Selling Commercial Real Estate? This is why Auctions Are a Game-Changer

Selling a commercial property can often be a complex, time-consuming process. From finding qualified buyers to negotiating terms, traditional methods may not always yield the best results. Auctions, however, offer an efficient, transparent, and competitive alternative. At Galetti, we’ve mastered the art of auctioning properties, ensuring you achieve the highest possible value for your asset while minimizing the hassle.

What is a Commercial Real Estate Auction?

A commercial real estate auction is a fast, efficient sales method that connects motivated buyers in a competitive environment to bid on a property. Unlike traditional sales that can take months, auctions operate on a set timeline, creating urgency and often delivering quicker results.

With transparent bidding and real-time competition, auctions drive up prices while ensuring fairness for all parties. Properties are sold “voetstoots” (as-is) with no contingencies or financing delays, offering a straightforward and efficient process. Only pre-qualified, serious buyers can participate, reducing the risk of failed deals.

Auctions are ideal for high-demand or unique properties and for sellers who need a timely sale while maximizing value. Whether it’s an office building, retail property, or industrial space, auctions provide a proven way to achieve the best price efficiently.

Why Choose Auctions for Your Property?

Auctions offer unique advantages that set them apart from traditional real estate sales methods:

• Transparency: The bidding process is open and clear, giving sellers confidence in achieving the highest possible price.
• No Price Ceiling: Competitive bidding creates urgency and drives up the final sale price, often exceeding expectations.
• Serious Buyers Only: All bidders are pre-qualified and must deposit 16.5% into a trust account, ensuring commitment and eliminating financing risks.
• Quick Turnaround: Auctions follow a clear timeline, typically concluding within three months from listing to sale.
• No Suspensive Conditions: Properties are sold “voetstoots” (as-is), without clauses for financing, inspections, or post-sale negotiations.
• Buyer Pays Commission: The buyer pays the commission, so the price achieved on auction day is the net amount you take home.
• Customizable Terms: Sellers set the terms and conditions, ensuring the sale aligns with their needs.
• Maximized Exposure: Galetti’s tailored marketing campaigns target the right buyers, leveraging proprietary technology and an extensive database.

How Galetti Delivers Auction Success

• Tailored Marketing Campaigns: We use our proprietary tools and network of over 40,000 contacts to design marketing campaigns that maximize visibility. From social media to direct outreach, we ensure your property gets in front of serious buyers.
• Real-Time Market Insights: Our live market intelligence helps position your property strategically to attract competitive interest.
• End-to-End Support: Our team handles everything—from the initial property valuation to auction day and closing the deal. Sellers receive weekly updates on inquiries, engagement metrics, and buyer interest.

How to Attend a Galetti Auction

Galetti makes it simple for buyers and sellers to participate in our auctions. We offer both live auctions for commercial real estate in Johannesburg and Cape Town and online auctions for residential properties, catering to a wide range of clients.