When buying or selling a property at auction in the UK, the legal pack is one of the most important parts of the process—yet it's often overlooked by novice buyers. These documents provide crucial insights into the legal and practical condition of the property and can protect you from expensive mistakes down the line. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time auction buyer, knowing what to look for in a legal pack can make or break your success at auction.

What Is a Legal Pack?

A legal pack is a bundle of legal documents prepared by the seller’s solicitor and made available to potential buyers before the auction date. Its purpose is to give prospective bidders the information they need to make an informed decision and to highlight any risks or restrictions that come with the property.

Bidding at auction is legally binding, and once the hammer falls, you're committed—so reviewing the legal pack is absolutely essential.

Key Documents Included in a Legal Pack

While the contents can vary slightly, most auction legal packs include the following:

1. Title Register and Title Plan

Provided by HM Land Registry, this shows who legally owns the property and outlines the physical boundaries. It may also include details of mortgages, restrictions, easements, or covenants.

🔍 Check for: restrictive covenants, shared access, and leasehold/freehold status.

2. Special Conditions of Sale

This section outlines any additional terms or timelines that apply beyond the standard auction contract. It can include non-refundable deposits, accelerated completion dates, or buyer’s fees (which can be several thousand pounds).

🔍 Check for: hidden buyer premiums and unusual deadlines.

3. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Legally required for most sales, the EPC shows the property’s energy efficiency rating and expected running costs. While not usually a deal-breaker, it can influence renovation costs or buy-to-let viability.

4. Local Authority Searches

These searches check for any planning permissions, building regulations, nearby developments, or enforcement notices that affect the property.

🔍 Check for: road schemes, conservation areas, and planning breaches.

5. Lease (for Leasehold Properties)

If the property is leasehold, the pack should include a copy of the lease agreement, outlining ground rent, service charges, restrictions, and lease length.

🔍 Check for: short leases (typically under 80 years), escalating ground rent clauses, or unfair service charge terms.

6. Tenancy Agreements (if Tenanted)

For investment properties with tenants in place, the legal pack should contain a copy of the tenancy agreement, plus details of rent payments, tenancy type (e.g. AST or regulated), and deposit protection.

7. Planning and Building Regulations Documentation

If extensions or alterations have been made, you’ll want to see planning permissions and building regulation sign-offs to ensure they were done legally and to standard.

8. Seller's Property Information Form (SPIF)

Sometimes included, this form gives a general overview of the property from the seller’s perspective. It may disclose disputes, boundaries, or other material issues.

What to Watch Out For

Even experienced buyers can miss critical red flags in a legal pack. Here are a few common issues to be aware of:

• Hidden fees in the special conditions (auctioneers’ admin fees, legal fees, or non-refundable deposits)
• Unusual covenants that restrict use (e.g. no commercial activity, no pets)
• Short or defective leases that affect mortgage eligibility
• Missing documents such as local authority searches or lease details
• Tenancy issues, including uncooperative tenants or protected tenancies

Always Get the Legal Pack Reviewed

It’s highly recommended to have a qualified solicitor review the legal pack before bidding, especially if you're unfamiliar with auction purchases. They can flag any issues and help you understand the legal implications of what you're buying.

Some law firms even offer auction legal pack reviews for a fixed fee—a worthwhile investment compared to the cost of buying a problematic property.

Final Thoughts

The legal pack is your best line of defence in a high-stakes, fast-moving auction environment. While it might seem technical or dense, it contains everything you need to judge whether a property is a solid investment or a legal headache.

💡 Bottom line: Never bid at auction without thoroughly reviewing the legal pack—or getting a solicitor to do it for you.