The Property and Stock Agents Act 2002 and the Property and Stock Agents Regulation 2014 outline the rules governing a public auction in NSW. As of the 9th April 2022 the below information was accurate. Bidder.com.au accepts no responsibility for any variation to these rules after this date.
New South Wales: Property, Stock and Business Agents Regulation 2014 - Reg 15 CONDITIONS OF SALE BY AUCTION
The following conditions are prescribed as applicable to and in respect of the sale by auction of land or livestock:
(a). The vendor's reserve price must be given in writing to the auctioneer before the auction commences (but not if the auction relates solely to livestock).
(b). A bid for the vendor cannot be made unless the auctioneer has, before the commencement of the auction, announced clearly and precisely the number of bids that may be made by or on behalf of the vendor.
(c). The highest bidder is the purchaser, subject to any reserve price.
(d). In the event of a disputed bid, the auctioneer is the sole arbitrator and the auctioneer's decision is final.
(e). The auctioneer may refuse to accept any bid that, in the auctioneer's opinion, is not in the best interests of the vendor.
(f). A bidder is taken to be bidding on the bidder's own behalf unless, before bidding, the bidder has given to the auctioneer a copy of a written authority to bid for or on behalf of another person.
(g). A bid cannot be made or accepted after the fall of the hammer.
(h). As soon as practicable after the fall of the hammer the purchaser is to sign the agreement (if any) for sale.
The following conditions, in addition to those prescribed by subclause (1), are prescribed as applicable to and in respect of the sale by auction of residential property or rural land:
(a). All bidders must be registered in the Bidders Record and display an identifying number when making a bid.
(b). Subject to subclause (3), the auctioneer may make only one vendor bid at an auction for the sale of residential property or rural land and no other vendor bid may be made by the auctioneer or any other person.
(c). Immediately before making a vendor bid the auctioneer must announce that the bid is made on behalf of the seller or announce "vendor bid".
The following conditions, in addition to those prescribed by subclauses (1) and (2), are prescribed as applicable to and in respect of the sale by auction of co-owned residential property or rural land or the sale of such land by a seller as executor or administrator:
(a). More than one vendor bid may be made to purchase the interest of a co-owner.
(b). A bid by or on behalf of an executor or administrator may be made to purchase in that capacity.
(c). Before the commencement of the auction, the auctioneer must announce that bids to purchase the interest of another co-owner or to purchase as executor or administrator may be made by or on behalf of the seller.
(d). Before the commencement of the auction, the auctioneer must announce the bidder registration number of any co-owner, executor or administrator or any person registered to bid on behalf of any co-owner, executor or administrator.