GVM Auctioneers · Property advice
Estate Agent vs Auctioneer in Ireland: What’s the Difference?
The short answer
Auctioneer or estate agent?
In Ireland, “auctioneer” and “estate agent” mean almost the same thing: a licensed professional who sells property for you. The legal difference is in the licence.
The PSRA licenses auctioneers (Category A) to sell property at public auction, and estate agents (Category B) to buy and sell property by private treaty. Most established firms, including GVM, hold both.
If you’ve searched for someone to sell your home, you’ve probably seen “auctioneers in Limerick” and “estate agents in Limerick” used side by side. Is there a difference, and does it matter which you choose? Here’s a plain-English guide from a firm that has been both since 1956.
The Irish tradition
Why do Irish people say “auctioneer”?
In the UK, people talk about estate agents. In Ireland, especially outside Dublin, people are just as likely to say “the auctioneer”. That’s because for generations, public auction was the standard way to sell homes, farms and land here, and the profession was regulated under the Auctioneers and House Agents Acts.
Today, most homes in Ireland sell by private treaty rather than auction, but the name has stuck. It’s why firms like GVM Auctioneers still use “auctioneers” in their name while doing everything an estate agent does.
PSRA licensing
What’s the legal difference?
Since 2012, all property services in Ireland have been regulated by the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA). It issues four types of licence:
| PSRA licence | Covers | In everyday terms |
|---|---|---|
| Category A | Auctioning property (other than land) | Auctioneer |
| Category B | Buying and selling land and buildings by private treaty | Estate agent |
| Category C | Letting land and buildings | Letting agent |
| Category D | Managing property | Management agent |
A firm can hold several licences and can only offer the services it’s licensed for. You can check any firm or agent on the PSRA public register.
Public auction
What does an auctioneer do?
An auctioneer sells property at public auction, in a room, online or both. The property is marketed ahead of a set auction date, buyers do their checks in advance, and on the day the highest bidder above the reserve price wins.
- Binding on the day: The sale is legally binding when the hammer falls.
- Deposit on the day: The buyer usually pays a 10% deposit and signs the contract straight away.
- Best for: Land, farms, sites, unusual properties, probate sales and properties that are hard to value.
Private treaty
What does an estate agent do?
An estate agent sells property by private treaty. You set an asking price, buyers view the property and make bids through the agent, and you choose which offer to accept.
- Not binding until contracts are signed: Either side can walk away before then.
- Flexible: You can negotiate on price, timing and conditions.
- Best for: Most family homes, apartments and properties in areas with strong demand.
Compare the two methods
Auction vs private treaty: side by side
| Consideration | Auction | Private treaty |
|---|---|---|
| When the sale is binding | When the hammer falls | When both sides sign contracts |
| Buyer’s deposit | Usually 10% on the day | A booking deposit, then 10% on signing |
| Buyer’s finance | Must be fully approved before bidding | Can be arranged after sale agreed |
| Timeline | Set auction date | Depends on bids and negotiation |
| Risk of the sale falling through | Very low | Higher, until contracts are signed |
| Best for | Land, farms, unique homes, probate | Most family homes |
Choosing a property professional
So which do I need: an auctioneer or an estate agent?
In practice, you don’t have to choose. When you search for Limerick auctioneers or an estate agent in Limerick, you’ll mostly find the same firms. The questions that matter more are:
- Are they licensed by the PSRA for the service you need?
- Do they have a strong record of recent sales near you?
- Can they offer both methods, so they can recommend what’s genuinely best for your property?
Our guide on how to choose an auctioneer in Limerick covers the 10 questions to ask before you sign.
Property valuations
What about valuers?
A valuer assesses what a property is worth, for a sale, a mortgage, probate, tax or a dispute. Many auctioneers are also trained valuers. Membership of IPAV (the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers), the SCSI or TEGOVA (the European Group of Valuers’ Associations) shows a commitment to recognised valuation standards.
Local experience
GVM: auctioneers and estate agents in Limerick since 1956
GVM is both. We’ve been auctioneers and estate agents in Limerick since 1956, with offices in Limerick city, Kilmallock and Tullamore. We sell homes, land and commercial property by private treaty and at public auction, including property auctions for Limerick City and County Council.
We hold PSRA licence 002030 and are members of IPAV and TEGOVA.
Whether you’re selling a family home, a farm or a site, we’ll recommend the method that gets the best result. Book a free valuation, read about selling with GVM, or call (061) 413522.
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Answers for sellers and buyers
Frequently asked questions
Is an auctioneer the same as an estate agent in Ireland?
In everyday use, yes. People in Ireland use “auctioneer” and “estate agent” for the same thing: a professional who sells property for you. Legally, the PSRA licenses them separately. Category A covers auctioneers, who sell by public auction, and Category B covers estate agents, who buy and sell property by private treaty. Most established firms, including GVM, hold both licences.
Why are estate agents called auctioneers in Ireland?
Selling property by public auction was once the standard way to sell homes, farms and land in Ireland, and for decades the profession was regulated under the Auctioneers and House Agents Acts. The name stuck, which is why many Irish firms, like GVM Auctioneers, still use “auctioneers” in their name even though most homes now sell by private treaty.
What licence does an auctioneer need in Ireland?
Anyone who auctions, sells, lets or manages property for others in Ireland needs a licence from the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA). There are four categories: A (auctioneers), B (estate agents), C (letting agents) and D (management agents). Licences must be renewed every year, and you can check any licence on the PSRA register at psr.ie.
Do auctioneers charge more than estate agents?
Not usually. Fees in Ireland typically range from 1% to 2.5% of the sale price, plus VAT, whatever the firm is called. What affects the fee is the property and the service, including marketing and whether the sale is by auction or private treaty. All fees must be set out in a letter of engagement.
What is a valuer?
A valuer assesses what a property is worth, for example for a sale, a mortgage, probate or tax. Many auctioneers are also qualified valuers through bodies such as IPAV (the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers) and TEGOVA, which sets European valuation standards.
Sources
- PSRA: Engaging a property services provider
- Citizens Information: Regulation of estate agents, auctioneers and management agents