Exploring Auction Categories For Your Next Auction

The auction floor is an exhilarating place. The fast-talking auctioneer, competing with your fellow buyers, and the fall of the hammer, all make the auction process an exciting experience!

But how do you get from your computer to the auction floor? Auction Calendar provides a variety of auction categories suited to your needs. Whether you’re looking for the perfect property investment or furniture to upcycle, there’s an auction for you.

We dive deeper into the auction categories available to browse on Auction Calendar to help you prepare for your next auction:

Real Estate Auction Categories

Real estate auctions have long been associated with bank repossessions and rushed sales, but that is no longer the case as more buyers recognise their potential. Stubborn inflation and high interest rates have made real estate auctions a great option for both buyers and sellers looking for a transparent, convenient and quick sales process.

Real estate auctions offer a unique, competitive way to buy and sell residential, commercial, and agricultural properties, each with its own nuances.

With residential auctions, for example, the seller and auctioneer set a reserve price (the minimum reserve price they’ll accept). To encourage bidding, each bid starts below the reserve price, increasing until the auctioneer calls it. In contrast, commercial property auctions are more complex, requiring detailed financial records and property information. This often includes zoning details, occupancy rates to attract serious buyers, and leases. The reserve price is set higher than residential auctions, as the buyer’s pool is a bit smaller and more specialised.

Meanwhile, agricultural property auctions usually focus on land use, water rights, soil quality, and equipment that may come with the land. Agricultural auctions may allow for conditional bids, with financing contingencies in some cases. Here are just a few reasons auctions across all properties are great for buyers and sellers:

• A transparent process: These types of auctions are straightforward and to the point. Sellers need to divulge all property information, including property damage and leaks. As such, properties are sold “as is.”
• A quick process: The process can often be fast and efficient. Auctions have a much faster completion time, as there are no lengthy negotiating processes.
• Certainty of Sale: With fixed timelines and clear terms, both buyers and sellers enjoy greater certainty, knowing the sale will conclude on a specific date. However, sellers still retain the right to reject offers if they don’t meet expectations.
• Efficient Marketing and Reach: Auction houses often promote properties extensively, attracting qualified buyers quickly and reaching a broader audience through online and offline channels.

Best Suited For: Investors, property developers, sellers seeking speed, cash buyers

Find your next real estate auction

Movable Auctions

Movable auctions are a fantastic opportunity to find almost anything you can imagine, from everyday items to high-value collectibles. However, many buyers mistakenly limit their understanding of movables to items like art, jewellery, or household goods. In reality, movable assets encompass a far broader range of items—essentially any physical item that isn’t fixed to a specific location.

This can include luxury items like limited-edition watches or antiques, but it also extends to more practical and industrial assets such as farm equipment, office furniture, vehicles, and even entire business inventories. Even a plough used in agricultural operations qualifies as a movable item because it can be transported without altering its structure.

It’s also important to note that reputable auction houses typically ensure thorough authentication and quality checks, especially for high-value or collectible items. Depending on the auction type, buyers may find items that hold or even increase in value over time, but the core of a movable auction lies in its incredible variety—covering everything from functional tools and machinery to rare collector’s pieces.

• Quick Tips For Spotting Valuable Items:
• Research Market Trends: Familiarise yourself with current trends to help you determine whether you’re overspending or not.
• Verify Authenticity Documents: Ensure that items come with certificates of authenticity and any relevant appraisals, particularly for high-value gems or timepieces.
• Set a Budget and Stick to It: Auction settings can be exhilarating, but having a clear budget helps you avoid overbidding. Remember to factor in any additional fees, such as buyer’s premiums.
• Attend Pre-Auction Viewings: Many auction houses offer previews or online viewing options, giving you a closer look at items to assess their condition, craftsmanship, and appeal. Best Suited For: Bargain hunters, collectors, investors, dealers and resellers, and luxury brand enthusiasts.

Find your next movable auction.

