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
Big-brand super-prime brokerage names new MD; reveals bumper H1 results
United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty says it racked up nearly £600mn in sales during the first half of 2025.
Interiors lead appointed at super-prime Pimlico scheme
'Landmark' One Bessborough Gardens project is transforming a former Government spy agency HQ overlooking the Thames.
London property market more split than it has been since Brexit – Knight Frank
Agency flags significant divergence in prices and deal volumes between PCL and POL amid ‘summer of speculation.'
From Manhattan to Mayfair via Miami: Where the world’s $30m+ set call home
New research charts the cities with the largest UHNW residential footprints, revealing shifting second-home trends and emerging luxury hotspots.
Rosewood elevates luxury resi ambitions with senior hire
'Residential business is our strategic development focus,' says CEO of global hospitality group, as top-end specialist joins to drive next growth chapter.
Treasury eyes Autumn IHT & CGT hikes
Reports suggest the government 'is trying to work out how it can tap into the vast wave of wealth that will be transferred from baby boomers when they die.'
By PrimeResi
The Times: How a British estate agent conquered New York
Katrina Burroughs meets 'the rising star of the Big Apple’s real estate scene' ahead of the new season of hit Netflix show Owning Manhattan, in this piece for The Times.
Mayfair specialist joins Harding Green in Hertfordshire
Kitty Halley previously worked at Wetherell and Savills.
By PrimeResi
Irish developer Ronan ‘exploring a return to London’ following landmark Dublin deal
Johnny Ronan's Ronan Group - which once had grand plans for Battersea Power Station - is 'actively pursuing opportunities as it charts a course back into the UK market'.
By PrimeResi
From Acquisitions to AI: How Polly Ogden Duffy is future-proofing John D Wood & Co
Inside the strategic moves, market insights, and bold ambitions shaping one of the best-known brands in prime property.
LATEST ARTICLES
Major prime agency installs new lettings boss
Daniel Fisher will lead the 153-year-old firm's lettings business into its 'next chapter'.
In Pictures: Inside Echlin’s country house debut in the Cotswolds
Boutique design firm shows off its first interiors project outside of London - delivering 'subtle luxury' for a Singaporean family in Oxfordshire.
By PrimeResi
‘Fierce competition’ in SW London sees renters bid above asking
'75% of family houses were let at the asking price or above on the first viewing' in July, reports Savills.
By PrimeResi
Weekly Showcase: Ten featured prime resi listings
PrimeResi's regular stock check, powered by LonRes.
Four Seasons to launch standalone resi project in Abu Dhabi
Collaboration with asset manager Alain on Saadiyat Island is promising to 'redefine luxury living in the UAE.'