Terms and Conditions
Last updated: April 2026
Auction Conditions
These conditions apply to every lot offered for sale at Grand Auction House and to every contract for the sale of goods made through us. By bidding at our auctions you agree to be bound by these terms in full.
Glossary
- “We”, “us”, “Grand Auction House” — Grand Auction House Ltd.
- “Buyer” — the person, firm or company to whom a lot is knocked down.
- “Seller” — the person, firm or company offering a lot for sale through us as agent.
- “Hammer Price” — the price knocked down by the auctioneer to the buyer (excluding buyer’s premium and VAT).
- “Buyer’s Premium” — the premium charged by us in addition to the hammer price.
- “Reserve” — the confidential minimum price agreed between us and the seller below which a lot will not be sold.
Auction Conduct Conditions
Our Role
We act as agent for the seller. The contract for the sale of every lot is between the seller and the buyer; we are not a party to that contract. We are not liable for any breach of contract by the seller.
Bidding & Reserve Prices
The auctioneer has sole discretion to refuse any bid, advance the bidding, withdraw or divide any lot, combine any two or more lots and to settle any dispute. Where there is a reserve, the auctioneer may bid on the seller’s behalf up to the reserve. The bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer at the fall of the hammer is the buyer.
The Contract
A binding contract of sale is formed at the fall of the hammer, subject to these terms and the description in the catalogue (and any saleroom announcements).
Sellers and Buyers — Terms & Conditions
1. Agent for the Seller
We sell as agent for the seller. The buyer’s contract is with the seller, save where we own the lot in our own right, in which case it will be marked accordingly in the catalogue.
2. Definitions
Words and expressions used in these terms have the meanings set out in the Glossary above.
3. Catalogue Descriptions
Catalogue descriptions are statements of opinion only. They are not warranties or representations of fact. Buyers are encouraged to inspect lots before bidding and to satisfy themselves as to authenticity, condition, attribution, and provenance.
4. Inspection
All lots are available for viewing during the published viewing days. Lots are sold “as seen” subject to these terms.
5. Condition Reports
Condition reports are issued in good faith but are not contractual. Where a written report has been issued, no rescission of the sale is permitted on grounds covered in the report.
6. Electricals
Electrical items are sold as decorative pieces unless specifically stated. They are not certified as safe for use and should be inspected by a qualified electrician before being connected to the mains.
7. Estimates
Estimates are guides only. They reflect our opinion of the likely hammer price range. Lots may sell above or below estimate.
8. Reserves
The seller may agree a reserve with us in confidence. The reserve will not exceed the lower estimate.
9. Registration
All bidders must register before bidding. We may require photographic ID, proof of address, and a security hold of up to £10,000 on a debit card for Auction Passport / online registration.
10. Proof of Identity
We are required to verify identity for AML and counter-terrorism financing purposes. We may decline registration or refuse a sale where verification cannot be completed.
During the Sale
Attendance
Lots may be bid on in person, by telephone, by absentee bid, or via approved online platforms.
Personal Bidding
The auctioneer accepts bids from registered bidders only. The auctioneer may at any time call for proof of identity or financial standing.
Commission Bids
Commission (absentee) bids must be lodged with us at least 3 hours before the start of the sale.
Telephone Bids
Telephone bidding is offered subject to availability. Lines are limited and we cannot guarantee a connection. Telephone bids are deemed to commence at the lower estimate.
Internet Bids
Online bidding is provided through third-party platforms (EasyLive Auction, The Saleroom, Bidspirit, Bidsquare). Their terms apply in addition to ours. Internet surcharges apply — see “After the Sale”.
Bidding on Behalf of Someone
If you bid on behalf of a third party you must declare this to us in writing before the sale and provide identification documents for the principal.
Dispute Resolution
The auctioneer’s decision in any saleroom dispute is final.
Contract Formation and Effects
Contract of Sale
A contract of sale is formed at the fall of the hammer, between the buyer and the seller (with us as agent).
Transfer of Property
Title to the lot passes to the buyer on payment in full of the hammer price, buyer’s premium, VAT, and any other charges due.
Transfer of Risks
Risk in the lot passes to the buyer at the fall of the hammer. Buyers should ensure adequate insurance is in place from that moment.
Cancellation
Save in cases of demonstrable forgery, sales are final and cannot be cancelled.
After the Sale
Payment
Payment is due immediately after the fall of the hammer. Payment in full is required within 2 weeks of the auction date.
Buyer’s Premium
25% on the hammer price plus VAT on the first £500,000; 12% plus VAT on the balance thereafter.
Wine & Spirits sales: 21% plus VAT.
Buyer’s Administration Fee
A buyer’s administration fee applies on each invoice:
- £1,200 (£1,000 + VAT) on lots over £50,000.
- £900 (£750 + VAT) on lots up to £50,000.
Online Bidding Surcharges
Surcharges apply on lots won via third-party online platforms. Refer to the live invoice for the exact amount.
Taxes
VAT is added to the buyer’s premium and to all charges where applicable. Lots marked with the appropriate symbol are also subject to VAT on the hammer price.
Artist Resale Rights (Droit de Suite)
Where applicable, ARR is collected on lots by qualifying artists in addition to the hammer price, in accordance with the prevailing scale.
Remedies for Non-Payment
If the buyer fails to make payment within the period set out above, we may, without notice, pursue any of the remedies available at law including charging interest, reselling the lot, or storing the lot at the buyer’s expense. An HPI / TER check fee of £125 + VAT applies on unsold items collected by vendors after the sale.
Collection
Lots may be collected during published collection hours, or by appointment.
Storage
The first 10 days of storage are free. Thereafter £15/day applies to smalls and £20/day applies to furniture and large lots.
Shipping
We do not ship directly. Buyers must instruct their own carrier — see the Shipping Policy.
Loss or Damage
Risk passes at the fall of the hammer. We are not liable for loss or damage after that point.
Cultural Goods Restrictions
Buyers are responsible for any export or import licences required for cultural goods, including CITES permits where applicable.
Selling
All vendor terms (commission, settlement, illustration fees, withdrawal charges, unsold-lot disposal) are documented in the consignment agreement issued at the time of consignment. The principal terms are summarised on our Selling page; please contact us for the full rate card.
Auctions Act 1927 — Sections 1–4
The text of the Auctions (Bidding Agreements) Act 1927, sections 1 to 4, applies to all auctions conducted by Grand Auction House and is reproduced in full in our printed conditions, which are available on request.
Auctions Act 1969 — Sections 1–5
The text of the Auctions (Bidding Agreements) Act 1969, sections 1 to 5, applies to all auctions conducted by Grand Auction House and is reproduced in full in our printed conditions, which are available on request.
Protecting Auctioneers
Any attempt by bidders to interfere with bidding, to form a “ring” or to suppress competitive bidding is a criminal offence under the Auctions (Bidding Agreements) Acts and will be reported to the police.
White Label Platforms
Where bidding takes place via a white-label or third-party platform branded as a Grand Auction House service, the platform terms apply jointly with these conditions. In the event of a conflict, our conditions prevail.