Vehicle and Machinery Auctions

Whether you’re looking to add a new vehicle to your home garage or expand your fleet with a truck, finding the right fit that matches your budget and needs can be tricky. Vehicle auctions provide buyers with access to a wide range of mobile assets, all sold to the highest bidder. While many people associate vehicle auctions solely with cars, motorcycles, and trucks, they actually cover a broader array of items. This includes construction vehicles like excavators, bulldozers, and cranes, as well as farming vehicles like tractors, combine harvesters, and sprayers. If the asset isn’t self-propelled or mobile, you typically won’t find it at a vehicle auction.

The auction process for vehicles is quite similar to other auction categories. Prospective buyers have the opportunity to inspect items, either in person or online, before the auction takes place. They also receive detailed reports on the condition, usage, and maintenance history of the vehicles.

Attending these auctions can be a fantastic way for buyers to experience a transparent and competitive process. Keep in mind that competition in this category is fierce, as well-maintained vehicles and machinery are always in high demand.

Reasons to buy vehicles at auction:

• Cost Savings: Buyers can often find well-maintained vehicles at a fraction of the retail price, especially when purchasing pre-owned items.
• Wide Selection: With a vast inventory of models, makes, and machinery types, these auctions provide a one-stop destination for specific, high-quality assets.
• Immediate Availability: Unlike some private sales that require lengthy negotiations, auctions allow buyers to purchase and secure items on the same day, which is valuable for those needing equipment or vehicles right away.

Best Suited For: Dealers and resellers, construction and agricultural professionals, collectors and enthusiasts.

Browse Vehicle Auctions!

Livestock and Agricultural Auctions

Livestock auctions play a crucial role in the agricultural landscape of South Africa, but navigating the auction process requires an intimate knowledge of regulations and protocols. For example, sellers are required to transport animals in a clean vehicle with good airflow (no overcrowding), as this is a prerequisite of the Animal Identification Act of 2002. The same is required for buyers transporting these animals to a different location from the auction.

Here are a few benefits of this category:

• Direct Purchasing: Livestock auctions allow farmers to purchase livestock directly, providing a transparent buying process where they can inspect animals firsthand, assess quality, and make informed decisions based on their unique needs.
• Transparency and Trust: Reputable auction houses provide detailed information about the livestock being sold, including health records, weight, age, and breeding history. This transparency helps buyers make informed decisions and increases confidence in the quality of the animals.
• Networking Opportunities: Auctions bring together farmers, breeders, and industry experts, creating opportunities for relationship-building, sharing best practices, and exploring new business ventures. Best Suited For: Farmers, agricultural traders, and investors in rural assets.

Find your next Livestock Auction.

How to Find the Right Auction for You

One of the many benefits of browsing and attending auctions is that you have a range to choose from. Whether you’re looking for livestock to expand the genetic potential of your herd or a new property to call home, you can rest assured you’ll find an auction category to suit your goals.

Here are a few points to consider when choosing the auction category that matches your areas of interest:

Research the Auction Category: You know what you want, but it doesn’t hurt to do a little research before heading to your next auction. Confidence comes from being prepared, so dive into the finer details of your selected auction category. For example, if you’re interested in vehicle auctions, you’ll want to look for events that specialise in the type of vehicle you’re looking for, whether that’s agricultural vehicles, cars or trucks.

Check Auction Listings and Reviews: Use Auction Calendar’s browsing features to filter based on your preferred category or region. Auction Calendar works in partnership with reputable auction houses, so you can have peace of mind you’re always in good hands!

Consult with Industry Experts: If you’re new to auctions, attending previews and other auctions before registering for your desired event can be very beneficial. It’s also a great opportunity to network, as you can ask questions and learn from more seasoned buyers. Auction Calendar makes it easy to connect with auctioneers directly, allowing you to address any pressing questions.

Auction Calendar: Your Source For Finding Auctions

Whether you’re looking for residential property auctions or auctions for farm equipment, Auction Calendar is your number one source for finding auctions taking place across South Africa. With auctions listed daily, you’ll have a fresh selection of opportunities at your fingertips, ensuring you never miss anything!