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ESTATES / PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
A Professional Auction Partner for Executors & Attorneys
Administering an estate requires accountability, transparency and careful management of estate assets. Bavaria Auction House works alongside executors, attorneys and fiduciary professionals to provide a structured valuation, consignment and auction service for movable estate assets.
From an initial assessment through cataloguing, marketing, auction and final seller reporting, our objective is to simplify the disposal process while providing the executor with clear documentation at every stage.
A COORDINATED SERVICE
One Accountable Partner From Assessment to Settlement
Bavaria can coordinate the disposal of movable estate assets from initial instruction through final auction reporting, with a clear point of contact for the authorised estate representative.
The service is designed to bring order to a process that can otherwise involve many separate decisions: what should be assessed, what may be suitable for auction, how items are presented, and how the eventual sale results are recorded. Each instruction remains subject to written terms and the authority of the person appointing Bavaria.
THE ESTATE AUCTION PROCESS
A considered nine-stage process
A structured sequence helps professional advisers and authorised representatives understand what happens next.
02
On-site assessment
03
Inventory and preliminary valuation
04
Collection / secure handling where required
05
Professional cataloguing and photography
06
Auction marketing
07
Competitive auction
08
Buyer payment and reconciliation
09
Detailed seller / estate settlement report
SERVICES FOR PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS
Support for Executors & Attorneys
From estate contents assessments to post-auction reporting, the service can be shaped around the assets and the instruction.
Estate contents assessments and inventory review
Preliminary valuation guidance for auction suitability
Fine art, antiques, jewellery, silver, furniture and collectibles
Cataloguing and professional photography
Collection and logistics coordination where agreed
Auction marketing and buyer administration
Payment reconciliation
Comprehensive post-auction reporting
Other movable assets where suitable
DOCUMENTATION & TRANSPARENCY
A clear record for estate administration
Bavaria provides clear records suitable for estate administration, including itemised catalogues, auction results, applicable commissions or charges, buyer payments and seller settlement information. The reporting reflects the agreed consignment terms and the relevant auction results.
An auction can be appropriate where transparent market exposure, competitive bidding, efficient disposal of multiple asset categories and a documented sale process are useful to the authorised estate representative. No price or outcome is guaranteed.
WHY EXECUTORS USE BAVARIA AUCTION HOUSE
Why Executors & Attorneys Choose Bavaria
A considered process for professional advisers who need clarity, communication and a documented auction outcome.
Transparent Commission
For qualifying substantial or complete deceased estates, the Limited Launch Offer seller's commission is 5%, with no VAT added to Bavaria's commission while Bavaria is not VAT registered. The standard tariff after the launch offer is 8%. The applicable commission and any additional agreed costs are confirmed in writing before consignment, giving the executor clarity regarding the anticipated costs of sale.
Professional Asset Assessment
We assist in identifying items suitable for specialist auction rather than treating an estate simply as general household contents. Potentially valuable artworks, antiques, jewellery, silver, watches, furniture, porcelain, collectables and decorative arts can be identified and appropriately presented.
Detailed Cataloguing
Suitable lots are individually photographed, catalogued, described, researched where appropriate and allocated auction estimates. This creates a useful record of property entrusted for auction.
Competitive Online Bidding
Suitable property is offered through an online auction environment where multiple registered buyers can compete for lots. Auction activity does not guarantee a particular price or selling result.
Clear Estate Reporting
After an auction, the executor can receive detailed seller reporting showing, where applicable, the lot number, item description, hammer price or sale result, seller commission, agreed charges, VAT where applicable, net proceeds, unsold lots and settlement information. This provides a clear record of the auction realisation for the executor's estate administration records.
One Point of Contact
Bavaria provides a coordinated point of contact for the estate auction process rather than requiring the executor to manage individual buyers.
Discreet & Professional Handling
Deceased estates often involve sensitive family circumstances. Bavaria approaches inspections, cataloguing and disposal professionally and discreetly.
PROCESS SUPPORT
Reducing the Administrative Burden on the Executor
Managing movable property can be time-consuming. Bavaria can coordinate the auction-related process while the executor and professional advisers remain responsible for the broader administration of the estate.
1Initial discussion with executor or authorised representative
2Property inspection where appropriate
3Identification of auctionable assets
4Preliminary auction estimates
5Consignment documentation
6Photography
7Cataloguing
8Lot preparation
9Auction marketing
10Online bidding
11Buyer payment administration
12Coordination of buyer collections
13Seller reporting
14Settlement of net proceeds according to agreed terms
FLEXIBLE INSTRUCTION
Complete Estate or Selected Assets
Complete Estate Contents
Where a substantial collection of suitable movable assets requires assessment and disposal.
Selected Valuable Assets
Where only particular artworks, jewellery, antiques, silver, furniture or collectables are appropriate for specialist auction.
