Plan to arrive well before your lot is offered to familiarise yourself with the room and the bidding process.

1. Check if there have been any last minute alterations to the details of the lot. A list of these, known as the addendum sheet, is distributed and displayed in the auction room and is also available from the enquiries desk. The lots will be sold subject to these amendments and it is important that you check these before bidding.

2. The auctioneer will announce the lot by number and address and will invite bids at a suggested level: you can bid by raising your hand or catalogue. The auctioneer will regulate the bidding. When the bidding reaches the highest level the auctioneer will indicate that it is to be sold. If you are the highest bidder the auctioneer will strike the gavel and you will have bought the lot (a legal and binding contract is formed at that time).

3. If you are the successful bidder you will be asked to complete a purchase slip and attend the contract desk where the written formalities will be completed. You will need means of paying the 10% deposit either by cheque or bankers' draft, the name and address of the solicitors who will be acting for you and proof of your identity and address. You will also be required to pay a purchasers administration fee of £400 (inclusive of VAT) for each lot purchased.

4. You are responsible for the property from the date of exchange and it is therefore very important that you make arrangements to insure it immediately you have purchased.

5. Following the auction you should take the written contract to your solicitors. The balance of the purchase monies is generally payable within 28 days or sooner if varied by the Special Conditions of Sale.

6. If the lot you are interested in is unsold you should register you interest with the Auctioneers at the enquiries desk.

7. A Result Sheet is published the day after the auction and can be obtained by phone, fax, e-mail or on-line.

This is only intended to be a brief guide to the auction process: if you have more specific enquiries you should contact Tim Lewis BSc(Hons) MRICS.