Auction Finance
Deadline-led acquisition finance
We arrange auction acquisition finance within our £2m to £100m+ transaction range where certainty of completion and a credible next-stage facility are both essential. We review the legal pack and exit route before lender selection.
Typical use cases
- Commercial auction purchases Offices, industrial, retail, mixed-use and other business-purpose property bought under auction conditions.
- Value-add acquisitions Assets requiring lease work, planning progress or refurbishment before long-term finance is available.
- Development opportunities Sites acquired at auction that will move into a development facility after completion and due diligence.
- Portfolio purchases Multiple lots or asset packages requiring coordinated valuation, legal work and drawdown.
How we structure the deal
- Before bidding, we assess the guide price, likely purchase price, deposit, legal pack and intended business plan.
- The acquisition bridge is sized against purchase price and value, allowing for retained interest, fees and any initial works.
- Where appropriate, the follow-on refinance or development facility is considered alongside the bridge to avoid a weak exit.
- Valuation, legal and credit workstreams are coordinated against the auction completion date, with risks raised early.
What lenders look for
- Legal pack Title, searches, special conditions, tenancy information and restrictions that could affect security.
- Deposit and equity Evidence that the deposit and any balance of required equity are immediately available.
- Borrower plan A practical plan for the asset after completion, supported by costs, permissions and relevant experience.
- Repayment route A refinance or sale route that remains credible after interest, costs and delivery times are allowed for.
Frequently asked questions
Should finance be arranged before bidding?
Yes. A pre-bid review cannot guarantee completion, but it can identify likely leverage, legal concerns and lender appetite before the deposit is at risk.
Can you fund the auction deposit?
Most auction buyers provide the deposit from their own resources. The bridge generally completes the purchase and may reimburse part of the equity, subject to lender terms.
What happens after the acquisition bridge?
The usual next step is investment refinance, sale or a development facility. We assess that route when the bridge is structured.
Can auction finance cover mixed-use property?
Yes, where the transaction is for business purposes. Lender appetite depends on the commercial and residential mix, condition, occupancy and exit.
What information is needed before an auction?
We normally need the legal pack, property details, proposed bid, borrower background, source of deposit and a clear plan for repayment.
Offices
Registered and North of England office: Ayrshire Lodge, Brass Castle Lane, Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, TS8 9EB.
London office: 167-169 Great Portland Street, 5th Floor, London, W1W 5PF.
Telephone +44 7746 212528. Email som@unicorn-commercial.co.uk
Unicorn Capital Advisory is a trading name of Unicorn Capital Advisory LLP (LLP No. OC459692). Finance is arranged for business purposes only and is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Home | Services | About | Case studies | Insights