Selling a property requires a range of factors to align, but underpinning it all is that both the seller and potential buyer are genuinely motivated to complete a deal. There are always background factors to take into account, from changing business plans to geopolitical and macroeconomic instability, so finding ways to encourage and maintain motivation are crucial to getting deals done. One option could be to incorporate the auction process. 

Creative solutions

One way to instil a sense of certainty in relation to deal timescales is utilising a two-stage bidding process, also known as an auction backstop. The first stage follows a more traditional ‘private treaty’ style process with any offers received reviewed in advance of a potential auction date. Should an offer meet the client’s requirements, unconditional exchange will take place via an auction contract, and the property is deemed as ‘sold prior to auction’, with a usual period of 20 working days to completion.

However, if a sale is not agreed in advance of a set auction date, then a reserve price will be set on the property and it will be sold via a live online auction. Setting a date for the auction creates a hard deadline for exchange, which offers benefits for both parties.

Creating certainty for all sides

For buyers, an auction date signals that the seller is committed to disposing of the property and is not merely testing market interest. Prospective purchasers understand that, once the auction takes place, the property will be sold, creating a clear deadline and encouraging timely action from those who wish to secure the asset. For the sellers, it is a way of generating both competition and certainty. The auction contract simplifies the legal process and can significantly cut down the time a deal takes to complete.

The auction backstop is not limited to a particular type or size of property. While auction contracts may once have been primarily associated with distressed or lower-value assets, they are now widely recognised as a credible and effective method for selling properties varying scale via a process beyond that of just an auction room.

Real-life examples

In Manchester and across the North West, the Savills team have completed a number of deals, cross sector, utilising this two stage method of sale. Recent success stories include a retail parade at 44-68 Brows Lane in Formby, Liverpool (£1.75 million), the iconic 57,413 sq ft Manchester Hall on Bridge Street in Manchester (£6 million), which both sold via auction contract outside of the live auction following a traditional marketing campaign. Blackpool Waste Transfer Station underwent the same initial process and sold via online auction for £2.29 million. Each property was completely different and the route to sale varied for each too, but the end result was the same: a successful sale. Overall in 2025, Savills sold £361 million of commercial stock at auction, almost 20% of which was for lots over £5 million.

Obviously, there is no one-size-fits-all approach and the auction process isn’t always suitable, but it is a worthy consideration in the current climate for a wide range of assets and lot sizes. With deals taking an increasingly long time to complete, auction backstops can provide impetus and momentum.

Further information

Contact Joe Kemp, Savills Manchester, or Max Mason, Savills Auctions

Find out more at Savills commercial property auctions