Selling Services – Modern Method Auction
The Modern Method of Auction, done differently.
Faster than private treaty. More accessible than traditional auction. Jeffrey Ross delivers the speed and transparency of MMoA with local expertise, lower buyer fees, and a personalised service from start to finish.gaged and maximises results for sellers.
The Basics
What is the Modern Method of Auction?
MMoA – also known as a Conditional Auction – combines the transparency and security of auction with a timeline that works for mortgage buyers. It sits neatly between private treaty and traditional auction.
Transparent Bidding
All parties see competing offers in real time. No negotiation in the dark – just an open, fair process that builds trust and can drive stronger results.
56-Day Completion Window
Unlike traditional auction’s 28-day deadline, MMoA allows buyers time to arrange mortgage financing – opening the door to a wider pool of serious purchasers.
Reservation Agreement
The winning bidder pays a non-refundable reservation fee, securing the property and demonstrating real commitment, significantly reducing the risk of fall-throughs.
Faster Than Private Treaty
How it differs from traditional auction
MMoA – also known as a Conditional Auction – combines the transparency and security of auction with a timeline that works for mortgage buyers. It sits neatly between private treaty and traditional auction.
Who is MMoA suitable for?
- Sellers wanting a faster, more secure sale
- Buyers needing mortgage finance
- Sellers with vacant or investment property
- Anyone who wants price transparency
- Landlords exiting the market
- Executors & probate sales
Method Comparison
Benefits of choosing MMoA
Whether you’re selling or buying, the Modern Method of Auction offers advantages that private treaty simply can’t match.
Faster Completion
A structured 56-day timeline beats the 100+ day average of private treaty sales, getting funds in your hands sooner.
Higher Security
The reservation fee creates real buyer commitment from day one, dramatically reducing the risk of sales falling through.
Competitive Bidding
Open, transparent bidding encourages competition between buyers – which can push the final price beyond initial expectations.
Broader Buyer Pool
The 56-day window means both cash buyers and mortgage buyers can participate, maximising interest in your property.
Reduced Risk of Withdrawal
With a non-refundable reservation fee paid upfront, buyers are far less likely to walk away once committed.
Transparent Process
No back-and-forth negotiations, no gazundering at the last minute. What you see is what you get.
Clear, Open Bidding
See all competing offers as they happen. No hidden agendas, no sealed bids – a genuinely fair process.
Time to Arrange Finance
The 56-day timeline gives mortgage buyers sufficient time to secure financing without the pressure of a 28-day traditional auction.
Protection from Gazumping
Once you’ve paid the reservation fee, the property is yours for the reservation period – sellers cannot withdraw without consequence.
Upfront Information Packs
Legal packs are prepared and shared before bidding begins, so you can make well-informed decisions with confidence.
Accessible & Straightforward
Bid online, 24/7. No need to attend a physical auction room – the process works around your schedule.
Lower Fees with Jeffrey Ross
Our 2% + VAT buyer fee is significantly below the industry norm of 4.5% – keeping the purchase more affordable for you.
Method Comparison
MMoA vs Traditional Auction vs Private Treaty
Not sure which route is right for you? Here’s how the three main selling methods compare side by side.
| FEATURE | MODERN METHOD (MMOA) | TRADITIONAL AUCTION | PRIVATE TREATY |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMPLETION TIMESCALE | 56 days - structured & predictable | 28 days from auction end | 100+ days, no fixed timeline |
| BUYER TYPES | Mortgage & cash buyers | Typically cash / investors | All buyer types |
| BIDDING PROCESS | Transparent online bidding | In-room or online auction | Private negotiation |
| FALL-THROUGH RISK | Low - reservation fee secures commitment | Very low - exchange on day | High - no financial commitment |
| GAZUMPING / GAZUNDERING | Reduced - reservation period protects both sides | Not applicable post-exchange | Common risk |
| EXCHANGE OF CONTRACTS | Within 56-day window | Immediately at auction end | Variable - no fixed point |
While the Modern Method of Auction offers a flexible, online approach that opens the market to a wider pool of buyers, some properties may be better suited to a more traditional auction route, particularly where speed and immediate legal commitment are key. Traditional auctions provide a fixed sale date and exchange contracts as soon as the hammer falls, offering maximum certainty for sellers .
As part of the Jeffrey Ross group, our partners at Seel Auctions offer a well-established, traditional auction service. If you feel this route may be more appropriate for your property, our team would be happy to discuss the best strategy for you.
The Process
Your MMoA journey from start to finish
A clear, structured process with no surprises. Here’s exactly what happens at every stage — for both seller and buyer.
Transparent Pricing
Clear fees. No surprises.
We believe in a fair, balanced approach to fees – one that keeps buyers engaged and maximises results for sellers.
Typical model
| Seller fee | Typically £0 |
| Buyer fee | 4.5% incl. VAT (min £6,600) |
| Buyer information pack | £349 incl. VAT (additional) |
| Legal pack | Covered by buyer reservation fee |
| Who manages the process? | National team |
Our split-fee model
| Seller fee | 1% + VAT (min £2,750 + VAT) |
| Buyer fee | 2% + VAT (min £2,750 + VAT) |
| Buyer information pack | Included |
| Legal pack | £550 + VAT (paid upfront by seller) |
| Who manages the process? | Your local Jeffrey Ross agent |
The Jeffrey Ross Difference
Why choose Jeffrey Ross for your auction sale?
Our approach to MMoA is built around one simple idea: lower barriers for buyers means more competition, and more competition means a better result for sellers.
Ready to explore the
Modern Method of Auction?
Talk to your local Jeffrey Ross team today.
We’ll assess your property, explain your options, and help you choose the right route to sale.