If you’re planning to bid at a property auction in New South Wales (NSW), it’s important to understand how the registration process works. This guide outlines the key steps, so you feel confident and prepared on auction day.
Registering to Bid
Before you can place a bid at a residential property auction in NSW, you must register with the selling agent. Only registered bidders showing their bidder’s number are allowed to make bids during the auction.
While registration usually happens on auction day, you can also register in advance — for example, during a property inspection. If you choose to register early, you’ll still need to show your proof of identity on the auction day, so be sure to bring it with you.
When registering to bid, you need to provide your:
- Full name
- Address
- Proof of identity
Your details will be recorded in the official Bidders Record.
What ID Do You Need?
Acceptable forms of identification include government or financial institution-issued documents that show both your name and address — such as a driver’s licence.
If you don’t have a single document that shows both, you can use two documents:
- One showing your name (e.g. a passport or Medicare card)
- One showing your address (e.g. a utility bill or rental agreement)
If you are bidding with someone else, like a partner or spouse, only one of you needs to register.
Bidding on Behalf of Someone Else
IIf you are bidding on behalf of another person or a company, you must have written authorisation.
The letter of authority must include:
- The person’s name and address
- The ID number from their proof of identity
This applies whether you’re bidding in person, online, or over the phone.
If you’re bidding for a company, the letter must be printed on company letterhead and include the company’s ABN. This ABN is used as the company’s proof of identity.
Your Bidders Number
Once you’ve completed the registration process, you’ll receive a bidder’s number, usually printed on a card or paddle. You must show this number to the auctioneer each time you make a bid.
Registering to bid does not mean you have to place a bid — it simply gives you the right to do so if you choose.
Protecting Your Privacy When Bidding
Some buyers prefer to keep their identity and budget private when bidding at auction. If you’re concerned about confidentiality, you can appoint a buyer’s agent to bid on your behalf.
To do this, you’ll need to sign a limited Power of Attorney. This allows the buyer’s agent to register and bid for you. Only the buyer’s agent’s details will appear on the Bidders Record — not yours.
You can make the Power of Attorney as specific as you like. For example, it can apply only to a particular property on a set date and include a maximum bid limit in a separate document.