Inherited Collections
Where beneficiaries require assistance assessing whether inherited collections should be retained, divided or offered for auction. We do not advise on legal rights or beneficiary distributions.
SCOPE OF ASSESSMENT
Estate Assets We Can Assess
Fine Art
South African Art
International Art
Antiques
Jewellery
Watches
Silver
Furniture
Porcelain & Ceramics
Decorative Arts
Sculptures
Rugs & Carpets
Books
Collectables
Specialist Collections
General Household Contents where suitable
HOW IT WORKS
From Estate Assessment to Settlement
1 —
Initial Consultation
The executor, attorney or authorised representative contacts Bavaria and provides preliminary information about the estate.
2 —
Assessment
Photographs, inventories or an on-site inspection can be used to assess the nature and likely auction suitability of the assets.
3 —
Auction Recommendation
Bavaria identifies assets suitable for auction and discusses preliminary estimates, proposed commission and any additional agreed services.
4 —
Written Consignment
Once instructed by the authorised representative, appropriate consignment documentation is completed.
5 —
Cataloguing & Photography
Suitable assets are professionally presented for auction.
6 —
Marketing
Lots are promoted to relevant prospective buyers and collectors through the auction platform and appropriate marketing channels.
7 —
Auction
Registered bidders compete for the lots during the relevant online auction.
8 —
Buyer Administration
Bavaria administers successful bidder payments and coordinates release or collection of purchased lots in accordance with the auction terms.
9 —
Estate Reporting & Settlement
Subject to cleared purchaser funds and completion of required verification, compliance or administrative procedures, net proceeds will ordinarily be settled within 14 days after the purchaser has paid in full and the funds have cleared. Net proceeds are the Hammer Price less the Seller's Commission, applicable Lot charges or taxes, agreed charges and expenses, and any other amounts properly due under the Consignment Agreement.
START WITH AN ESTATE ASSESSMENT
Three Ways to Begin
Choose the starting point most useful to the estate and its authorised representative.
Send Photographs
For an initial indication of whether particular assets may be suitable for auction.
Send an Inventory
Share an existing estate inventory for preliminary review.
Request an Inspection
Request an appointment where the size or nature of the estate warrants an on-site assessment.
PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
For Attorneys & Fiduciary Practices
Bavaria Auction House welcomes ongoing professional relationships with attorneys, professional executors, fiduciary practitioners, trust companies and estate administrators requiring a dependable auction resource for their clients and estates.
A professional practice can contact Bavaria when an estate requiring auction assistance arises. We aim to provide a consistent point of contact, clear communication and documented auction reporting throughout each instruction. Bavaria does not offer referral commissions.
BECOME A PROFESSIONAL CONTACTFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Estate Auction Questions
Does Bavaria Auction House handle complete deceased estates?
Substantial complete estates can be assessed, although suitability depends upon the nature, location, quantity and estimated value of the assets.
Can you assess only selected items from an estate?
Yes. Executors may submit selected artworks, antiques, jewellery, silver, furniture and other potentially valuable assets.
Do you provide valuations?
Bavaria can discuss preliminary auction estimates and any valuation service actually appropriate to the instruction. An auction estimate is an opinion of a likely auction range, not a guaranteed selling price or legal, tax or estate-administration valuation.
How is the seller's commission calculated?
For qualifying substantial deceased estates, the Limited Launch Offer commission is 5%, with no VAT added to Bavaria's commission while Bavaria is not VAT registered. The standard tariff after the launch offer is 8%, subject to written agreement and the nature of the consignment.
Are there additional charges?
Any applicable additional services or charges should be agreed and disclosed in writing before consignment. No specific additional charge is implied by this page.
What happens to unsold items?
Unsold items are dealt with according to the agreed consignment terms and instructions from the authorised estate representative.
How quickly is an estate settled?
Subject to Bavaria Auction House having received the purchase price in full and in cleared funds, and completion of required verification, compliance or administrative procedures, net proceeds will ordinarily be settled within 14 days after the purchaser has paid in full and the funds have cleared. Bavaria Auction House is not required to advance funds before cleared purchaser payment has been received.
Can an attorney submit an enquiry on behalf of an executor?
Yes, provided the appropriate authority and estate information can subsequently be established.
Can Bavaria clear an entire property?
This depends on the nature of the contents and services required and should be discussed during the estate assessment. No property-clearance service is promised without an agreed instruction.
ESTATE SERVICES
Discuss an Estate With Bavaria
If you are administering an estate containing fine art, antiques, jewellery, silver, furniture, collectables or other movable assets, contact Bavaria Auction House for an initial confidential discussion.
consignments@bavariaauctionhouse.co.zaBavaria Auction House provides auction, consignment and related valuation services. We do not provide legal, tax or estate-administration advice. Auction estimates are opinions of likely auction ranges and do not guarantee a selling price. Property may only be consigned by persons with appropriate authority. All consignments remain subject to Bavaria Auction House's written terms and conditions.