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Buying at Auction: Your Complete Finance Guide

Auctions require different financial preparation than private sales. Here is how to be auction-ready.

Raj Bhangu

Principal Mortgage Broker

12 January 2026

Key Takeaways

  • 1Auctions have no cooling-off period - contract is unconditional when hammer falls
  • 2Need 10% deposit on auction day and typically 30-60 days to settlement
  • 3Get unconditional (not conditional) pre-approval before auction day
  • 4Have specific property valued by lender, complete building inspection, and solicitor review before bidding

Buying at auction can be exciting but stressful. The key to success is having your finance sorted well in advance.

Why Auction Finance Is Different

  • No cooling-off period. The contract is unconditional
  • 10% deposit required on the day
  • Settlement typically 30-60 days
  • No finance clause. You must have funds

Essential Steps Before Auction Day

  1. Get unconditional pre-approval (not just conditional)
  2. Have the specific property valued by the lender
  3. Complete building inspection before auction
  4. Have your solicitor review the contract
  5. Arrange 10% deposit ready for auction day

Planning to buy at auction? Get unconditional pre-approval so you can bid with confidence.

Related Tool

Borrowing Power Calculator

Put the theory into practice, calculate your actual borrowing capacity.

RB

Raj Bhangu

Principal Mortgage Broker

FBAA MemberLicensed Credit Representative

Expert mortgage broker helping Australians achieve their property dreams with personalized home loan solutions.

Published: 12 Jan 2026

Transparency & Disclosures

Commission Disclosure

As a mortgage broker, iSmart Finance receives commissions from lenders when we successfully arrange a home loan. This does not affect the interest rate or fees you pay. Our service is free for you, and we're committed to finding the best loan for your needs.

About iSmart Finance

iSmart Finance Group ACN 608 986 554 is Credit Representative 481761 of BLSSA Pty Ltd ACN 117 651 760 (Australian Credit Licence 391237). We are members of the Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA) and comply with the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009.

Our content is based on industry expertise, regulatory guidelines from ASIC and APRA, and data from the Reserve Bank of Australia. All information is current as of the publication date and subject to change.

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