🧮 Free Tool

Auction Max Bid Calculator

Work out the maximum you should bid at auction — factoring in all costs, your target profit, and a contingency buffer. Never overbid again.

📥 Your Numbers

What you expect to sell for after any works
£
Include all works — building, electrical, plumbing, fit-out
£
Buyer solicitor fees, searches, land registry
£
Check the special conditions — often 1.5–2.5%+VAT or a flat fee
£
Use our SDLT Calculator to work this out
£
Arrangement fees, monthly interest, exit fees
£
Minimum net profit you need to make this deal worthwhile
£
Buffer for unexpected costs — 10% is a sensible minimum
10%

📊 Your Maximum Bid

Maximum Safe Bid
£—

⚠️ Costs exceed ARV. At these numbers there is no room for a safe bid. Revisit your costs or ARV estimate before bidding.

After-Repair Value (ARV) £—
Total Costs £—
— of which contingency £—
Target Profit £—
Maximum Bid £—
Profit Margin on ARV —%
Cost-to-ARV Ratio —%

⚠️ Always verify auction fees and seller-paid costs in the Special Conditions of Sale — they are legally binding from the moment the hammer falls.

How the calculation works

ARV After-repair value — what the property is worth when the work is done
Refurb + Legal + Auction fees + SDLT + Finance costs + Target profit
Contingency % applied to ARV (buffer for the unexpected)
= Maximum bid — the most you can pay and still hit your profit target

Know what's hiding in the legal pack

Your max bid is only as good as the numbers you put in. Hidden seller fees, indemnity obligations and special conditions can add thousands — all buried in the legal pack.

Upload Your Legal Pack for a Full AI Analysis →

For informational purposes only. Not legal, tax or financial advice. Always verify costs with your solicitor, accountant and surveyor before bidding. LegalPack AI accepts no liability for decisions made using this calculator.