Auctioneers are back holding outdoor auctions as Level 3 restrictions for COVID-19 have temporarily prevented them being held in the usual hotels and auction showrooms.

The restrictions are to operate for at least three weeks, to Tuesday 27 October.

Some auctioneers believe the restrictions place a ceiling of six on the numbers that could attend an indoor auction – which would normally make it impractical. Others interpret them as barring all organised indoor events, including auctions. So they have gone outdoors, often on to the farm that’s for sale or a local mart.

How do you stop people turning up?

At least one auctioneer held an auction in his own car park. “We just got the contracts signed and the heavens opened,” he said.

Another noted that restricting the attendance at an outdoor auction to the maximum 15 can be difficult. “How do you stop people turning up?”

For this reason, auctioneers are insisting that anyone interested in a property registers with their office in advance.

There is some concern that potential bidders may not want to cross county boundaries, also discouraged under Level 3. However, it’s likely that many potential buyers would regard travelling to view or bid on a farm as essential work travel.

The latest restrictions will also encourage interest in online auctions.