticking, James needed funding fast.

The Challenge

The property’s condition meant no mainstream lender would touch it.

He needed a lender that:

  • Could complete within 10 working days
  • Accepted unmortgageable properties
  • Offered a flexible term so he could refurbish and refinance

The Solution

James contacted Auction Finance UK the morning after the auction.

Within two hours, we issued a Decision in Principle, based on:

  • Purchase price: £101,000
  • Loan required: £75,000 (approx. 74% LTV)
  • Exit plan: refinance after 3-month refurbishment

Our underwriters pre-approved the case pending valuation and legal review.

We worked directly with James’s solicitor and the valuer to fast-track both — completing the entire process in 9 working days.

The Outcome

  • Funds released on Day 9
  • Refurbishment completed in 10 weeks
  • Revaluation at £165,000
  • Refinance to a buy-to-let mortgage cleared the bridging loan
  • Net profit (after all costs): £34,500

James now uses auction finance regularly to secure projects others avoid.

What Made It Work

  • Speed – Pre-approval before valuation meant the process started immediately.
  • Transparency – The client shared full refurb plans and quotes, which gave the lender confidence.
  • Experience – Even though it was a small project, the investor treated it professionally, keeping everyone aligned.

The Lesson for Buyers

This story proves that the best auction deals go to those prepared before they bid.

If you know your numbers, have your broker ready, and plan your exit, even unmortgageable homes can become profitable projects.

Case Studies

Case Study 1 – 7-Day Completion on a Studio Flat

Investor in Manchester won a small studio flat at auction for £85,000.

With a pre-approved DIP and fast solicitor coordination, Auction Finance UK completed in 7 days.

After repainting and minor works, the investor refinanced and now rents it at £750/month.

Case Study 2 – Developer Portfolio Growth

A Birmingham developer bought two auction properties in one day.

We arranged a dual-asset auction finance facility, allowing both to complete simultaneously.

Combined profit after resale: £78,000.

Case Study 3 – First-Time Investor Wins Big

A first-time buyer used auction finance to purchase a £120,000 fixer-upper.

They refurbished it for £15,000 and refinanced at £175,000, releasing enough equity to fund their next project.

FAQs

Q 1. Can auction finance really complete in under 10 days?

Ans: Yes — with all documents and legal pack ready, some cases complete in 5–10 working days.

Ans: No. Clear planning and a solid exit strategy are often more important than experience.

Ans: Speak to your broker early — many lenders allow extensions or refinancing options.

Ans: It’s short-term, so interest is higher — but flexibility and speed make it ideal for auction timelines.

Ans: Yes — lenders often fund portfolio purchases or multi-property transactions.

Ready to secure your auction success?

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