Auction Houses in Johannesburg (2025)

Johannesburg, South Africa’s vibrant economic hub, is a treasure trove for bargain hunters, collectors, and investors seeking unique finds through auctions. The city’s auction houses offer everything from luxury vehicles and real estate to fine art, antiques, and collectibles, catering to diverse interests and budgets. Renowned for competitive pricing and professional services, these venues attract first-time bidders, seasoned dealers, and international buyers. Top auctioneers like Aucor, Strauss & Co, and Old Johannesburg Warehouse Auctioneers provide transparent bidding processes, both in-person and online, ensuring accessibility. Whether you’re after a bank-repossessed car, a rare painting, or a commercial property, this guide explores Johannesburg’s leading auction houses, their schedules, recent reviews, and expert tips to help you navigate the bidding process and secure great deals in the City of Gold.

Auction Houses in Johannesburg

Leading Auction Houses in Johannesburg

1. Aucor Johannesburg

Address: 53 Sterling Road, Kosmosdal, Samrand, Johannesburg, 0157
Contact: +27 (11) 237-4444 | [email protected] | aucor.com
Auction Schedule: Weekly vehicle auctions (Wednesdays, 10:30 AM); monthly property and asset auctions (check aucor.com for May 2025 dates, e.g., Vehicle Auction May 7, 2025)
Price Range: Vehicles from R20,000; properties from R500,000; luxury items up to R2 million
Highlights:
- Offerings: Bank-repossessed cars, fleet vehicles, heavy machinery, and properties (e.g., Johannesburg CBD retail block, R3 million opening bid).
- Bidding Options: Live, online, and webcast auctions via aucor.com. Register with FICA documents (ID, proof of address) and a R5,000–R10,000 refundable deposit.
- Fees: Buyer’s commission: 6% (runners), 8% (non-runners), 10% (commercial vehicles); 0% on Standard Bank repos. Seller’s commission: 5–7%.
- Recent Feedback: Google Reviews (October 2024) highlight efficient online bidding but note occasional delays in vehicle delivery during peak auctions.
- Promotions: “10% off buyer’s commission for first-time bidders” (valid until July 31, 2025).
Why Choose: Aucor’s extensive vehicle and property auctions, combined with a robust online platform, make it ideal for budget buyers and investors.

2. Strauss & Co Fine Art Auctioneers

Address: 89 Central Street, Houghton, Johannesburg, 2198
Contact: +27 (11) 728-8246 | [email protected] | straussart.co.za
Auction Schedule: Monthly fine art and collectibles auctions (e.g., May 12, 2025, 6:00 PM, online and live); check straussart.co.za for updates
Price Range: Artworks from R5,000 to R10 million; collectibles from R1,000
Highlights:
- Offerings: Paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and jewelry (e.g., Stern’s “Malay Bride,” estimated R2–3 million). Recent auctions featured Maggie Laubser’s landscapes (R500,000–R800,000).
- Bidding Options: Live at Houghton venue, online, or telephonic bidding via straussart.co.za. Register with ID and credit card details; no deposit required for art.
- Fees: Buyer’s premium: 12% (lots over R10,000), 15% (under R10,000); seller’s commission: 10–15%.
- Recent Feedback: Customers (BestinHood, 2024) praise exceptional customer service and expertise, with no significant complaints, though high commissions are noted.
- Promotions: “Free valuations for consignments” (valid until June 30, 2025).
Why Choose: Perfect for art collectors and investors seeking rare, high-value pieces with expert appraisals.

3. Old Johannesburg Warehouse Auctioneers

Address: 29 Village Road, Selby, Johannesburg, 2001
Contact: +27 (11) 334-3913 | [email protected] | oldjwauctioneers.com
Auction Schedule: Monthly multi-day auctions (e.g., May 3–5, 2025, 9:00 AM, lots 1–1250+); viewing April 30, 2025, 9:00 AM–3:30 PM
Price Range: Antiques from R500; classic cars up to R1 million
Highlights:
- Offerings: Antique furniture, fine art, jewelry, vintage wines, and classic vehicles (e.g., 1965 Ford Mustang, R600,000–R800,000). Recent lots included Victorian oak cabinets (R10,000–R20,000).
- Bidding Options: Live, online, or absentee bidding via auction.oldjwauctioneers.com. Register with FICA documents; R2,000 deposit for high-value lots.
- Fees: Buyer’s commission: 15%; seller’s commission: 20%. Recent complaints note high fees (BestinHood, 2024).
- Recent Feedback: Mixed reviews; customers appreciate diverse inventory but report issues with communication and collection logistics (e.g., closed during pickup attempts).
- Promotions: “5% off buyer’s commission for app bidders” (valid until August 31, 2025).
Why Choose: Best for collectors seeking unique antiques and automobilia in a vibrant warehouse setting.

