Bidding at an auction

Question

We have an interest in a property which is central to the village and which would be ideal as a community centre and parish office. Because the property has been vacant for some time the vendors will now only sell it by auction.
Are there any constraints on us bidding - by means of sealed bids - at auction?

Answer 1

Sealed bids shouldn't be a problem, but like all expenditure, it should be agreed beforehand. You'll need to exclude the press and public from this agenda item, of course, citing commercial confidentiality.

Answer 2

Hi there,

I'm quite possibly too late to the party on this one. But just in case COVID19 has held up the auction here goes....

As well as being a PC I also working with private clients and bodies such as PC/TC's on their business plans including acquisitions.

When a building becomes available and a council wishes to purchase it I always play Devil's Advocate and encourage them to think about the following questions...

1. Is the building listed i.e of historical interest/importance

2. Will the building stand the test of time - i.e. Once purchased will it need more money to refurbish it, will be expensive to run due to its inefficiencies environmentally?

3. Will a new build (If land available) prove to be a better use of public money as new builds are often less money, can be designed how you want them and often more environmentally friendly/efficient.

That said if the building you have identified ticks all of your needs then you should vote at full council a maximum amount (closed sitting) the council will spend and delegate the responsibility to someone to enter the auction with bids i.e. The Clerk. Remember the rules of auction though if you do bid.

There is nothing though that can stop you from legally placing a bid for the property.