The auction process and the optimum disposal strategy for surplus assets – Webinar with Savills

Title: The auction process and the optimum disposal strategy for surplus assets – Webinar with Savills
Time: 14.00 – 15.00
Date: Wednesday 29 July 2026

When you think auctions,  most people likely think about Homes Under the Hammer or a quick-fire sale.
However, for the right property and in the right circumstances, disposal via auction / formal tender can be beneficial. 
This webinar will seek to explain the auction process, so members are informed when selecting the optimum disposal strategy for their identified surplus assets.

Synopsis:

 This webinar will explore the role of property auctions as a strategic disposal route for universities seeking to unlock value from non-core or underutilised assets. It will be led by Nicolson Boyd and Ben Hodge, Directors at Savills Auctions.

The session will outline the auction process, including marketing, fixed-timescale sales, portfolio disposals, buyer base, mixed residential and commercial catalogue, and the benefits of transparency of sale and unconditional contracts including a 10% deposit.

 While auctions can be associated with speed of sale, the session will focus on how it has also formed part of a broader, controlled asset disposal strategy. Auction markets, particularly on the commercial side, have evolved in the last few years with it being an increasingly credible route for high value, complex properties, and portfolios. Savills Auctions’ innovative and unique two-stage bidding process—similar to an informal tender but offering the security of an auction contract, and developed for larger and more complex assets —will be explained. 

 Case studies will include examples of recent successful disposals of university properties in key university cities and assets subject to nomination agreements, as well as comparable disposals for regulated sellers such as housing associations. Examples will highlight collaboration between Savills Auctions and the Savills Education team, illustrating how specialist expertise within Savills are brought together to deliver successful outcomes for clients. 

 The objective of the session is to demonstrate how an approved bidding process can be deployed as an effective, flexible, and compliant method of disposal, supporting universities in meeting financial and asset management objectives.  

Speakers:

Nicholson Boyd
Nicholson is a Director and chartered surveyor in the Commercial Auctions Team. Nicholson specialises in the sale of all types of commercial & investment assets via the auction process, specifically shopping centres, housing associations, student and university assets. Nicholson is responsible for the commercial auctions team and leads a team of 10 people.

Ben Hodge
Ben is a Director in the Commercial Auctions Team. Ben worked at Allsop, qualifying in 2013, before joining the Savills Auctions team in July 2024. Within commercial auctions he acts on behalf of a variety of clients and commercial asset types, ranging from private individuals to large funds to local authorities and central government agencies.