What Goes in an Auction Legal Pack?
Buying or selling property at auction is fast, legally binding, and unforgiving. Once the hammer falls, contracts are exchanged immediately — which is why understanding what goes in an auction legal pack is essential before bidding or listing a property.
An auction legal pack provides buyers with the legal information they are expected to rely on before the auction. If something is missed, the risk usually sits with the buyer, not the seller.
What Is an Auction Legal Pack?
An auction legal pack is a bundle of legal documents prepared by the seller’s solicitor for a property being sold at auction. It is usually made available online via the auctioneer’s website and forms the legal foundation of the transaction.
Unlike private treaty sales, buyers do not negotiate terms after the offer. Everything they are agreeing to is contained in the legal pack.
Is an Auction Legal Pack a Legal Requirement?
There is no strict legal rule requiring a seller to provide a full auction legal pack. However, in practice, most auction houses require one, and a property cannot realistically be sold without Special Conditions of Sale.
A minimal or poorly prepared pack often indicates unresolved legal issues. Experienced buyers treat this as a warning sign.
What Documents Are Included in an Auction Legal Pack?

While the contents vary, a professionally prepared auction legal pack in the UK will usually include the following core documents.
This documentation replaces much of the post-offer legal work typically carried out during residential conveyancing transactions.
Special Conditions of Sale
This document controls the transaction and overrides standard auction terms.
It typically confirms:
- Completion timescale (often 20–28 days)
- Whether VAT applies
- Additional costs payable by the buyer
- Occupation status
- Any overage or clawback clauses
Buyers who ignore this section often face unexpected costs or deadlines.
Title Register and Title Plan
The pack will include an Official Copy of the Register of Title and a Title Plan from HM Land Registry.
These documents confirm:
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Legal ownership
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Registered charges or restrictions
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Rights of way and covenants
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Legal boundaries of the property
Physical boundaries should never be assumed to match the legal title.
Supporting Deeds and Title Documents
If older conveyances or deeds are referred to on the title, they should be included in the legal pack. These often contain restrictions or rights that directly affect value or future use.
Missing documents here are a red flag.
Conveyancing Searches
Auction legal packs often include searches, but buyers must check whether they are current and sufficient.
Common searches include:
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Local Authority Search
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Drainage and Water Search
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Environmental Search
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Mining or ground stability reports (where relevant)
Outdated searches shift risk onto the buyer.
Property Information Forms
Depending on the property type, the pack may contain:
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Property Information Form (TA6)
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Fixtures and Contents Form (TA10)
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Leasehold Information Form (TA7)
These forms disclose disputes, alterations, notices, and what is included in the sale. Ambiguous or “not known” answers should always be treated cautiously.
Lease and Tenancy Documentation
For leasehold or tenanted properties, the legal pack should include:
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Lease agreements
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Tenancy agreements
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Rent details
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Management information
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Licences to assign or sublet
Buyers inherit tenants exactly as documented — not as verbally described.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An EPC is a legal requirement when selling property in England and Wales, including at auction. Missing EPCs can delay completion and expose sellers to penalties.
Why Reviewing an Auction Legal Pack Matters
Understanding what goes in an auction legal pack allows buyers to assess legal risk before bidding and helps sellers present a transparent, legally sound lot.
For buyers, it prevents costly surprises.
For sellers, it increases confidence, bidding activity, and completion speed.
Who Prepares an Auction Legal Pack?
Auction legal packs are usually prepared by the seller’s solicitor. However, auction transactions require specialist drafting — particularly for Special Conditions of Sale.
General conveyancing experience alone is not enough.
How Versus Law Can Help
At Versus Law, our auction conveyancing solicitors advise buyers and sellers on
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Reviewing auction legal packs before bidding
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Identifying hidden legal and financial risks
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Preparing compliant, buyer-ready legal packs
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Auction-specific conveyancing strategy
In auction transactions, the legal work must be done before the hammer falls.
If you have any questions before requesting a quote, please contact us and our team will be happy to help.