4. AuctionInc

Address: 97 Central Street, Houghton, Johannesburg, 2198
Contact: +27 (11) 268-6850 | [email protected] | auctioninc.co.za
Auction Schedule: Bi-monthly property auctions (e.g., May 13, 2025, 11:00 AM, live at Houghton Golf Club); check auctioninc.co.za
Price Range: Properties from R1 million to R10 million
Highlights:
- Offerings: Mixed-use buildings, luxury homes, and commercial plots (e.g., Johannesburg CBD mixed-use property, R3 million opening bid).
- Bidding Options: Live, telephonic, or online bidding via auctioninc.co.za. Register with FICA documents; R50,000 deposit for property bids.
- Fees: Buyer’s commission: 10% + VAT; seller’s commission: 5–8%.
- Recent Feedback: Clients praise seamless bidding but note high deposits deter smaller investors (Google Reviews, November 2024).
- Promotions: “No buyer’s commission on select repos” (valid until July 31, 2025).
Why Choose: Ideal for property investors seeking high-value real estate with on-site auction excitement.

5. Bidvest Burchmore’s

Address: 3 Nicol Road, Bedfordview, Johannesburg, 2007
Contact: +27 (11) 622-2244 | [email protected] | bidvestburchmores.co.za
Auction Schedule: Weekly vehicle auctions (Thursdays, 10:00 AM); next auction May 8, 2025
Price Range: Vehicles from R50,000 to R800,000
Highlights:
- Offerings: Luxury cars, SUVs, bakkies, and used vehicles with service histories, ideal for retail buyers and dealers.
- Bidding Options: In-person or online via bidvestburchmores.co.za. Register with FICA documents and a R5,000 deposit.
- Fees: Buyer’s commission: 6.5% (under R500,000), 5% (above); VAT included.
- Recent Feedback: Reviews commend vehicle quality but mention crowded live auctions (Google, October 2024).
- Promotions: “5% off commission for online bidders” (valid until June 30, 2025).
Why Choose: Best for premium vehicles and a polished auction experience.

Why Choose Auction Houses in Johannesburg?

Johannesburg’s auction houses offer compelling benefits:

Diverse Inventory: From budget-friendly repos to million-rand artworks, there’s something for every buyer.
Competitive Pricing: Auctions often yield 20–50% savings compared to retail, especially for vehicles and properties.
Transparency: SAIA-registered auctioneers like Aucor and AuctionInc provide detailed catalogs and condition reports.
Accessibility: Online platforms (e.g., aucor.com, straussart.co.za) enable global bidding, with FICA compliance ensuring security.
Investment Potential: Art, antiques, and properties often appreciate, offering resale opportunities.
Professional Service: Expert appraisers and streamlined processes earn high ratings (e.g., Strauss & Co’s 4.5/5).

These venues attract first-time buyers (35%), collectors (25%), dealers (25%), and investors (15%), making Johannesburg a dynamic auction hub.

How to Find and Participate in Johannesburg Auctions

To get started:

Visit Websites: Explore aucor.com, straussart.co.za, oldjwauctioneers.com, auctioninc.co.za, or bidvestburchmores.co.za for schedules, catalogs, and registration.
Attend Viewing Days: Inspect items in person (e.g., Aucor: day prior, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM) or review online photos and reports.
Register: Submit FICA documents (ID, proof of address) and deposits (R2,000–R50,000, depending on auction). Motus Auto Auctions offers free registration.
Choose Bidding Method: Opt for live, online, telephonic, or absentee bidding. Online platforms like auction.oldjwauctioneers.com support real-time bids.
Navigate: Use Google Maps or Waze for venues (e.g., Aucor: 53 Sterling Road, Samrand). Uber is recommended over metered taxis for safety.
Follow Social Media: @AucorAuction, @strauss_and_co, and @oldjwauctioneers on X post updates (e.g., Aucor’s May 7 Vehicle Auction).

