Lucy Barber: How to buy a property at auction
Auctions have seen a surge in popularity over the last few years, with an increasing number of prime properties going under the hammer. Forsters’ Lucy Barber explains what prospective bidders should be aware of, and the all-important due diligence required beforehand…

Lucy specialises in all aspects of residential property acting for a variety of private individuals, developers and investors and lenders in the acquisition and disposal of freehold and leasehold property. She is also a member of the Enfranchisement Team acting for both landlords and tenants in connection with their enfranchisement claims. Her work includes acting for the Phillimore Estate and the Crown Estate dealing their enfranchisement claims and management issues arising from their property portfolios. Lucy provides commercial and practical advice to ensure the best outcome is reached for her clients.
Asking prices climb to another record high, but the property market appears to be slowing
“A lack of homes for sale rather than a lack of desire from buyers is what is dictating the pace of the market,” says Rightmove, as the UK’s average asking price rises 2.1% in a month.
Property prices have doubled around some Elizabeth Line stations
"Despite delays in the line opening, the number of buyers looking to move near the stations has steadily surged," says Rightmove.
Coastal competition cools as city property markets heat up
Buyer and tenant demand is still running very high in many seaside locations, but Rightmove points to a marked slow-down from the frantic activity of 2020 and 2021.
Companies in this article
ForstersMost read
Super-prime agent & social media star launches ‘game-changing’ property brokerage
One of London's best-known top-end agents has set up a 'forward-thinking' luxury property brokerage that 'understands the power of storytelling & digital influence in a new era of property.'
By PrimeResi
Super-prime developer lines up £225mn scheme in Notting Hill
Valouran continues to build pipeline of landmark projects, unveiling plans for a 'major play' on Westbourne Grove.
DDRE Global brings in major player to realise American ambitions
Anastacia Murray-Watson has joined Daniel Daggers' luxury brokerage after more than 18 years at Knight Frank.
West End office building set for boutique luxury resi conversion
Dukelease & BST England have teamed up to transform a handsome period block on Hallam Street into six high-end apartments.
Salary Survey: What are UK property professionals earning in 2025 – and what do they really value?
New report reveals how salary structures & hiring trends are evolving in response to market conditions & new legislation.
Dexters names new CEO
Estate agency's CFO & Deputy CEO Ash Kashyap steps up to the top job as Andy Shepherd retires.
By PrimeResi
Former Savills Director launches indie buying agency
After a successful career in Edinburgh & London estate agency, Charles McCosh's new venture provides property search services across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire & Hertfordshire.
By PrimeResi
John D Wood & Co. recruits Knight Frank’s Kilgarriff to lead Central London Lettings
A senior KF operator has moved to a key role in Polly Ogden Duffy's team at JDW.
By PrimeResi
Property agency sponsors Olympic swimming champion
Knight Frank says multi-gold medallist James Guy MBE will be an 'inspiring ambassador' for its brand.
Foxtons’ sales revenue jumps 73% to hit a ten-year high
The high-profile agency had a 'very strong start to the year' as buyers scrambled to beat the stamp duty deadline.
LATEST ARTICLES
Prime Purchase recruits SW London specialist
Abigail Frankish has joined the Savills-owned buying agency from Aykroyd & Co.
From the small screen to the big smoke: On 25 years of Location, Location, Location & the re-evaluation of prime London property
Savills' research chief Lucian Cook reflects on the ups and downs of recent years, and how the latest run of events - from a new government to tax changes - could shape the prime property market in 2025.
By Lucian Cook
4 Charts: Exploring prime property buyers’ priorities in 2025
Savills' latest client survey reveals changes in how committed people are to moving home, as well as how top-end budgets have shifted, and how key concerns have evolved in the last year.
By PrimeResi
Kerzner unveils plans for new One&Only resort & resi project in the US
The forthcoming ultra-luxe enclave in Hudson Valley is being developed in partnership with Florida-based Nolan Reynolds International & the Culinary Institute of America.
‘There are clear signs of renewed confidence across PCL’ as deal numbers climb
JLL recorded 13% more residential transactions in Prime Central London in Q1 this year compared to last.
By PrimeResi