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5 Best Auction Houses in Manchester: Where to Bid on Unique and Valuable Items

  • Credibility - We sized up each auction house’s track record and how sound they are—no fly-by-night operators here.
  • Expertise - We weighed up each auction house’s niche know-how (both in the gear they shift and the ins and outs of the bidding process)—proper expertise matters.
  • Customer Service - Having clear communication and buyers pleased as punch were non-negotiables we kept a close watch on.
  • Rates and Fees - Let’s face it, we’re all after the best bang for your quid—so our top picks don’t take the mickey with their fees.

I’m a budding luxury watch collector. While my collection’s a far cry from boasting the likes of Tudor, Omega, or Rolex just yet, I’m proper chuffed with the vintage Casios, Seikos, and Grand Seikos (yes, they’re different—don’t get it twisted!) I’ve got in my line-up.

A fair few of these timepieces have been passed down from elder family members, but most I’ve snapped up from vintage shops, flea markets, and the odd house clearance auction.

Which brings me to the point: auctions are utterly brilliant, aren’t they? There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of racing to get your bid in before the hammer falls—proper heart-in-your-mouth stuff.

Fancy a taste of that thrill yourself? We’ve put together a list of the top auction houses to help you bag your next treasure. Dive in below!

1. Auction House Manchester

auction-house-manchester

Services: Real estate auctioneer

Location: Edge View House, Salmon Fields Business Village, Royton, OL2 6HT

Contact: 0161 925 3254

Business hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday – CLOSED

Website

Google reviews score4.9/5
Trustpilot reviews score4.7/5
Total reviews4/5
Score consistency 4.5/5
Credibility4.5/5
Expertise4.5/5
Customer Service4/5
Rates and Fees(A higher score means better value)4/5

Royton’s Auction House Manchester has carved out a reputation as a reliable property auctioneer in Greater Manchester. 

With over a decade in business, it’s become one of the go-to for property auctions across the region, bolstered by partnerships with respected estate agents Ryder & Dutton and Mortimers. 

While many of its listings are older residential leaseholds—some showing their age—the vetting process ensures quality, even for fixer-uppers.

Whether you’re selling or buying, the team shines in walking you through the traditional auction process—no jargon, just clarity. Clients often highlight how straightforward transactions are here, and prompt updates are a welcome change from the radio silence common elsewhere.

Transparency is another strong suit: fees are laid out plainly on its website, so there’s no nasty surprises when bids succeed. 

All told, Auction House’s strikes a rare balance between professionalism and approachability, making it a solid pick for seasoned investors and first-timers alike.

Pros

  • Competitive and transparent pricing
  • Skilled and helpful staff
  • Timely communication

Cons

  • Closed on weekends

Great effort with successful outcome

“We recently sold a property through Auction house Manchester. Dean and his team put great effort in to get successful outcome for us. We had tried to sell the property through the modern method of auction and found the process dragged on until we eventually had to turn to something else.Thankfully the team at Auction house did the auction through the traditional method and it was a lot more straightforward and made for a successful outcome. We are not in the property market so explanation of everything was good for us so we could follow the process easily. Regular updates were provided throughout the process which we welcomed-thank you”

David Traynor, Google Review

Pleasing bid management

“Very happy with the service provided by Auction House Manchester. The property I was selling needed renovation and the auction route seemed the best way for developers to find it, which was exactly what happened. The team handled everything and kept me informed of what was happening, and did a great job promoting the property which sold well above the guide price. This was the first house I’ve put on the market and I’m very pleased with how it was managed.”