Latest Promotions and Auction Events

Engage with these offers and events:

Aucor: “10% off buyer’s commission for first-time bidders” (valid until July 31, 2025). Vehicle Auction: May 7, 2025.
Strauss & Co: “Free valuations for consignments” (valid until June 30, 2025). Fine Art Auction: May 12, 2025.
Old Johannesburg Warehouse: “5% off commission for app bidders” (valid until August 31, 2025). Multi-day Auction: May 3–5, 2025.
AuctionInc: “No buyer’s commission on select repos” (valid until July 31, 2025). Property Auction: May 13, 2025.
Bidvest Burchmore’s: “5% off commission for online bidders” (valid until June 30, 2025). Vehicle Auction: May 8, 2025.
Special Events: High Street Auctions’ “Commercial Property Auction” at Houghton Golf Club, May 13, 2025, features Johannesburg CBD retail units.

Subscribe to newsletters or follow @AucorAuction and @strauss_and_co on X for real-time updates.

Tips for Bidding at Johannesburg Auction Houses

Maximize success with these strategies:

Inspect Items: Attend viewing days or study catalogs to assess condition (e.g., non-running vehicles at Aucor require repair budgets).
Research Value: Compare prices on cars.co.za (vehicles), sothebys.com (art), or property24.com (real estate) to set bidding limits.
Budget for Fees: Include buyer’s commissions (5–15%) and VAT. Old Johannesburg’s 15% commission is high, so factor it in.
Verify FICA: Submit ID and proof of address early to avoid delays, as required by all auctioneers.
Bid Strategically: Start low and avoid emotional bidding. Online platforms show live bids, helping you stay competitive.
Check Terms: Review “voetstoots” (as-is) conditions, especially for properties and vehicles, as bids are legally binding.
Arrange Logistics: Plan transport for large items or non-runners post-purchase, as auction houses don’t provide delivery.

First-timers should try online auctions at Aucor for a low-pressure introduction.

Safety and Customer Service

Johannesburg’s auction houses prioritize safety and support:

Safety Measures: Venues like Aucor and Strauss & Co offer secure parking and on-site security. Stay vigilant in crowded live auctions.
Staff Excellence: Strauss & Co’s appraisers and Aucor’s staff earn praise for expertise (4.3–4.5/5 on Google). Old Johannesburg faces criticism for communication issues.
Customer Support: Contact Aucor (+27 (11) 237-4444), Strauss & Co (+27 (11) 728-8246), or AuctionInc (+27 (11) 268-6850). Social media (@oldjwauctioneers) responds quickly.
Accessibility: Venues are accessible via Uber or Gautrain (e.g., Sandton Station to Strauss & Co, 5 km). Online bidding ensures global participation.

Escalate issues to management (e.g., [email protected]) for prompt resolution.

Maintaining Your Auction Experience

To ensure a seamless process:

Understand Terms: Read conditions of sale on aucor.com or auctioninc.co.za to grasp buyer obligations (e.g., payment within 48 hours).
Secure Payments: Use bank transfers or cards; avoid cash. Aucor’s single FNB account enhances safety.
Inspect Post-Purchase: Check items immediately to report discrepancies within 24 hours.
Provide Feedback: Share reviews on Google or Tripadvisor to improve services. Strauss & Co actively addresses feedback.
Plan Maintenance: Budget for repairs on vehicles or restoration for antiques to maximize value.

Proper preparation ensures a rewarding auction experience.

The Future of Auction Houses in Johannesburg

Johannesburg’s auction industry is poised for growth:

Digital Expansion: By 2026, platforms like aucor.com and straussart.co.za will enhance live tracking and mobile bidding.
Sustainable Offerings: Auction houses are listing more eco-friendly assets, like electric vehicles and green properties, per South Africa’s trends.
Increased Repos: Economic shifts may boost bank-repossessed vehicle and property auctions in 2025, offering bargains.
Cultural Focus: Strauss & Co and Old Johannesburg will emphasize South African art and heritage, aligning with global demand.
Buyer Education: Aucor and AuctionInc plan 2025 webinars to guide new bidders, enhancing transparency.

Stay updated via aucor.com, straussart.co.za, or @AucorAuction on X for schedules and trends.

Conclusion

Johannesburg’s auction houses, from Aucor’s vehicle and property auctions to Strauss & Co’s fine art sales, offer diverse opportunities for buyers and collectors. With transparent processes, online accessibility, and competitive pricing, venues like Old Johannesburg Warehouse and AuctionInc cater to all interests. Register early, inspect items, and leverage promotions to secure deals. Use Uber for safe travel and verify FICA compliance for seamless bidding. This guide equips you to navigate Jozi’s dynamic auction scene, ensuring you find treasures or investments in the City of Gold.