Beyond the traditional sale: the rise of the international property auction

“I’m very open about saying it - the auction route is not for everybody,” says Charlie Smith, Managing Partner at international auction specialists Venteu. “But if you want a definitive, time‑certain, proven market‑price solution to selling or buying a property, we can help you. After all, we all don’t have enough time in our lives - and we deliver that time back.”

His team auctions high‑end properties from across the world, primarily Europe, with upcoming sales in Thailand and Barbados. Previous sales have included a private estate with panoramic views over the Provencal countryside, a picturesque chalet in the Swiss Alps and a stylish design-led villa in the Italian countryside. Working with a wide network of brokers, they combine this depth of local knowledge with in-house expertise and Knight Frank’s global connections to deliver results for their clients.

Why buy or sell at auction internationally?

Auctions can be a less familiar route to market for many sellers, but for those seeking speed, certainty and peace of mind, it can be a compelling option. “Most people wouldn’t think twice about selling the family Picasso at auction - so why not property?” quips Smith.

He sees a wide variety of sellers choosing the auction route, many with a pressure point in their lives that makes time of the essence. And while property is considered a classically illiquid asset, Venteu’s process means a sale can be agreed within just six weeks. The auction service is free to the seller, with fees paid by the winning bidder.

Properties are typically sold as single lots, meaning that each receives a high level of investment, resource and marketing to reach the right buyers and attract the highest bidder. Importantly, the auction process offers clarity against the backdrop of a complex and fast-changing global property market.

Transparency on price is also a leading attraction for both buyers and sellers. “If you are offered £2 million on a property, how do you know with certainty that it’s the right price to accept at that time?” he explains. “Ultimately, when the hammer comes down, you know that it’s the price the market deems your property is worth today.”

Attracting the right buyer - and price - at auction

 “One of my most important jobs is building a field of interest,” says Smith. “Sellers can help by giving me a competitive reserve on their property that is eye-catching. And then it’s my turn to go out and market this to the best of our ability.”

Working with its network of brokers is essential, leaning on local market intelligence to pinpoint the right audience.  “For example if we’re selling a property in Ibiza, we know that we should focus a lot of our activity in the Netherlands, as around 70% of properties over £5 million there are bought by the Dutch,” he explains. “Hop over the water to Mallorca, and if you’re not putting your promotional materials out in German, as well as English and Spanish, then you’re making a mistake.”

For buyers, he emphasises the importance of doing your homework and conducting due diligence, as when the hammer comes down you’re signing the first act of sale. Throughout the six-week auction cycle, each property is assigned a campaign manager that is on-the-ground to assist with viewings and inquiries, or conduct virtual tours. “A buyer was once concerned about the potential noise from a nearby road - so the campaign manager recorded it at different points throughout the night to provide that reassurance,” he shares.

Navigating the complexities of international auctions

There can be many complexities to buying and selling internationally at auction, and Venteu are well‑versed in navigating them. As well as working within the regulations of the countries in which they operate, similarly each region has nuances in the process of transferring ownership, and they collaborate with the relevant conveyancers, lawyers or notaries to ensure a smooth process.

Some international properties sold may be held by entities, rather than individuals. For those purchasing by auction, one consideration is that this can have an impact on the VAT levied on the buyer premium paid.

What happens on auction day?

Before the auction day and bidding commences, some simple steps for potential buyers take place: terms and conditions are agreed, due diligence checks take place, and buyers are asked for a Bidder Participation Advance - a sum that, should they be successful, goes towards the cost of purchase, or is otherwise refunded within seven business days.

On the auction day, buyers will be assigned a bidding assistant, who can impart or discuss any important information or to whom you can request changes in bidding increments. Bidding takes place on Venteu’s specialised online platform or via the phone.

For Smith, one of the most rewarding parts of his job is providing a solution for what can be a very emotionally charged moment in someone’s life. “We’ve dealt with cases where the lead-up to the decision to sell was particularly fraught, or there was an illness involved, and being able to see the hard work you put in achieve a good sale and outcome for these families is very satisfying.”

Venteu's next auction takes place on May 6th 2026 at 16:00 CET. Register to receive updates from Venteu here.