The 7 Best Auction Houses in London

London, a city steeped in history and culture, is home to some of the world’s most prestigious auction houses. Whether you’re an avid collector, an art enthusiast, or simply curious, exploring the top 7 auction houses in London offers a glimpse into a world where art, history, and commerce intersect. From fine art to rare antiques, these establishments are venues where treasures are discovered and legacies are sold.

When choosing an auction house, there are several factors to consider to ensure a rewarding experience. Here are some key services and aspects:

Appraisals: Expert valuations of your items to determine market value.
Consignment: Options to sell your items through the auction house.
Bidding: Opportunities to participate in live or online auctions.
Catalogues: Detailed listings and descriptions of items available for auction.
Private Sales: Discreet and personalized buying or selling outside the auction setting.
Condition Reports: In-depth analysis of the item’s condition prior to purchase.
Buyer’s Premium: A percentage added to the final hammer price, usually ranging from 10% to 25%.
Payment Plans: Flexible options for purchasing high-value items.

Understanding these elements will enhance your experience, whether you’re buying a $500 collectible or a $5 million masterpiece. Dive into our guide to discover the 7 best auction houses in London.

1. Sotheby's
2. Christie's London
3. The Saleroom

4. Mchugh & Co
5. Barnard Marcus Auction House
6. Savills Auctions
7. Lime Auction House Ltd

Number of companies

1447

Verified reviews

4,04

Average rating

+442072935000

1. Sotheby's

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,7/5

34-35 New Bond St, W1A 2AA, London

Auction house

Why we chose them

Sotheby’s London is renowned for its prestigious fine art auctions and private sales, offering an unparalleled experience for collectors and art enthusiasts. Known for presenting masterworks spanning centuries, Sotheby’s showcases an impressive array of fine art, jewels, watches, and wines. Their curated exhibitions feature iconic pieces from artists like Pablo Picasso and Wassily Kandinsky, as well as a focus on unique collections such as the arts of the Islamic world and India. The auction house also highlights modern and contemporary art, with exclusive events like the LDN > PAR selling exhibition, ensuring a captivating journey through artistic heritage.

The auction house is celebrated for its innovative sales approach, offering monthly events like The Gem Drop, featuring exquisite gemstones and diamonds. They also provide opportunities for private sales, allowing clients to acquire exclusive luxury items such as high-end jewelry and limited edition handbags. With a lowered buyer’s premium on most items, Sotheby’s continues to attract a diverse clientele eager to explore and invest in art and luxury. From the elegance of Federico Castellón’s surrealism to the craftsmanship of Hermès handbags, Sotheby’s London remains a leading destination for discerning collectors and art lovers worldwide.

+442078399060

2. Christie's London

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,6/5

8 King St, SW1Y 6QT, London

Auction house

Why we chose them

Christie’s London, established in 1766, is a leading art and luxury business known for its expert live and online auctions, as well as bespoke private sales. With a prestigious reputation, the company offers a comprehensive range of global services, including art appraisal, art financing, international real estate, and education. Christie’s has a significant presence in 46 countries, with key sales hubs in New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris, and Geneva, and is the only international auction house authorized to conduct sales in mainland China.

The company showcases an impressive array of art and luxury items, from fine art and antiques to jewellery and watches. Recent highlights include the debut of the rare ‘Polonaise’ carpet and the acquisition of classic automotive auction house, Gooding & Company. With a commitment to connecting art enthusiasts worldwide, Christie’s also engages clients through its digital platform, Christie’s 3.0, offering digital art and NFTs. The company extends its expertise through Christie’s Art Finance and Christie’s Education, providing financial solutions and online learning opportunities in the art world.

+442037255555

3. The Saleroom

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3,3/5

The Harlequin Building, 65 Southwark St, SE1 0HR, London

Auction house
Antique furniture store
Antique store
Art dealer
Collectibles store
Fashion accessories store
Furniture accessories
Furniture store
Jewelry store
Watch store

Why we chose them

The Saleroom is recognized as Europe’s leading marketplace for art, antiques, and collectables, drawing over 8 million visitors annually to its platform. As an integral part of the Auction Technology Group (ATG), it offers a trusted gateway to the secondary market for extraordinary treasures. By connecting with more than 700 auction houses globally, the platform curates a vast selection of unique items that range from antique furniture and decorative art to luxury watches and jewelry. Its digital infrastructure allows bidders to explore a world of secondary goods from the comfort of their homes, utilizing innovative auction solutions revered by industry experts worldwide.

Offering a comprehensive array of services, The Saleroom functions as an auction house, antique store, art dealer, and more. It provides access to a diverse range of categories including fine art, collectables, decorative art, and vintage fashion. Popular items feature works by renowned artists like Banksy and Picasso, as well as sought-after collectibles such as vintage guitars and Rolex watches. The platform’s ease of use and expert curation make it a go-to destination for those looking to own a piece of history or a unique item that stands out. With millions of unique items added each year, it remains a leader in bringing the allure of the auction world to a digital audience.