Tony Parkinson, Google Review

2. Pugh & Co. (Pugh Auctions)

pugh-co

Services: Real estate auctioneer

Location: 340 Deansgate, M3 4LY

Contact: 0345 505 1200

Business hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday – CLOSED

Website

Google reviews score4.9/5
Feefo reviews score4.9/5
Total reviews1/5
Score consistency 5/5
Credibility4.5/5
Expertise4.5/5
Customer Service3.5/5
Rates and Fees(A higher score means better value)3.5/5

Pugh & Co. is one of the most successful property auction houses in the UK, auctioning properties (residential, commercial, and everything in between) nationwide. We’re glad it’s in the heart of Deansgate, making it easily accessible for clients in the area.

With over 25 years of experience, Pugh Auctions is well-connected in the industry. It has a team of chartered surveyors who provide free property appraisals and expert advice on valuations, ensuring clients receive top-notch service.

However, as corporations grow, their communication often goes a bit pear-shaped, and Pugh & Co. is no exception. There have been instances of late responses and unclear information regarding processing and fees, which can leave clients feeling a bit miffed.

Despite these hiccups, Pugh & Co. remains a reputable auctioneer, known for its professionalism and expertise. Its commitment to providing quality service and achieving successful outcomes for clients makes it a top choice for property auctions in the UK.

Pros

  • Wide range of auctioned properties
  • Trusted auction house
  • Great team of chartered surveyors
  • Office conveniently located in city centre

Cons

  • Quality of service and communication vary
  • Lack of transparency on fees

Highly-recommended service

“Made life so much easier for my family. Kept us posted every step. Thanks to all concerned at Pugh Auctions. I would definitely recommend.”

Elaine Middleton, Google Review

First-class advice

“Have used them on more than one occasion and always found them to be very professional and knowledgeable. Their advice has proved to be first class. along [sic] with good communication throughout the whole selling process.”

Nick, Feefo Review

3. EAMA Group Auctions

eama-group-auctions

Services: Clearance stock and vehicle auctioneer

Location: Office 7, Quebec Offices, Bury Street, M3 7DU

Contact: 0161 833 4333

Business hours: 24/7

Website

Google reviews score4.5/5
Trustpilot reviews score4.6/5
Total reviews5/5
Score consistency 4/5
Credibility4.5/5
Expertise4.5/5
Customer Service3.5/5
Rates and Fees(A higher score means better value)4/5

The European Asset Management & Auction Group Limited (EAMA Group) is a respected name in the UK’s corporate sector, specialising in asset disposal and auctions. 

Based in Manchester, the firm focuses on maximising returns for sellers through live online auctions—offering buyers easy access to everything from anywhere: from niche lots to large-scale industrial assets.

What truly distinguishes EAMA is its dedication to top-tier service, whether handling modest sales or multimillion-pound clearances. Clients routinely praise the team’s efficiency and knack for securing favourable outcomes, with transactions often described as refreshingly hassle-free. 

Loyalty also pays off: its affiliate programme rewards repeat clients with referral commissions—a nice perk for regular users.

That said, there’s room for polish. A recurring gripe centres on post-sale logistics; buyers have flagged confusion around delivery costs, which are quoted after bidding concludes. Including these upfront would streamline pricing transparency.

Minor worries aside, EAMA remains a reliable choice for businesses seeking value and professionalism. A few tweaks to their process could make an already strong service truly first-rate.

Pros

  • Wide coverage area
  • Caters to both small- and large-scale auctions
  • Kind and helpful staff
  • Office conveniently located in city centre

Cons

  • Delivery fee quote comes after bid price payment

Straightforward and easy auctions

“Easiest auction I’ve dealt with. Straight forward payment instructions and straight forward collection procedures. I’ve dealt with alot of auctions which I can say have been shocking. To date EAMA offers the best value for money.”

James Brewin, Google Review

Great, but could still update delivery service

“Great service, delivered quickly. However there does not seem to be any payment link and had to pay by bank transfer. Also the delivery was a bit confusing. Had to pay for item THEN request a delivery quote. Many other auction sites provide a delivery quote prior to buying. The system could do with some updating to make it more user friendly and efficient.”

