The news is full of doom and gloom about the property market, and it's true that there will be those squeezed off the property ladder as finances get tough. But for property investors, property auctions could provide a golden opportunity.

Property auction – Snap up some sizzling bargains

Whether you're looking for a home, a property investment or a buy-to-let, a property auction is one way of ensuring you get a great price. Buying or selling, you don't have to pay the extra cost of estate agents or languish for weeks (or months) in a property chain. Property auctions are a great opportunity for people and investors looking to make the most of their money, and ensure their property maximises its potential. You can buy at a great price at property auctions – usually 10 -15% cheaper than on the open market. From there, you can renovate a property and make huge profits. The Channel Four show, Property Ladder, shows how you can turn bricks and mortar into pure gold. One recent renovator bought a house in Dorset for £405,000, spent £260,000 renovating the home and made a profit of £100,000 as it shot up in value to £765,000.

Property auction – beat the squeeze

For home owners who simply don't have access to big borrowing, such a route is not an option. Lenders are tightening their lending criteria and are reluctant to give home loans to those with a bad credit history for example. As such, those homeowners who are in debt are not in a good position on the housing market. For them, a property auction could give them an opportunity to beat the financial squeeze by offering them a quick way to sell their home. Renting is much more affordable for most, and if you don't have the finances to spare or you're not able to take out a big home loan, home ownership can be a difficult investment to pull off - especially in the face of a potential property slump. You could end up falling into mortgage arrears. The idea your home can dig you out of a financial pit is misguided as banks will be reluctant to remortgage, release equity or offer mortgage holidays during the credit crunch. If you're already struggling with debt, your mortgage repayments could end up leaving you even deeper in debt – selling your home fast is one way of releasing much needed cash and avoiding the risks of repossession.

Find your property bargain with Discount Property Auction

If you need help to get a faster sale, want to sell and rent back or are looking to buy a property at auction, contact Discount Property Auction. We're committed to helping you, whatever your circumstances.

If you want to sell your home, you can use our dedicated online auction facility, which allows you to upload your property yourself and put it in front of genuine, interested buyers. Call us now on 0800 1313 999 or email admin@discountpropertyauction.co.uk.