David Mills – Are you registered to bid?

Are you registered to bid? How to register and prepare for auction day

Buying property at auction is one of the most exciting ways to secure real estate, but it can also feel a little intimidating if you haven’t done it before. One of the most important steps is becoming a registered bidder, which is a legal requirement in New South Wales before you can raise your hand on auction day. Many buyers ask us: are you registered to bid? If the answer is no, here’s how to get organised.

To help you feel prepared, this guide explains how to register, what documents you’ll need, and how the deposit process works. Whether you’re buying as an individual, with a partner, or through a company, getting organised early ensures the auction runs smoothly and you can bid with confidence.

Registering as an individual

If you are bidding on your own, registering is a straightforward process. We recommend completing your registration before auction day to avoid last-minute delays. Ask yourself: are you registered to bid ahead of time, or are you leaving it until the last minute?

You’ll need to provide:

Proof of identification (driver’s licence or passport)

Proof of residence

A signed acknowledgement of the auction’s terms and conditions

This can be done in person at our office, or through a secure online platform. Once complete, we’ll issue your bidder number. On auction day, you simply collect your bidding card and you’re ready to go.

Registering with a partner or joint buyer

It’s common for two people to buy a property together, whether that’s a couple, family members, or business partners. If this applies to you, each person listed on the contract must also be registered. Quite often, one partner can’t attend the auction. If that’s the case, are you registered to bid on behalf of them? If not, you’ll need to be before the auction begins.

If only one of you can be there on the day, an additional form is required so the attending buyer can legally bid for the other. Completing this ahead of time avoids unnecessary stress when the auction starts.

Registering as a company

If you’re purchasing property through a company, the question is still the same: are you registered to bid under the correct entity? In this case, there are a few extra steps:

1. Provide personal identification for the individual who will bid.

2. Supply a letter from your accountant or on your company letterhead confirming you are a director authorised to act on behalf of the company.

This ensures the company is legally recognised as the purchaser should your bid be successful.

Paying your deposit on auction day

Once the hammer falls and you’re the winning bidder, the deposit is due immediately. Traditionally, this was done by cheque, but the process is now simpler and faster.

At our auctions, we use Macquarie DEFT Pay, which allows for an instant real-time transfer. You just provide your BSB and account details, and the funds are transferred securely on the spot. With this system, once you’re registered to bid and win the auction, your deposit is secured without delay.

Why it pays to be prepared

Asking yourself are you registered to bid is the first step toward a smooth auction experience. By taking care of the paperwork early, you can focus entirely on bidding confidently rather than worrying about last-minute details.

Whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing to a larger property, or purchasing through a company, registration is essential. Being prepared gives you an edge and helps you secure the property you want.

Final thoughts

So, are you registered to bid at your upcoming auction? If not, now is the time to get organised. Having your identification, documents, and deposit arrangements ready will make the process seamless and stress-free.

At McGrath, we’re here to guide you through every step of the auction process – from registering as a bidder to helping you place the winning bid. If you’d like more information or advice about buying property at auction in the Northern Rivers, contact our team today.