Ami A., Google Review

4. Maxwells Auctioneers

maxwells-auctioneers

Services: Fine art auctioneer

Location: 8 Levens Rd, Hazel Grove, Cheshire, Stockport SK7 5DL

Contact: 0161 439 5182

Business hours:

  • Monday to Thursday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Friday – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday – CLOSED

Website

Google reviews score4.5/5
Facebook reviews score5/5
Total reviews2/5
Score consistency 3.5/5
Credibility4.5/5
Expertise4.5/5
Customer Service3.5/5
Rates and Fees(A higher score means better value)4/5

For those seeking life’s finer things—the sort that can’t easily be found brand new (unless you’ve deep pockets or aristocratic lineage)—Maxwells Auctioneers is the place to go. 

Established over 15 years ago, the firm began in Wilmslow before cementing its reputation in Cheshire, specialising in fine art, antiques, and collectables.

Whether you’ve inherited a cherished heirloom and need a valuation or simply fancy browsing, Maxwells delivers. Its auctions are a spectacle worth experiencing first-hand, where the thrill of the bid brings history to life.

What truly sets Maxwells apart is its team’s approach. Staff treat every client with equal care and attention, whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time seller. 

That said, there’s room for improvement behind the scenes. A handful of sellers have noted occasional delays in updates or a lack of clear communication during the auction process—though this doesn’t overshadow the overall quality of service.

Pros

  • Well-regarded auctioneer
  • Holds regular auctions
  • Great for small or big auction lots
  • Professional and helpful staff

Cons

  • Communication with sellers can improve

Helpful bidding service

“My first ever online auction experience. Even though I am just a small fish in a big pond they could not have been more helpful. Will certainly be bidding again!”

Maria Jones, Google Review

Packing better than others

“Very pleased with service provided, staff friendly and polite, also packed and shipped my items at very reasonable price! The packing was better than most couriers! received them very promptly! Thank you all at Maxwell Auctioneers”

Dean Passa, Google Review

5. Auction Agent

auction-agent

Services: Real estate auctioneer

Location: 2 Mason Street, Bury, Lancashire, BL9 0RH

Contact: 0161 791 3099

Business hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday – CLOSED

Website

Google reviews score4.8/5
Total reviews3/5
Score consistency 3/5
Credibility4.5/5
Expertise4.5/5
Customer Service3.5/5
Rates and Fees(A higher score means better value)4/5

If you’re based west of the Pennines, chances are you’ve heard of Auction Agent—a trusted name in property auctions across the region. This firm streamlines the process of buying and selling homes and commercial properties, with a no-nonsense approach.

What stands out most is Auction Agent’s dedication to sellers. 

While an agency fee is naturally due upon completion, it charges nothing upfront for valuations or listings. Better still, it goes the extra mile with its online marketing efforts, ensuring properties grab attention in a crowded market.

Buyer transactions tend to run smoothly, thanks to the team’s efficiency and knack for clear, timely communication. Transparency is key here: Auction Agent keeps clients fully informed on fees, processes, and timelines at every stage—win or lose.

All in all, Auction Agent is a solid choice for property auctions, whether you’re a first-time buyer dipping your toes in or a seasoned investor with an eye for opportunity. 

Pros

  • Skilled and helpful staff
  • No seller upfront fees
  • Brilliant marketing strategy

Cons

  • Buyer experience may vary

Exceptional communication with clients

“Its [sic] been a pleasure dealing with Auction Agent. Its [sic] the first time I have ever done an auction and Both Rachel and Simon were exceptional with communication and explaining the process to me. I felt at ease and completed trusted them when it came to the pricing strategy. Which paid off. I received A LOT more than I ever expected from the property. I highly recommend!”

Jase Peri, Google Review

Straightforward and amazing service

“Aliah was absolutely amazing, thank you for all your help and advice! Puschase [sic] was straight forward, highly recommended agents. Thank you again! 😊”

Anett Csurke, Google Review

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