Maximum Bid Calculator

Auctions are emotional. Bidders push past their targets "just to win" — and pay too much. The single most expensive mistake new investors make is "just one more bid."

The fix is mechanical: decide your maximum bid before the auction, write it down, and walk away the moment bidding exceeds it. This calculator gives you that number.

What yields to target

• 10% — minimum acceptable for a garage in a strong location with stable demand
• 11-13% — typical target for most UK garage investors
• 14%+ — usually only achievable on auction stock with some hair (condition issues, void units, motivated sellers)

Don't under-estimate annual costs

Many new investors enter £0 or just insurance. Realistic annual costs for a typical garage:

• Insurance: £60-120/year
• Repairs reserve (averaged): £100-300/year — doors, locks, occasional roof patching
• Void allowance: 1 month rent / 12 = roughly 8% of annual rent
• Self-management: 0 (your time) — outsourced: 8-15% of rent
• Ground rent / service charge if leasehold: £50-200/year

For a garage at £100/month rent, a realistic annual cost figure is £150-300 (self-managed, freehold, low-maintenance unit).