When it comes to selling a property, most people think of picking up the phone to a local estate agent. It’s the traditional route, and for years it’s been the go-to option. But times are changing. Property auctions, especially the Modern Method of Auction (MMoA), are becoming more popular with sellers who want speed, certainty, and control. So, which route works better for your sale - an estate agent or an auction? Let’s break it down.
Selling a Property: Estate Agent or Auction?
Deciding how to sell your home isn’t always straightforward. Estate agents offer familiarity and widespread exposure, while auctions provide speed and certainty. Here’s how they compare.
Speed of Sale
How long does it take with an estate agent?
Selling through an estate agent can take months. On average, a private treaty sale (the traditional process with viewings, offers, and negotiations) runs between 16-26 weeks from listing to completion. That’s half a year of uncertainty, chains, and potential fall-throughs.
How long does it take with an auction?
By contrast, selling at auction - particularly with the Modern Method - is much faster. From listing to completion usually takes between six to nine weeks. The timeline is fixed, so you don’t get stuck waiting on buyers to sort their mortgage, sell their own property, or negotiate endlessly.
Winner for speed: Auction.
Certainty and Security
Why 1 in 3 estate agent sales fall through
One of the biggest frustrations for home sellers is the dreaded fall-through. With traditional estate agent sales, around 25 - 35% of sales agreed fall through before completion according to conveyancing firms. Buyers pull out, chains collapse, or financing falls through.
Why auction sales are more secure
With auction, when the hammer falls (or the digital gavel clicks online), the buyer is committed. They either exchange contracts immediately (traditional auction) or pay a non-refundable reservation fee (Modern Method). Either way, your sale has certainty, and you can plan your next move with confidence. Read The Role of the Reservation Fee here.
Winner for certainty: Auction.
Achieving the Best Price
The case for estate agents
This is where estate agents argue they shine. The traditional market allows for wider exposure, longer marketing times, and room for negotiation. In a hot market, this can drive the price up.
The case for auctions
However, auctions also thrive on competition. A well-marketed auction property can attract multiple serious bidders, pushing the price higher than expected. The key is transparency: buyers see each other’s bids in real time, which often creates that all-important competitive edge. Struggling to Sell? Why the Modern Method of Auction Could be Your Plan B That Works
Winner for price: A draw! Estate agents may achieve more in some cases, but auctions can surprise sellers with competitive bidding.
Fees and Costs
Typical estate agent commission
Estate agents typically charge a percentage commission, usually between 1% and 3% plus VAT. On a £300,000 property, that’s up to £9,000.
How auction fees work
With auctions, the fee is often paid by the buyer in the form of a reservation fee (in the Modern Method), meaning you, the seller, may pay nothing. Even in cases where seller fees apply, they are often comparable or less than estate agency commission.
Winner for fees: Auction.
Type of Buyer
Who estate agents attract
Estate agents appeal to the widest possible pool - families, first-time buyers, and anyone wanting to view, think, and then negotiate.
Who auctions attract
Auctions attract serious buyers. Whether it’s investors, cash buyers, or motivated movers, bidders in an auction are ready to act. With the Modern Method, even mortgage buyers can take part, which has opened the auction market up to more “everyday” purchasers.
Winner for commitment: Auction.
When Estate Agents Might Be the Better Choice
Auctions aren’t always the answer. If you’ve got a unique, luxury, or very high-end property where the buyer pool is small and bespoke marketing is key, an estate agent may be the better route. They can nurture one-to-one relationships with potential buyers and target the right demographic.
When Auction is the Smarter Move
- You need a fast, reliable sale
- You’re frustrated with a property sitting on the open market
- You’ve had fall-throughs before and don’t want the stress again
- You want to know exactly when your property will complete
- You like the idea of no selling fees
So, Which Works Better for Your Sale?
There’s no single answer. For many sellers, estate agents still serve a purpose. But if you’re after speed, security, and control, auction is often the smarter choice. At The Auction Experts, we work with sellers across the UK who want a straightforward, professional way to sell without the long wait times and uncertainty of the traditional market.
Whether you’re considering the Modern Method or exploring your options, our team can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you achieve the result you want.
Ready to See if Auction is Right for You?
If you’re weighing up estate agent vs auction for your sale, let’s talk it through. We’ll give you clear advice, explain your options, and help you make the choice that works best for you.
Get in touch with The Auction Experts today and see how we can help you sell faster, smarter, and with confidence. Call us on 0330 179 8180 or email info@theauctionexperts.co.uk
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