+442074850112

4. Mchugh & Co

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,2/5

71 Parkway, London

Auction house
Apartment rental agency
Property investment company
Real estate agent
Real estate auctioneer

Why we chose them

McHugh & Co. stands out as a distinguished independent property auctioneer and estate agent in North London, renowned for its expertise in handling a diverse range of properties. Established in 1983, the company excels in conducting regular auctions that feature residential, commercial, and investment properties across London and the UK. As a leading auction house, they offer a seamless auction process, providing clients with an efficient and trustworthy platform for property transactions. Their services extend to apartment rental agency and property investment company operations, ensuring comprehensive support for all real estate needs.

The company’s strategic location near Regents Park enhances its appeal, offering clients access to prime properties in a sought-after area. With an emphasis on customer satisfaction, they provide free market appraisals for sales, lettings, and auctions, showcasing their commitment as a dedicated real estate agent and real estate auctioneer. Their featured properties, like the Share of Freehold on Albert Street, highlight key offerings such as high ceilings and modern leases, underscoring their attention to quality and detail. Clients can stay informed through subscription alerts and upcoming auction details, reflecting the company’s proactive approach to real estate services.

+442087419990

5. Barnard Marcus Auction House

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2,9/5

Sovereign House, 361 King St, W6 9NA, London

Auction house
Property management company
Real estate agency
Real estate agent
Surveyor

Why we chose them

Barnard Marcus Auction House in Hammersmith is a distinguished player in the UK’s property auctioneering scene, renowned for hosting live auctions at prestigious venues such as The Grand Connaught Rooms in London. With a robust schedule of ten national auctions annually, supplemented by additional events as customer demand dictates, they ensure a dynamic and accessible property market for buyers and sellers alike. Their comprehensive services, including property management, real estate agency, and surveying, are designed to streamline the buying and selling process, offering clients a professional and efficient experience.

What sets this auction house apart is its commitment to providing personalized service, inviting clients to discuss their property needs, whether buying or selling. The auction process is tailored to be swift and straightforward, often exceeding client expectations regarding sale prices. Testimonials reflect the company’s dedication to making auctions approachable, with many first-time buyers and sellers finding the experience surprisingly positive. This focus on customer satisfaction and professional service makes them a standout choice for inclusion in our directory.

+442078249091

6. Savills Auctions

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3,6/5

33 Margaret St, W1G 0JD, London

Auction house
Real estate auctioneer

Why we chose them

Savills Auctions stands out as a premier real estate auctioneer in the UK, offering unparalleled expertise with over a century of combined experience. Renowned for facilitating tens of thousands of successful sales, the company provides invaluable advice tailored to the current market conditions. Their comprehensive services encompass everything from selling to buying properties through auctions, ensuring clients have access to a wide range of opportunities. With upcoming auction events and a rich catalogue of featured properties, they cater to various preferences and investment goals, making them a key player in the auction industry.

Committed to innovation, Savills Auctions enables remote bidding through online platforms, telephone, and proxy bids, ensuring accessibility for all clients. Their user-friendly website offers a wealth of resources, including guides on the bidding process, auction finance, and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures. This dedication to client education and support underscores their position as a trusted leader in property auctions. The company’s extensive network and strategic approach ensure that properties reach the right audience, maximizing exposure and potential sales outcomes.

+442072062551

7. Lime Auction House Ltd

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5,0/5

140 Farmilo Rd, E17 8JR, London

Auction house
Real estate consultant
Real estate agent

Why we chose them

Lime Auction House Ltd, now part of The Lime Group, stands out in the UK’s real estate landscape for its comprehensive services in buying and selling land and property. This dynamic company operates through various platforms, including an Auction House (Online Only), an Estate Agency, and Off Market transactions. Their expertise spans all asset classes, offering services for properties ranging from £5,000 to £1B. This breadth of service and expertise makes them a valuable addition to our directory, as they cater to a diverse range of clients and property needs.

The company’s commitment to innovation and client satisfaction is evident in their online auction model, which provides a modern and accessible approach to property transactions. As a Real Estate Consultant and Real Estate Agent, they offer tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each client. Their presence on social media, particularly Instagram, reflects a forward-thinking strategy to engage with potential buyers and sellers, showcasing their latest property and land listings. This combination of traditional real estate knowledge and modern technology underscores their reputation as a trusted leader in the industry.

FAQs

What services do auction houses in London typically offer?

Auction houses in London usually provide services such as appraisals, consignment opportunities, live and online bidding, detailed catalogues, private sales, condition reports, and payment plans.

How do I get my items appraised at an auction house?

You can contact the auction house to schedule an appraisal. This involves experts assessing your item's value based on market trends, rarity, and condition.

What are the average costs for selling items at an auction house in London?

The costs can include a seller's commission, ranging from 10% to 25% of the hammer price, and additional fees for appraisals and cataloguing, typically between €100 and €500.

How long does the auction process take from consignment to sale?

The timeline varies but generally takes between 4 to 8 weeks, from the initial consignment to the actual auction event.

What should I consider when choosing an auction house in London?

Consider the auction house's reputation, expertise in your item's category, the range of services offered, and their buyer base to ensure a successful sale.

What is a buyer's premium and how much is it in London?

A buyer's premium is an additional fee on top of the hammer price, usually between 10% and 25%, depending on the auction house.

Can I participate in auctions online, and how does it work?

Yes, many auction houses offer online bidding. You can register on their website, view the catalogue, and place bids in real-time during the auction.

Are there flexible payment options available for high-value purchases?

Yes, many auction houses offer payment plans to accommodate high-value purchases, allowing you to pay over a period of time.